The Twelve Days That Began World War: December 1941

December 1941 is a month that will forever be etched in the annals of history as the twelve days that initiated World War II. As the world watched in horror and disbelief, a series of momentous events unfolded, propelling nations into a global conflict of unimaginable scale and consequence.

It was a time of great turmoil and uncertainty. The balance of power between nations was fragile, and tensions were running high. The world was on the brink of a catastrophic conflict, and it would take merely twelve days in December to push it over the edge.

The Spark of the Pacific

December 7, 1941, a day that will live in infamy. The Imperial Japanese Navy launched a surprise attack on the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. In a matter of hours, the mighty US Pacific Fleet was decimated, with numerous battleships and aircraft carriers reduced to smoldering wrecks.

December 1941: Twelve Days that Began a World War

by Evan Mawdsley(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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This brazen act of aggression catapulted the United States into the war, and changed the course of history. It was a day that the world would never forget, and it marked the beginning of a long and difficult journey towards victory.

The European Theater Awakens

As the dust settled over Pearl Harbor, another fateful event was unfolding on the other side of the globe. On December 11, 1941, Adolf Hitler, the leader of Nazi Germany, declared war on the United States. This bold move solidified the alliance between Germany, Italy, and Japan, forming the infamous Axis Powers.

The declaration of war by Germany signified a turning point in the conflict. Previously, the United States had been providing aid and support to the Allied forces, but now they were fully committed to the fight. The war had escalated to a global scale, with no nation left untouched by its devastating consequences.

The Battle of the Bulge

The momentum of war was gaining speed, and in the following days, several significant battles took place, further intensifying the conflict. One such battle was the Battle of the Bulge, which began on December 16, 1941.

The German forces launched a massive offensive in the Ardennes region of Belgium, catching the Allies off guard. It was a last-ditch attempt by Hitler to turn the tides of war in his favor. The battle raged on for weeks, resulting in immense casualties on both sides.

A Month of Loss and Resilience

December 1941 was a month marked by tragedy and fortitude. It was a time when the world witnessed the horrors of war and the indomitable spirit of the human soul.

Amidst the chaos and destruction, acts of heroism and valor emerged. The December 1941 events served as a test of resilience and determination for the nations involved. The war would continue for several more years, but the foundation for victory had been laid in those twelve fateful days.

Legacy and Remembrance

Today, as we reflect on the events of December 1941, we remember the sacrifices made by countless individuals and nations. We honor the memory of those who perished and salute the bravery of those who fought valiantly in the face of adversity.

The twelve days that began World War II in December 1941 reshaped the course of human history. They serve as a reminder of the power of unity and the importance of preventing the repetition of such catastrophic conflicts.

Let us never forget the lessons learned from those momentous days, and may we strive for a future where peace and understanding prevail.

December 1941: Twelve Days that Began a World War

by Evan Mawdsley(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2855 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	375 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

An account of the dramatic turning point in World War II that marked “the dawn of American might and the struggle for supremacy in Southeast Asia” (Times Higher Education).
 
In far-flung locations around the globe, an unparalleled sequence of international events took place between December 1 and December 12, 1941. In this riveting book, historian Evan Mawdsley explores how the story unfolded . . .

On Monday, December 1, 1941, the Japanese government made its final decision to attack Britain and America. In the following days, the Red Army launched a counterthrust in Moscow while the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and invaded Malaya. By December 12, Hitler had declared war on the United States, the collapse of British forces in Malaya had begun, and Hitler had secretly laid out his policy of genocide. Churchill was leaving London to meet Roosevelt as Anthony Eden arrived in Russia to discuss the postwar world with Stalin. Combined, these occurrences brought about a “new war,” as Churchill put it, with Japan and America deeply involved and Russia resurgent. This book, a truly international history, examines the momentous happenings of December 1941 from a variety of perspectives. It shows that their significance is clearly understood only when they are viewed together.
 
“Marks the change from a continental war into a global war in an original and interesting way.”—The Sunday Telegraph Seven (Books of the Year)
 
“Suspenseful . . . Mawdsley embarks on the action from the first day and never lets up in this crisp, chronological study . . . A rigorous, sharp survey of this decisive moment in the war.”—Kirkus Reviews