U.S. in World War II

1939-1945. World War II was a global war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. The war involved the many of the world's countries. Two opposing military alliances were formed: the Allies and the Axis. While Japan was already at war with China in 1937, the Second World War began on September 1, 1939 when Nazi Germany invaded Poland. Germany conquered much of Europe, eventually forming the Axis alliance with Italy and Japan. Approximately six million European Jews were killed by Adolf Hitler's Nazi Germany and this event would become known as the Holocaust.

America Mourns the Death of Pres. Roosevelt | History of SC Slide Collection

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America Mourns the Death of Pres. Roosevelt | History of SC Slide Collection

Episode 16

The April 12, 1945, death of Franklin D. Roosevelt at Warm Springs, Georgia, brought an outpouring of grief from the nation. Thousands of people flocked to watch his funeral train pass through the...

Surrender of Nazi Germany in 1945 | History of SC Slide Collection

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Surrender of Nazi Germany in 1945 | History of SC Slide Collection

Episode 15

Victory in Europe was celebrated throughout the nation after four years of warfare. Although American forces were still fighting in Japan, the Greenville "News" headline illustrates the celebration...

Hampton Prisoner of War Camp | History of SC Slide Collection

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Hampton Prisoner of War Camp | History of SC Slide Collection

Episode 14

Several prisoner-of-war camps were established in South Carolina to house captured Germans. This is the street of a camp in Hampton, photographed around 1944. Courtesy of Mildred B. Rivers.

Mt. Vernon Mills Ceremony | History of SC Slide Collection

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Mt. Vernon Mills Ceremony | History of SC Slide Collection

Episode 13

This Mt. Vernon Mills ceremony,held in Columbia, on October 27, 1943, presents the Army-Navy flag to one of the units in the mill for buying the most E-Bonds. Such ceremonies helped promote the sale...

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Civilians Support Red Cross Efforts | History of SC Slide Collection

Episode 12

Civilians were encouraged to donate time and materials to the Red Cross efforts to support United States troops overseas. Here, Mrs. McKissick of Greenville knits supplies for the Red Cross. Courtesy...

Civilian Sacrifices on the Home Front | History of SC Slide Collection

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Civilian Sacrifices on the Home Front | History of SC Slide Collection

Episode 11

The Second World War, like the first, required sacrifice and work at home, as well as the commitment of soldiers fighting abroad. During the war, civilians were called on to conserve almost everything...

Students Pick Cotton to Aid in Labor Shortage | History of SC Slide Collection

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Students Pick Cotton to Aid in Labor Shortage | History of SC Slide Collection

Episode 10

The enlistment of men into the armed forces caused a labor shortage in industry and agriculture, which were both rapidly expanding production to meet wartime needs. For the first time, many women...

Red Cross Volunteers March in Parade | History of SC Slide Collection

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Red Cross Volunteers March in Parade | History of SC Slide Collection

Episode 9

Red Cross volunteers march in a parade in Rock Hill in early 1942, urging other citizens to share in "the dirty work" of helping win the war. Courtesy of the Winthrop University Archives.

Columbia Army Air Base | History of SC Slide Collection

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Columbia Army Air Base | History of SC Slide Collection

Episode 8

Columbia Army Air Base, aerial view, in 1943. Courtesy of the South Carolina State Museum.

Marines Depart Fort Yemassee For War | History of SC Slide Collection

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Marines Depart Fort Yemassee For War | History of SC Slide Collection

Episode 7

These Marines had just completed their training in April of 1943, and were on the train from the Yemassee Station en route to their wartime tour of duty. Courtesy of the United States Marine Corps...

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U.S. in World War II

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