# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Author - Devin Scillian , Illustrator - Chris Ellison

Illustrator - Chris Ellison

Create an Epic account to start reading!

Moses' family sells all they own and heads west to fulfill a lifelong dream. Their wagon journey, however, is plagued with disaster.

Read this Book on Epic!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
online access fun thousands children great kids ebooks books

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Author - Devin Scillian , Illustrator - Chris Ellison Illustrator - Chris Ellison Create an Epic account to start reading! Moses' family sells all they own and heads west to fulfill a lifelong dream. Their wagon journey, however, is plagued with disaster. Read this Book on Epic!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Read Aloud - The Other Side, by Jacqueline Woodson

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Read The Last Brother: A Civil War Tale on Epic

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Built on a collection of 40,000+ popular, high-quality books from 250+ of the world's best publishers, Epic safely fuels curiosity and reading confidence for kids 12 and under.

Get Started

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
online access fun thousands children great kids ebooks books

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Read The Last Brother: A Civil War Tale on Epic

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Built on a collection of 40,000+ popular, high-quality books from 250+ of the world's best publishers, Epic safely fuels curiosity and reading confidence for kids 12 and under. Get Started

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Instantly access over 40,000 of the best books & videos for kids on Epic

# data[].attributes.headline
An Allied correspondent stands in front of the shell of a building that was once an exhibition center and government office in Hiroshima, Japan, a month after the first atomic bomb used in warfare was dropped by the United States on Aug. 6, 1945. (Stanley Troutman/AP)

# data[].attributes.subject
An Allied correspondent stands in front of the shell of a building that was once an exhibition center and government office in Hiroshima, Japan, a month after the first atomic bomb used in warfare was dropped by the United States on Aug. 6, 1945. (Stanley Troutman/AP)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Read Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop on Epic

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Built on a collection of 40,000+ popular, high-quality books from 250+ of the world's best publishers, Epic safely fuels curiosity and reading confidence for kids 12 and under.

Get Started

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
online access fun thousands children great kids ebooks books

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Read Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop on Epic

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Built on a collection of 40,000+ popular, high-quality books from 250+ of the world's best publishers, Epic safely fuels curiosity and reading confidence for kids 12 and under. Get Started

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Built on a collection of 40,000+ popular, high-quality books from 250+ of the world's best publishers, Epic safely fuels curiosity and reading confidence for kids 12 and under.

Get Started

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
online access fun thousands children great kids ebooks books

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Built on a collection of 40,000+ popular, high-quality books from 250+ of the world's best publishers, Epic safely fuels curiosity and reading confidence for kids 12 and under. Get Started

# data[].attributes.headline
The Hiroshima atom bomb cloud 2–5 minutes after detonation.

# data[].attributes.subject
The Hiroshima atom bomb cloud 2–5 minutes after detonation.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Built on a collection of 40,000+ popular, high-quality books from 250+ of the world's best publishers, Epic safely fuels curiosity and reading confidence for kids 12 and under.

Get Started

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
online access fun thousands children great kids ebooks books

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Built on a collection of 40,000+ popular, high-quality books from 250+ of the world's best publishers, Epic safely fuels curiosity and reading confidence for kids 12 and under. Get Started

# data[].attributes.headline
Sasebo was a port built specifically for the Imperial Navy (1902). It was a major naval port throughout the War. The Americans heavily bombed Sasebo, destroying about half the city (June 29, 1945). Here we see the city after the War, notice the construction in progress.

# data[].attributes.subject
Sasebo was a port built specifically for the Imperial Navy (1902). It was a major naval port throughout the War. The Americans heavily bombed Sasebo, destroying about half the city (June 29, 1945). Here we see the city after the War, notice the construction in progress.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Instantly access over 40,000 of the best books & videos for kids on Epic

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Get unlimited access to 40,000 of the best books, audiobooks, videos, & more for kids 12 and under. Try it free.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Kids learn about the Industrial Revolution including where it began, how long it lasted, the First and Second Industrial Revolution, cultural changes, transportation, working conditions, and interesting facts. Educational article for students, schools, and teachers.

