World War II For Dummies

Get the story on Hitler, Pearl Harbor, D–Day, and Hiroshima Explore the war that shaped the "greatest generation" World War II was the most destructive conflict of the 20th century. How did it happen — and why? Packed with fascinating anecdotes, interesting sidebars, and top ten lists, this friendly reference clues you in on the issues that caused the war and gives you the scoop on everything from Pearl Harbor and the Holocaust to D–Day, Hiroshima, and more. The Dummies Way ™ Explanations in plain English "Get in, get out" information Icons and other navigational aids Tear–out cheat sheet Top ten lists A dash of humor and fun Get smart! @ www.dummies.com Find listing of all our books Create your personalized book with Hungry Minds a la Carte ™ Sign up for daily eTips at www.dummiesdaily.com

Introduction: The Most Destructive War. PART I: Origins and Causes of the War, 1919–1939. Chapter 1: World War II: Why It Matters and What You Need to Know. Chapter 2: The Great War and the Uneasy Peace: How World War II Happened. Chapter 3: Hoping for Peace: The Rise of the Dictators, 1933–1939. PART II: Starting the War: The Axis Invades and Conquers, 1939–1942. Chapter 4: Invading Eastern Europe: Hitler′s Power Grows, 1939. Chapter 5: Blitzkrieg in Europe: World War II Begins, 1939–1941. Chapter 6: The Ultimate Battle: Hitler versus Stalin. Chapter 7: America on the Sidelines: 1933–1941. Chapter 8: Collision in Asia: Japan and America, 1937–1941. PART III: Behind Enemy Lines: Nations at War. Chapter 9: Maintaining Resources: The Axis. Chapter 10: Working Together: The Allies. Chapter 11: The War against the Jews. PART IV: Planning and Launching the Allied Counterattack, 1942–1943. Chapter 12: The Politics of Compromise, 1942. Chapter 13: Taking North Africa, Sicily, and the Boot. Chapter 14: Germany a Three–Time Loser: In Russia, At Home, and in the Atlantic. Chapter 15: Guadalcanal, New Guinea, and Midway: Japan′s Three Strikes. Chapter 16: Planning for the Rest of the War, 1943. PART V: The Long Haul, 1944. Chapter 17: The Italian Campaign and Soviet Victories in the East. Chapter 18: Liberating Europe: From Normandy to Paris, and Beyond. Chapter 19: Japan Begins to Crack. PART VI: Starting Over: The War′s Aftereffects, 1945. Chapter 20: Ending the War (Almost): The Final Offensive. Chapter 21: The Japanese Defeat. Chapter 22: The Uneasy Peace. PART VII: The Part of Tens. Chapter 23: Ten Formidable Military Leaders of World War II. Chapter 24: Ten Weapons That Made a Difference. Chapter 25: Ten "What Ifs?" of World War II. Index. Book Registration Information.

Keith D. Dickson is an associate professor of Military Studies at the Joint Forces Staff College, National Defense University. He is a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army Special Forces (the Green Berets).