World War 2

What significant military operation took place on June 6, 1944?

D-Day

What was the primary reason for the German targeting of Jews during World War II?

The Nazis viewed Jews as racially inferior and a threat to their ideology.

Approximately how many Jews were killed during the Holocaust?

Around six million Jews.

What laws were enacted in Nazi Germany that discriminated against Jews and stripped them of rights?

The Nuremberg Laws.

Which technology did the Allies use effectively to gain an advantage in naval warfare during World War II?

Radar.

What was the name of the project that developed the atomic bomb during World War II?

The Manhattan Project.

What event led to the United States' entry into World War II?

The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

Which two cities were targeted with atomic bombs in Japan?

Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

What was the main purpose of the Yalta Conference held in February 1945?

To discuss the reorganization of post-war Europe.

What was the significance of the Battle of Stalingrad in World War II?

It marked a turning point in the war on the Eastern Front, with the Soviet Union gaining the upper hand.

What did Italy do in 1935 and why?

Italy invaded Ethiopia to expand its empire and assert its power, seeking to restore national pride after its defeat in the First Italo-Ethiopian War.

What was Japan's military activity during the 1930s?

Japan engaged in military expansion, invading Manchuria in 1931 and launching a full-scale invasion of China in 1937, driven by the desire for resources and territory.

What territories did Hitler take over between 1936 and 1938?

Hitler took over the Rhineland, Austria, and the Sudetenland, progressively violating the Treaty of Versailles and expanding German territory.

Why did France and Britain give in to Hitler's demands at the Munich Conference in 1938?

They gave in to avoid war, believing that appeasement would maintain peace in Europe.

What was the agreement between Hitler and Stalin known as, and what did it entail?

The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, where Hitler and Stalin pledged not to attack each other and secretly divided Eastern Europe into spheres of influence.

What is Blitzkrieg and what are its three steps?

Blitzkrieg is a new tactic employed by the Germans involving rapid movement of troops, tactical bombing using planes, and encirclement of enemy forces.

What were the responsibilities of SS Officers?

SS Officers managed concentration camps, enforced Nazi policies, and were involved in the destruction of streets, homes, and people.

What was France's strategy for resisting Germany's invasion, and did it succeed?

France relied on defense strategies, specifically the Maginot Line, but it ultimately failed as German forces bypassed it through Belgium.

Why is the winter of 1939 referred to as the 'phony' war?

It is called the 'phony war' because, despite the declaration of war, there was little actual fighting on the Western Front, leading to a period of inactivity.

What was Hitler's first move in 1940?

Hitler's first move was the invasion of Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway, aimed at securing strategic positions and resources.

Who replaced Neville Chamberlain as prime minister of Britain?

Winston Churchill replaced Neville Chamberlain as prime minister.

How long did it take the Dutch to surrender to German forces?

The Dutch surrendered in just five days during the invasion.

How long did it take the Belgians to surrender to German forces?

The Belgians surrendered after 18 days of fighting against the German invasion.

What happened at Dunkirk and why is it considered a British 'victory'?

At Dunkirk, Allied forces were evacuated from the beaches in a massive operation, saving over 333,000 troops despite being surrounded by German forces.

Where did the French officially surrender and why?

The French officially surrendered in the same train car where the Germans signed the Treaty of Versailles, due to the rapid German advance and collapse of French defenses.

How was France divided after its surrender?

France was divided into two zones: the German-occupied northern zone and the Vichy regime in the southern zone, which collaborated with the Nazis.

Why did the British attack the French navy?

To prevent it from falling into German hands and being used against the Allies.

What was Hitler's first mistake of the war?

Underestimating the British resolve and the effectiveness of the Royal Air Force during the Battle of Britain.

What was the Battle of Britain?

The first major defeat for Hitler's forces, demonstrating that they could be stopped.

What was the eventual goal of 'Operation Sea Lion'?

To destroy the RAF and conquer Great Britain, establishing German control over the British Isles.

What advantage did the British have that helped the RAF during the Battle of Britain?

Radar, which could locate planes.

What was the Blitz of London and why is it considered a turning point?

A German bombing campaign on London that boosted English morale instead of breaking it.

Who did Hitler send to North Africa to lead the German Panzer divisions?

General Erwin Rommel, known as the 'Desert Fox'.

Which nation did Hitler decide to attack with Operation Barbarossa?

The Soviet Union.

What happened to the Soviet Union's experienced field officers during Stalin's Great Purge?

They were either purged or executed, significantly weakening military leadership.

What tactics did Stalin use to weaken the German army?

Scorched earth and delaying actions.

What significant 'weapon' aided Stalin against the German invasion?

The harsh Russian winter.

What was the situation like in Leningrad during the siege?

Dire, with severe food shortages and high civilian casualties.

How many Germans and Soviets died during the conflict?

Approximately 1 million Germans and around 3 million Soviets.

How was the Battle of Stalingrad fought?

Through brutal urban warfare, house by house.

What happened on December 7, 1941?

Japan launched a surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor.

How was the Battle of the Coral Sea fought?

Primarily through aircraft launched from carriers, with no direct ship engagements.

Why was the Battle of Midway a turning point in the Pacific War?

The U.S. Navy decisively defeated the Japanese fleet, significantly weakening Japan's naval capabilities.

Why did the German U-Boats suffer heavy losses?