# data[].attributes.headline
Overall, Berlin was bombed 363 times by British, American and Russian aircraft.

# data[].attributes.subject
Overall, Berlin was bombed 363 times by British, American and Russian aircraft.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
History: Westward Expansion and the Old West for Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Kids learn about the history of the Westward Expansion and the Old West of the United States as pioneers settled the west as the country expanded. Educational articles for teachers, students, and schools including daily life on the frontier, gold rush, Pony Express, timeline, glossary, and people.

# data[].attributes.headline
BrainPop: Causes of the American Revolution 

# data[].attributes.subject
BrainPop: Causes of the American Revolution 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
BrainPop: Causes of the American Revolution

# data[].attributes.headline
United States rebounds quickly after Pearl Harbor to defeat Japan

# data[].attributes.subject
United States rebounds quickly after Pearl Harbor to defeat Japan

# data[].attributes.headline
Industrial Revolution and the Growth of Cities

# data[].attributes.subject
Industrial Revolution and the Growth of Cities

# data[].attributes.headline
Link to Causes of the American Revolution Padlet

# data[].attributes.subject
Link to Causes of the American Revolution Padlet

# data[].attributes.headline
Japan wanted to rule over a new, independent Asia in WWII

# data[].attributes.subject
Japan wanted to rule over a new, independent Asia in WWII

# data[].attributes.headline
American History for Kids: Lewis and Clark

# data[].attributes.subject
American History for Kids: Lewis and Clark

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Lewis and Clark Expedition: Getting Started

More than 200 years ago, Thomas Jefferson signed the Louisiana Purchase, acquiring 828,000 square miles of land that had originally belonged to France. He paid $15 million dollars for land that is now Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska, as well as parts of North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Minnesota, New Mexico, and Texas.

At that time, few white people had traveled beyond the Mississippi River. It was a mysterious, untamed wilderness. Jefferson knew that before it could be settled, it needed to be mapped and explored.

Fun Facts

President Jefferson called his private secretary Captain Meriwether Lewis into his office. He asked him to organize an exploration party.

Lewis agreed and sent a letter to his friend William Clark, who was living in Kentucky. In the letter, Lewis invited Clark to join him on the trip. He said that the goals of the trip were to find a river passage across North America to the Pacific Ocean; to meet and trade with Indian tribes; to discover new plants and animals; and to make new maps.

Clark took only a day to think about it before saying yes. The exploration was named "The Corps of Discovery."

From the beginning, Lewis experienced challenges and discouragements. The boat builders turned out to be a "set of drunkards" and took twelve days just to make the oars and poles. Finally on August 31, the boat was completed and loaded.

The packing list was simple, but complete. It included 1 Mariner's compass; 4 tin blowing trumpets; 24 iron spoons; 1 microscope; 1 measuring tape; 6 papers of ink powder; mosquito curtains; 4 metal pens; 15 rifles; 1 lb. blistering ointment; 2 crayons; 1 pair pocket pistols; 30 shirts of strong linen; 6 copper kettles; 4 fishing hooks; 2 pick axes.

For trading with Indians, the men took silver peace medals; 30 gallons of spirits; 50 pounds of tobacco; 2 dozen tinsel tassels; 100 burning glasses; 6 paper small bells; glass beads, and 12 red silk handkerchiefs.

Lewis and Clark selected several men to join their group. They chose men with a variety of skills.

John Ordway was the top sergeant at Camp Wood, Illinois. He joined the permanent party and kept a journal of the trip in case Lewis and Clark's journals were lost.

George Drouillard was an expert hunter and woodsman, capable of following the faintest tracks. His mother was a Shawnee Indian who came along as an interpreter.

York was William Clark's faithful slave. He was very large and strong.

Pierre Cruzatte was a professional riverman. He was blind in one eye, was part Omaha Indian, and played the fiddle.

Joseph and Reubin Field (brothers) were young, energetic, and strong.

John Shields was the oldest of the men at age 35, but he was a skilled blacksmith and gunsmith.

George Shannon, age 16, was the youngest member of the group. He joined after his father died in Ohio.

Lewis and Clark: Journey Onward

After a long, cold winter, the Corp left Fort Mandan on April 7, 1805. Lewis and Clark knew that they would soon leave the Missouri River and head into the wilderness. They had many exciting adventures and challenges ahead.

