The Second World War began with Hitler's attack on Poland in 1939 and ended with the atomic bomb on Hiroshima in 1945. During these six years many battles were fought in both the European and Pacific theatre that led to the success of the Allies and to the collapse of the Axis Powers. <Tab/>In the European theatre, America and its allies (Britain, France and Soviet Union) adopted a "Defeat Hitler first" strategy. …showed first 75 words of 630 total…

…showed last 75 words of 630 total…Islands by their "island hopping" strategy. In 1945, the United States captured Iwo Jima and Okinawa and it brought American forces closer than ever to Japan. In July, America tested the atomic bomb which successfully worked. Truman issued a declaration, calling Japan to surrender. When Japan rejected, Truman ordered the use of nuclear bombs. On August 6th, the first fell on Hiroshima and the second hit Nagasaki. Tens of thousands people were killed in both cities.