Chapter 27 Summary

What political ideologies gained prominence in Europe during the Great Depression?

Facism and Nazism

Who were the major Facist leaders in Europe before WWII?

Mussolini in Italy and Hitler in Germany

Why did the U.S. initially avoid involvement in European and Asian conflicts?

Focused on dealing with the Great Depression.

What event directly led to the U.S. entering World War II?

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

How did WWII affect daily life on the U.S. home front?

Americans faced rationing, new job opportunities opened for women and minorities, and there was a rise in patriotism.

Why did Roosevelt prioritize victory in Europe over the Pacific?

He believed a German victory was the greatest threat to democracy.

What strategy helped the Allies gain ground in the Pacific?

Island hopping

How did World War II change America’s global role?

The U.S. abandoned isolationism and emerged as a dominant global power, especially due to its nuclear capability.