Fun Facts

At Fort Mandan, the large boats or barges turned back. The company would be traveling by land frequently now. The barges sailed back to St. Louis with letters to friends and the government. The specimens they'd made over the winter were mailed back to President Jefferson.

The party that continued forward included 33 people in six small canoes and two larger boats (pirogues). Everyone felt excited but anxious. They were going into territory where no white man had ever been before.

On May 14, 1805, they were traveling on the river when a small storm stirred up. Charbonneau, the French trader and interpreter, was very frightened. He dropped the rudder and began shrieking and praying, almost tipping the boat over. The boat contained valuable supplies, tools, books, and food. The Bowman, Cruzatte, threatened to shoot Charbonneau if he didn't calm down. Cruzatte ordered the men to begin bailing water out of the boat, which was near sinking. Charbonneau's brave wife, the Shoshone Indian, Sacagawea, grabbed most of the materials that were washed overboard-all while holding her infant son.

On the same evening, the men found a huge brown grizzly bear. Six hunters shot at him. The bear attached them and two men shot him again, only slowing him down for a moment. The bear chased after them again and was so close that the men threw down their guns and jumped into the river. The bear followed them, just a few feet behind one of the men. Finally a man on shore shot the bear again and killed him. It was a close call. The Corp realized that there were safer ways to get meat than hunting bears.

On June 27, 1805, the men experienced a terrible hail storm, something new to many of them. The hail was the size of pigeon's eggs, according to Lewis's journals, and would have killed a man if it had hit him. The men hid under their canoes.

Vocabulary

Pirogue: Long, thin, flat-bottomed canoe or dugout that could slip into narrow places

Rudder: a flat piece of wood or metal that helps control a boat

Questions and Answers

Lewis and Clark: Crossing the Rocky Mountains

Lewis and Clark (and Thomas Jefferson) had hoped to discover a Northwest Passage, a system of rivers that would run all the way to the Pacific Ocean, opening up trade with Asia. The Rocky Mountains were a disappointing surprise and the end of their dreams of finding a continental waterway. Crossing the mountains was a tough challenge.

Fun Facts

In late summer of 1805, the Corp began their travels across the mountains. Their journals record that they crossed some of the worst roads imaginable. The sides were steep and some of the roads were still covered with snow. Several of the horses fell and some were crippled. One horse fell a hundred yards into a creek, but was fine.

They were fascinated to find boiling water coming out of the ground. One person took a bath in the warm water.

Game was hard to find in the mountains and the men often went hungry. Sometimes they had to kill a horse to have something to eat. In late August, the weather was already cold and snowy.

Finally they came out of the mountains. A Nez Perce Indian took them to the Grand Chief's lodge. He drew them a map of the rivers going forward. The men built five dugout canoes and continued on.

The men traveled down white water rivers in those canoes. One canoe sank and another turned over. They lost their gun powder, some bedding, and much of their food.

The native people watched from the shores and thought the men were crazy for trying to travel over such dangerous rapids. They hid in their homes. They thought the men were not men, but birds that had fallen from the clouds. They were happy to see Sacagawea because they knew the men were not coming to hurt them. Women never traveled with war parties.

Vocabulary

Questions and Answers

Watch a video containing Lewis's own words about how he felt when he first saw the Rocky Mountains.

Lewis and Clark: Headed to Oregon

Lewis and Clark's company were excited to leave the Rocky Mountains. They passed through Idaho, Washington, and Oregon on the way to the Pacific Ocean.

Fun Facts

The Snake River flowed into the Columbia River, slowing and widening. The group discovered many harbor seals as the river neared the ocean.

They had salmon for dinner, which Lewis said was the most delicious fish he had ever tasted.

They observed that the Chinook Indians flattened their babies' heads with boards so they were long and narrow at the top.

Lewis wrote that he met a chief who carried in a bag 14 fingers taken from enemies.

They were impressed with the Chiluckitequaw canoes, which were decorated with intricate carvings and flew swiftly through the waves.

Ducks, geese, and swans were so numerous that it was hard to sleep at night because of their noise.

On November 7, 1805, the group sighted the Pacific Ocean and heard its thunderous roar. They were overjoyed!

They approached the sea and wanted to explore it. The waves were so high that many of the men got seasick. Rainy weather made it hard to hunt or to explore.

