World War II
World War II was a period of immense conflict throughout the world. This war may have been the single-most important event of the 20th century and, quite possibly one of the greatest wars ever fought. It took place from 1939 to 1945, and the fighting occurred in Europe and Asia, where the majority of the fighting took place throughout Europe and the Pacific. The allies, who were the United States of America, the Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom were fighting against the triple axis powers, who were Germany, Italy, and Japan. The allies were led by Franklin D. Roosevelt of the USA, Josef Stalin of the Soviet Union, and Winston Churchill of the United Kingdom. The triple axis was led by Adolf Hitler of Germany, Benito Mussolini of Italy, and Emperor Hirohito of Japan. The USA fought on both fronts, although their troops were more concentrated toward the Pacific theater. Their were many casualties in the war, and many bleak events throughout, but the victories on the two fronts in 1945 were well-deserved and were long anticipated by the world. This website provides a resource for people wanting to learn more about World War II. On this website is an extensive timeline about important events for the United States during the war, further seen through pictures in the photo gallery. Also on the website are analyzations of war songs throughout American wars and a movie pilot and description of Catch-22.
Catch-22
"There was only one catch, and that was Catch-22" pg.46
Catch-22 is the sarcastic and satirical account of a soldier's journey in World War II. Set in the fictional camp of Pianosa, off of Italy, Joseph Heller's story follows Yossarian as he tries desperately to get out of the war. Using an unprecedented writing style, Heller's varied and interesting storyline, from the tragic history of Major Major Major Major to the humorous parades of Lieutenant Schiesskopf, shows the reader the many dark aspects of war in a new, humorous way. This novel led to a new term in the dictionary and a new outlook on war by many.
Praise for Catch-22:
"...doesn't even seem to be written; instead, it gives the impression of having been shouted onto paper...what remains is a debris of sour jokes." - The New Yorker
"...A dazzling performance that will outrage nearly as many readers as it delights." - The New York Times
"...A wild, moving, shocking, hilarious, raging, exhilarating, giant roller-coaster of a book." -New York Herald Tribune"...the best novel to come out in years." -The Nation