Due to sonar technology, depth charges by the Allies, and increased air patrols over shipping lanes.

What advantage did the Allies gain after the North African campaign?

The Allies gained the advantage by defeating the Axis forces at the Battle of El Alamein and securing control of North Africa.

Who invaded Italy in 1943 and what was the reason for the invasion?

The Allies, primarily the United States and the United Kingdom, invaded Italy in 1943 to capitalize on Italy's surrender and divert German troops from the Eastern Front.

Where did the Allies invade in Western Europe and what was their main objective?

The Allies invaded Normandy, France, with the objective of establishing a beachhead to launch further operations into occupied Europe.

What significant event occurred on June 6, 1944, and what is it known as?

The Allied forces landed on June 6, 1944, a day known as D-Day, marking the largest amphibious invasion in history.

What secret weapons did Hitler use against the Allied forces?

Hitler used V-1 flying bombs and V-2 ballistic missiles as secret weapons to retaliate against Allied forces.

What is the name of Hitler's final offensive?

Hitler's final offensive is called the Battle of the Bulge, launched in December 1944.

What does the term 'kamikaze' mean and what did these pilots do?

The term 'kamikaze' means 'divine wind,' referring to Japanese pilots who conducted suicide attacks by crashing their aircraft into enemy ships.

How many Americans died in Okinawa due to kamikaze attacks?

Approximately 5,000 Americans died in Okinawa due to suicide attacks by kamikaze pilots.

Why did the Japanese choose suicide over capture?

The Japanese chose suicide over capture due to a cultural belief in honor and the shame associated with surrendering to the enemy.

What happened to the German city of Dresden in February 1945?

Dresden was devastated by Allied bombing, resulting in extensive destruction and deaths.

Where did Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin meet in February 1945, and what did they decide regarding Germany?

They met at the Yalta Conference, where they decided to divide Germany into occupation zones after the war.

How many people died in concentration and extermination camps during the Holocaust?

Approximately 11 million people died in the camps during the Holocaust.

What happened to Mussolini on April 28, 1945?

Mussolini was captured and executed by Italian partisans while attempting to flee to Switzerland.

What was Hitler's fate on April 30, 1945?

Hitler committed suicide in his bunker in Berlin as Soviet forces closed in on the city.

Which army captured Berlin in May 1945?

The Soviet Red Army captured the city of Berlin.

According to invasion plans, how many casualties were estimated to conquer Japan?

The invasion plans estimated that it would take approximately 1 million American casualties to conquer Japan.

What significant event occurred on August 6, 1945, and what was the impact on the city?

The United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, resulting in massive destruction and significant civilian casualties.

Where and why did the U.S. drop a second atomic bomb?

The U.S. dropped a second atomic bomb on Nagasaki to compel Japan to surrender and end the war.

Where did the official surrender of Japan take place?

Aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay.

What was the value of one US dollar in German marks by 1923?

4,210,500,000,000 German marks.

What did the Treaty of Versailles accomplish?

It ended WW1, forced Germany to take all the blame, and imposed loss of territory, military, money, and War Guilt, valued at 269 billion dollars today.

What was the purpose of the League of Nations?

To provide a forum for resolving international disputes.

What was the outcome of the League of Nations?

It was a failure.

What significant event occurred in Germany in 1933?

Hitler became Chancellor.

What role did Hitler's book play in his rise to power?

It contributed to his popularity.

What powers did Hitler gain as Chancellor?

He made laws that could not be denied and controlled the police and military.

What was the outcome of the July 1932 elections in Germany?

The Nazis won 230 government seats, forming a majority with the Communists.

What was the significance of the Munich Conference of 1938?

Britain and France allowed Germany to take over part of Czechoslovakia (Sudetenland) as a policy of appeasement.

What does Lebensraum mean?

Living space, a concept driving Hitler's expansionist policies.

What was the German-Soviet Non Aggression Pact?

A pact between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union that allowed them to partition Poland.

What major event marked the start of World War II in Asia?

Japan's full-scale invasion of China in 1937.

What was the Blitz?

A German bombing campaign against the UK from 1940 to 1941.

What was the purpose of the Dunkirk evacuation?

To rescue British, French, and Belgian troops from Dunkirk back to Britain.

What orders did Hitler give during the Dunkirk evacuation?

He ordered a halt to the armor's advance and left it to the Luftwaffe to finish off the enemy.

What were the Nuremberg Laws of 1935?

Laws that defined who was Jewish, set restrictions on the Jewish population, and stripped Jews of citizenship.

What did the Reich Citizenship Law establish?

It defined who was German versus Jewish, identifying Jews by blood and genealogy.

What was Rassenschande?

Going against the racial laws that defined Jewish identity.

What were the key dates to remember regarding World War II?

Hitler's election: January 30, 1933; Invasion of Poland: September 1, 1939; Pearl Harbor: December 7, 1941; D-Day: June 6, 1944; Yalta Conference: February 4-11, 1945; Hiroshima: August 6, 1945; Nagasaki: August 9, 1945; Operation Barbarossa: June 22, 1941.

What was the strategy of island-hopping used by Japan?

Using captured islands as stepping-stones to Japan.

What was Blitzkrieg?

A swift, focused military strategy using mobile forces, including armored tanks and air support.

What is the Luftwaffe?

The German air force during World War II.

What are Panzer units?

German tank units used during World War II.