Lewis and Clark: The Journey Home

Lewis and Clark reached the Pacific Ocean on November 18, 1805. It was too late in the year to head back so they wintered there and left for home the following March, 1806.

Fun Facts

Native Americans showed them a quicker route through the mountains. The group split up to explore the Yellowstone and Marias Rivers.

Along the way, they had many adventures. Indians tried to steal their horses and guns. Cruzatte shot Lewis in the britches because he mistook him for an elk.

Clark wrote in his journal that the number of buffalo, elk, and antelope was too many to number. One day, the group had to wait an hour to allow a herd of buffalo to pass.

Both Spain and England had an interest in the western part of the United States. Spanish forces tried on four different occasions to find and capture Lewis and Clark. They arrived in Nebraska around September 1, and would have pressed forward to find Lewis and Clark if a Pawnee Indian tribe hadn't stopped them.

Chief Big White, the Mandan chief, joined the group and visited Thomas Jefferson.

On September 21, 1806, the men arrived near St. Louis. Many people thought they had died. They were met with cheering crowds.

The trip had taken more than two years and four months.

During their journey, Lewis and Clark's company traveled more than 7,689 miles of rough wilderness. They traveled through prairies, mountains, rivers, and forests. They mapped everything.

They discovered over 300 new plants and animals previously unknown to science.

Their exploration allowed America to claim the Pacific Northwest and opened the region to fur traders, settlers, and mountain men.

Lewis and Clark: A Dog Named Seaman

33 people went on the cross country journey known as the Corps of Discovery or the Lewis and Clark Expedition. But none of them were as loved by Lewis as his dog, Seaman.

Fun Facts

Lewis bought Seaman for $20 from a man named John Hansen. Seaman was a Newfoundland, large and black with thick fur and webbed feet. Lewis knew he'd be a good companion for the trip west.

As the expedition went up the Ohio River, they noticed squirrels swimming across the river. Lewis told Seaman to catch the squirrels. Seaman would jump into the river, swim to the squirrels and bring them back. The men fried the squirrels for supper.

The group once met some Native Americans who were fascinated with Seaman. Their dog was small, maybe 20 pounds. Seaman was a huge dog, weighing 150 pounds. His thick hair made him seem even bigger. The Indians thought he was a bear. When they realized he was a dog, they wanted to trade for him. Lewis said, "No trade."

Another time, the group encountered many beavers along the river. Beaver pelts were valuable. Lewis told Seaman to get the beaver and the dog jumped into the river, swimming toward one of the largest ones. That beaver lashed around and bit Seaman hard in the leg, cutting through an artery. Seaman barely made it back to the boat because he was faint from losing blood. Lewis took him to the shore and cleaned him up. Seaman was very weak. Lewis and Sacagawea cared for him for several days, giving him buffalo broth and meat. Finally he got better.

One night a buffalo bull charged into camp, headed straight toward a tent where men lay sleeping. He was within 2 feet of their heads and would have crushed them. Seaman wheeled and barked at him. The buffalo stopped, confused, and finally moved on.

Three Clatsop Indians came one night to steal Seaman. They lured him away with beaver meat and put a rope around his neck. They were headed toward their village when Lewis discovered Seaman was gone. He ordered his men to follow the Indians. If they refused to give Seaman back, Lewis said, "Shoot." Sure enough, they let Seaman go.

Read Lewis and Clark and Me: A Dog's Tale by Laurie Myers and illustrated by Michael Dooling.
Watch a play about Seaman.

Lewis and Clark: York

William Clark is well-remembered for leading the Corps of Discovery, but there were many other men who played quiet, but important, roles. One of those men was named York and he and William Clark were childhood friends.

Fun Facts

York was born on the plantation owned by William Clark's father. York was named after his father, York.

He was probably William's playmate and it's likely that they rode horses, fished, and swam in the streams of Virginia together.

When York was 12, he became William's personal servant.

Unlike many slaves who spent their days in the fields caring for crops, York lived in the Clark home. He had good food, shoes, and clothing.

He could not read or write. It was illegal in those days to teach a slave to read.

In 1785, York moved with the Clark family to a new plantation in Kentucky. Everyone helped clear land, plant crops, and build the house, barn, and cabins for the slaves. It was hard work.

