World War II Overview

This set of flashcards covers significant events, concepts, and outcomes from World War II, providing a comprehensive review for exam preparation.

What was the estimated death toll during World War II?

Around 60 million people, or 3% of the total world population.

What were the principal partners in the Axis alliance?

Germany, Italy, and Japan.

What was the main goal of the Axis powers?

Territorial expansion through military conquest.

Who were the original Allied powers opposing Germany?

France and Britain.

Which event led the United States to enter World War II?

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

What did the Declaration of the United Nations signify?

Opposition to Axis aggression and commitment to defend life, liberty, independence, and religious freedom.

What was the Atlantic Charter?

A declaration by Britain and the US stating that they sought no territorial gains.

What was significant about the Battle of Britain?

It marked a major turning point and showed that Hitler's attacks could be blocked.

What was Hitler's strategy during the Blitzkrieg?

A fast-moving military tactic using airstrikes and swift tank advances.

What was the nonaggression pact between Germany and the Soviet Union?

An agreement to not attack each other and divide Poland.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Stalingrad?

A significant defeat for Germany, with 90,000 German troops surrendering.

What did the Lend-Lease Act do?

Allowed the US to lend or lease arms and supplies to any country vital to the United States.

What was the importance of the Battle of Midway?

It turned the tide of the war in the Pacific for the Allies.

What were concentration camps used for during the Holocaust?

To imprison and systematically murder Jews and other targeted groups.

What marked the beginning of the Holocaust?

The Nuremberg Laws, which stripped Jews of their citizenship and rights.

How did the Allies initially respond to reports of the Holocaust?

They condemned the Nazi extermination, but took no military action to stop it.

What was the significance of the Nuremberg Trials?

They prosecuted Nazi leaders for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

What was the primary reason for the use of atomic bombs on Japan?

To quickly end the war and avoid a costly invasion of Japan.

What was the result of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima?

Over 70,000 people were killed immediately, with total deaths related to the bomb exceeding 140,000.

What strategy did General MacArthur develop for the Pacific campaign?

Island-hopping strategy to bypass Japanese strongholds and capture weaker islands.

What impact did World War II have on civilian populations?

High death tolls and devastation of cities, leading to homelessness and suffering.

What role did women play in the U.S. war effort?

Many entered the workforce in factories to support wartime production.

What did the term 'total war' mean in the context of World War II?

Countries devoted all their resources, civilian and military, to the war effort.

During what battle did Germany attempt a last-ditch effort to stop the Allied advance?

The Battle of the Bulge.

What was the significance of D-Day?

The largest land and sea attack in history that marked the start of the liberation of Western Europe.

How did technology impact warfare in World War II?

Technological advances like tanks and aircraft changed strategies and increased death tolls.

What was the 'Final Solution'?

The Nazi plan for the systematic extermination of the Jewish people.

In what year did World War II officially end?

1945.

What was the role of propaganda during the war?

To encourage civilians to support the war effort through various means.

What did many WWII survivors experience post-war?

They faced challenges of rebuilding lives and dealing with trauma.

What did the term 'kamikaze' refer to during WWII?

Japanese suicide missions where pilots crashed into enemy ships.

Why did many nations favor communism after World War II?

Disillusionment with traditional governments due to war devastation and economic challenges.

What were the causes of Japanese expansion in the 1930s?

Desire for resources and territorial control following the invasion of Manchuria.

Which two cities were bombed with atomic bombs in August 1945?

Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

What was the purpose of the Holocaust?

The systematic extermination of Jews and perceived 'subhumans' to achieve racial purity.

What was one effect of the U.S. atomic bombings on Japan?

Japan's formal surrender, marking the end of World War II.

What was Operation Barbarossa?

Hitler's invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941.

What attitude did the Allies have towards Axis war crimes post-WWII?

They sought justice through trials like Nuremberg which held leaders accountable.

How did post-war Japan change politically?

Implementation of a constitution that established a democratic government.

What were war crimes tribunals and their significance?

International courts established to hold leaders accountable for wartime atrocities.

How did war lead to economic shifts in the U.S. post-WWII?

The transition to a peacetime economy faced challenges adapting to a reduced military output.

What defensive maneuvers did civilians engage in during air raids?

Using shelters and rationing supplies to survive bombing campaigns.

What were the massive long-term effects of WWII on civilian life?

Displacement, loss of lives, and economic challenges across Europe and Asia.

What was one positive outcome for the U.S. arising from WWII?

Establishment as a leading global power post-war.

What distinguishes the Holocaust from other genocides?

It was state-sponsored, aimed at the complete extermination of the Jewish people across Europe.

What were the conditions in Europe immediately after World War II?

Widespread devastation, homelessness, and the need for significant reconstruction efforts.

What impact did World War II have on the shape of modern international relations?

It led to the Cold War dynamics between the United States and the Soviet Union.