The War summarized
Germany invaded/attempted to invade most of Europe
The Eastern Front was the deadliest (with Soviet Union)
The Holocaust proceeded under the radar of the Allies
German control reached from Russia to Northern Africa
In the Pacific, Japan gained control of many Pacific Islands, and had to defend them from American forces.
The War Ends
In Europe, American forces worked their way through Northern Africa and into Italy
Then D-Day invasion set about the end of the war in the European Theatre
In Pacific, Midway last major naval battle, then the dropping of the atomic bombs forced Japan’s hand to surrender.
One War ends, another begins
WWII ends in 1945
Tensions with Soviet Union (Russia) ramp up due to them being Communist
Cold War begins
Military installations in Utah stay, and continue to be used
Companies with military contracts set up factories in Utah to produce weapons and explosives for the military.
Nuclear Testing
Leading up to dropping of the two bombs on Japan, they had to be tested- they did that in the American west (Nevada)
They didn’t know the full effects it would have on people, but knew it wasn’t perfectly safe
Continued testing throughout 50’s and 60’s
Radiation from the explosions traveled North East- into Utah
People become known as “Down Winders” who are exposed to the harmful radiation.
Most of Utah exposed