York had to protect the Clark family from Indians and learned to shoot a gun.

When William left for the military, York stayed behind working on the plantation. William returned and once again, York became his personal servant. In 1800, York fell in love with and married a slave from a nearby plantation. Since records weren't kept on slaves then, we have no knowledge of her name or if the couple had children.

When Lewis and Clark organized the expedition, they looked for strong, rugged men. William knew York would be a good choice. As a slave, York couldn't refuse William's request. He had to go.

The company set out in May, 1804. They had many challenges with Indians, mosquitoes, disease, cold weather, and accidents.

William wrote in his journal that York swam to a sandbar sitting in the middle of the Missouri River to gather some watercress for dinner. The men ate mostly meat and were probably happy to have some greens.

York also cared for Sergeant Charles Floyd when he became ill.

York killed two buffalo during a hunt.

The Native Americans had never seen a black man. They were astonished by his dark skin and his large size. He pretended to be a bear and chased the children, making them laugh and squeal. They loved York. They considered him a powerful warrior, stronger than the white men.

In November, the group voted on whether they would build a fort for the winter near the Pacific Ocean or try to travel back to Washington. Everyone in the group voted, including York and Sacagawea. During this time, slaves and women were generally not allowed to vote, but everyone had a say in this group.

York traded with the Nez Perce Indians for food during that long, cold, hungry winter. He traded some small items like buttons for three bushels of edible roots and some bread. Lewis was very happy!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Lewis and Clark Expedition - American History For Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Lewis and Clark Expedition: Getting Started More than 200 years ago, Thomas Jefferson signed the Louisiana Purchase, acquiring 828,000 square miles of land that had originally belonged to France. He paid $15 million dollars for land that is now Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska, as well as parts of North Dakota, South ...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Kids learn about the history of civil rights in the United States. Educational articles for teachers, students, and schools including civil rights leaders, movements, timelines, glossary, and major events. What are civil rights and why are they important?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
DK Find Out! | Fun Facts for Kids on Animals, Earth, History and more!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Visit DK Find Out! to learn about dinosaurs, space, animals, nature & more. Fun learning activities for kids with videos, quizzes & galleries at DKFindOut.com

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Kids learn about World War II in history. Educational articles for teachers, students, and schools including WWII battles, leaders, generals, countries, Allied vs. Axis powers, Europe, Germany, Hitler, Holocaust, atomic bomb, daily life, weapons, and causes.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
DK Find Out! | Fun Facts for Kids on Animals, Earth, History and more!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Visit DK Find Out! to learn about dinosaurs, space, animals, nature & more. Fun learning activities for kids with videos, quizzes & galleries at DKFindOut.com

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
History for kids - Free history network for kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
World War II World War 2 started in September 1939 when Germany attacked Poland. The Axis powers were those countries that joined to attack Europe, Africa, the Mediterranean and the Pacific. The Allied Powers generally consisted of Great Britain, The Soviet Union, China and the United States.

# data[].attributes.body
login: guest
password: follett

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
DK Find Out! | Fun Facts for Kids on Animals, Earth, History and more!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Visit DK Find Out! to learn about dinosaurs, space, animals, nature & more. Fun learning activities for kids with videos, quizzes & galleries at DKFindOut.com

# data[].attributes.headline
National Geographic Kids: 10 Facts About World War II

# data[].attributes.subject
National Geographic Kids: 10 Facts About World War II

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In September 1939, Britain entered into what would become the world's most devastating war to date. Learn all about the events that changed the lives of millions in our World War 2 facts....
World War 2 facts

1. World War 2 was a battle between two groups of countries

- the " Allies" and the " Axis ". The major Allied Powers were Britain, France, Russia, China and the United States. The major Axis Powers were Germany, Italy and Japan.

(AD)

2. Before World War 2 began, Germany was ruled by a man named Adolf Hitler

Together with the Nazi Party, he wanted Germany to rule Europe. To gain more land and power, on 1 September 1939 German troops invaded Poland. After Hitler refused to stop the invasion, Britain and France declared war on Germany - World War II had begun.

3. During the course of the war, German forces advanced through Europe.

Did you know that we have a FREE downloadable Second World War primary resource? Great for teachers, homeschoolers and parents alike!

4. Millions of Germans were imprisoned and killed because they didn't fit the image of the 'perfect' German

Hitler wanted to create what he thought was the "best" and strongest race - and to the Nazi Party, this excluded certain groups, such as Jews, Gypsies and those with physical and mental disabilities. In an attempt to eliminate a "racial enemy" outside of Germany, such groups were also persecuted in the countries invaded by German forces.

5. The group most heavily targeted by the Nazis were the Jews

Around six million Jewish people were killed during World War 2 in one of history's most terrible events - the Holocaust. Racist in his views, Hitler blamed Jewish people for Germany losing World War I and claimed they were dangerous to German people and society.

6. Around the same time that Germany fought for power in Europe, Japan wanted to control Asia and the Pacific

In 1937 (before World War 2 had officially begun) under Emperor Hirohito, Japan attacked China, bringing the two nations into years of conflict.

7. The US didn't join the war until 1941, when Japan attacked the United States

- at their Naval Base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. On 8 December 1941 (the very next day), the US declared War on Japan and, in turn, its German allies.

8. Some countries remained 'neutral' in World War 2

Such countries were Spain, Sweden and Switzerland - who chose not to join either side.

9. The Germans surrendered on 8 May 1945

In 1944, an Allied army crossed from Britain to free France from Nazi rule. One year later, Allied armies invaded Germany, forcing the Germans to surrender. After nuclear attacks on Japan's major cities Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan also surrendered to Allied forces in August the same year. World War 2 had ended.

10. Around 64 million people died in World War 2

- that's more than the entire population of the United Kingdom.

Find out more about the countries involved in World War 2 with our Germany, Japan and USA facts. Plus, learn about the life of Anne Frank, a young German girl who wrote a world-famous diary...

*Yugoslavia was a country established in 1918 in south-east Europe, which included modern-day Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

*USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, or the Soviet Union) was a former country which included modern-day Russia, Ukraine and Estonia, as well as other socialist states.

What did you think of our World War 2 facts? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn astonishing World War 2 facts with Nat Geo Kids. When did the war start? Who fought in in the war and why? How did it change the course of history?

# data[].attributes.body
username: guest
password: follett

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Civil Rights: A Kid-Friendly Explainer | BrainPOP

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
DK Learning: Make every lesson your best yet

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
DK's uniquely visual approach engages students, enhancing their learning experience

# data[].attributes.headline
American History for Kids: African Americans in World War II

# data[].attributes.subject
American History for Kids: African Americans in World War II

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
After the first world war, many African Americans migrated to the north, but some stayed in the south. They got jobs or farmed their own land. Their white neighbors didn't always like them, especially if their crops were more successful. But World War II came, bringing change again.
Fun Facts

During the late 1920s, the Great Depression began. People everywhere lost their jobs and even their homes. During this time, Adolf Hitler was building his war machine in Germany. His goal was world control and he didn't like anyone who he thought was different, including people who were black, disabled, Jewish, or gay.

During this time, an African American boxer, Joe Louis Barrow, fought a German named Max. Joe Louis lost the first match, and Hitler was excited for another match to prove to the world that the Germans were superior to others. But when Joe Louis got in the ring, he beat Max in the first round.

Unfortunately, one little boxing match wasn't enough to stop Hitler. He soon controlled much of Europe and ordered the murder of millions of Jews (and others).

The U.S. tried to stay out of the war, until Japanese bomber planes hit Pearl Harbor, an American naval base in Hawaii.

When the U.S. entered the war, thousands of American men and women volunteered or were drafted. African American men wanted to fight too. At first, they were given menial jobs like cleaning, rather than being allowed to fight. But first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, convinced her husband President Roosevelt to let them be soldiers.

Several of these all-black battalions were among the strongest, most successful groups in the war. But none of them received medals or commendations from the president for their service until several decades later.

African Americans helped fight for freedom during World War II, but when they came home, they realized that they still weren't given equal treatment in the U.S.

Learn More
Visit the Smithsonian to learn about African American contributions to World War II.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
African Americans in World War II - American History For Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
After the first world war, many African Americans migrated to the north, but some stayed in the south. They got jobs or farmed their own land. Their white neighbors didn't always like them, especially if their crops were more successful. But World War II came, bringing change again.

# data[].attributes.body
login: guest
password: follett

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
History for kids - Free history network for kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
D-Day the Invasion of Normandy

Allied Forces Backstory

The Invasion of Normandy began on June 6th 1944 and ended on August 1944, and was a joint effort by all of the Allied Forces. Comprised of 156,000 British, American and Canadian forces, D-Day was an invasion that required a massive amount of deception and tactics. Germany expected an invasion of sorts, but had no idea where it would come from. Hitler ordered Officer Erwin Rommel to build up the Atlantic Wall, a defense that would stretch several thousands of miles. The Allied Forces were already in talks of a cross-Channel invasion, so both sides had the right idea.

General Dwight Eisenhower was made the commander of the D-Day operation on January 1944, and began to oversee strategies for the assault. Part of the plan was to misdirect Hitler from where the actual invasion would take place. More importantly, most of the false info led the Germans to believe that Pas-de-Calais was the actual target rather than Normandy. The Allied Forces used fake equipment, double agents, spies, and even fake radio transmissions. The best deception of them all was having the renowned George Patton lead a phantom army in England; all of the pieces were finally in place.

Germany Backstory

All of the deception played a big part in how Germany handled the actual battle. With the invasion sneaking in through the water, 5,000 ships were deployed with a good 11,000 aircraft for support. The early parts of capturing Normandy was fairly easy, with the Allied Forces splitting up to capture key checkpoints. There was some resistance on one side of the beach, but it was eventually dealt with by the Americans. D-Day started at 6:30 a.m. and was all but over by the end of the day, with troop's losses for the Allied Forces counting at more than 4,000.

The earlier diversions were still confusing Germany, as Hitler considered Normandy to be another ruse. Even when reinforcements came to help Germany, they were so out of position that it put them at an even worse disadvantage.

The Allied Force were in full control of Normandy's beaches, and on June 11th the next phase was ready. Now with 326,000 troops, over 100,000 tons of equipment and 50,000 vehicles, the Allied Forces marched forward and continued fighting until they forced a German surrender on May 8th 1945, officially ending the Nazi reign in Germany.

Why Was D-Day Important?

The invasion was an offensive maneuver that was so suffocating that it prevented any chance of a counterattack. Through careful planning the Allied Forces mounted an Army 5x the size of Germany's in a week, and within a crucial point in their territory. The blow was so crushing that it tarnished Hitler's reputation for good, finishing the work that the Russians started with their defense of Stalingrad.

Who Was Affected?

It can be said that Germany was affected the most, as it led to their freedom from Nazi Germany. The many beliefs of the Nazi uprising was not the majority of the German people, as evidenced by the many people under Hitler who often betrayed him or tried to bargain for peace.

Names to Remember

Adolf Hitler was born on April 20th 1889 and was the dictator of Nazi Germany. His invasion of Poland in 1939 started World War II, and he was a major figure in many of the human atrocities before and during the war. Hitler served in World War I and was a popular and decorated officer for Germany. A week before Germany surrendered due to the destruction of D-Day, Hitler took his own life. This was on April 30th 1945, after many failed attempts to keep those under him from surrendering to the Allied Forces.

Important Facts

Here are some important things to remember about D-Day.

Conclusion

D-Day was crucial in helping to end World War II. It took the combined teamwork of the Allied Forces to finally make the end of the war a reality.

Over 3,200 reconnaissance missions were used to develop the plan for D-Day

Bad weather postponed the attack from its original June 5th date

100,000 workers were used to create Hitler's Atlantic Wall

Even with careful planning a lot of the paratroopers were dropped in the wrong place

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
D-Day the Invasion of Normandy - History for kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Allied Forces Backstory The Invasion of Normandy began on June 6th 1944 and ended on August 1944, and was a joint effort by all of the Allied Forces. Comprised of 156,000 British, American and Canadian forces, D-Day was an invasion that required a massive amount of deception and tactics.

# data[].attributes.body
login: guest
password: follett

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Adamson, Thomas K. The Civil War. Smartbook Media Inc., 2019. Wars in U.S. History. Lightbox Nonfiction Subscription, https://openlightbox.com/lightbox/?bookCode=719&customerID=9601696.