Causes of World War II
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These flashcards cover vocabulary terms and key concepts related to the causes of World War II.
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51 Terms
What were the causes that led to WW2
Treaty of Versailles
Hyperinflation
League of Nation
Aggression of Japan (invaded Manchuria)
Aggression of Italy (invaded Ethiopia)
Aggression of Germany
Policy of Appeasement
Treaty of Versailles-include what it was and how it led to WW2
The 1919 peace treaty that ended World War I, which imposed heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany. Because of this, Germany got rly mad-unjustness was actually one of Hitler’s major platforms (cause a lot of the ppl had felt wronged cause they thought they were winning and to just suddenly find out that they lost and became the scapegoat was hard to accept yk)
These reoperations also caused major debt and inflation in Germany
They also lost some land and they wanted it back
The war guilt clause (basically made Germany take all responsibilities and guilt for the war starting) resulted in a loss of pride within Germany.
Hyperinflation-include def + how a cause of WW2
An extremely high and typically accelerating inflation rate, such as that experienced in Germany from 1918 to 1923.This occurred because Germany started printing money in order to pay off their debt that they had to pay for the war (like billions). Therefore, by the fall of 1923, it actually cost more to print money (or a note) than it was actually worth.
Also, a quick thing to note, most of the hyperinflation got rly bad in 1923 within a couple of months
League of Nations-include def + how a cause of WW2
An international organization founded after World War I to promote peace and cooperation, but weakened by the absence of the U.S.
America not being in it only left it to depend on Britain and France, but they weren’t willing to fight another war. Therefore, many aggressor countries were still able to expand their territory and invade other countries simply because they knew that the League (specifically Britain and France) wouldn’t do anything to stop them.-League essentially became useless.
We can see this when Japan attacked Manchuria in 1931 and when Italy attacked Ethiopia in 1935.
Therefore, Hitler was convinced that the League wouldn’’t stop him either if he attacked-cause they didn’t stop Italy or Japan yk
Aggression of Japan (invasion of Manchuria)-include what led to it as well
By the 1920s, Japan was overpopulated and had very few resources-probs not enough to go around
So, they needed land to expand (imperialism) for more resources to go around
Therefore, in 1931, they invaded the Chinese province Manchuria with the goal of conquering the rest of China as well
They ended up rapidly expanding thru China but eventually reached a stalemate for a while
The invasion and conflict however continued until the Japanese surrender at the end of WW2
THE LEAGUE DID NOTHING-proved to Hitler that League wouldn’t do anything if he wanted to invade/start a war
Aggression of Italy (invasion of Ethiopia)-include what led to it as well
Italy was also angry about the Treaty of Versailles-they had been promised land (Dalmatia) but didn’t get it
Not only that, but the people had also started to blame the democratic government for the unemployment that was going on at the time (due to the depression)
Therefore, it led to Benito Mussolini and his fascist party being elected
Mussolini became a dictator, and decided to attack Ethiopia (a kingdom in Africa) in order to end the depression-the whole idea of war brings riches cause more resources and land and stuff
and once again..the league did NOTHINGG (they did impose economic sanctions but they were not supported so it didn’t have any effect in the end)
Aggression of Germany
Hitler became the leader of the Nationalist Socialist Party (better known as the Nazi party)
He and most other people in Germany blamed the Treaty of Versailles for al the problems happening in Germany
He also lamed other races, particularly Jews, for all their problems as well
They blamed all these people because Germans were just really angry about everything going on-inflation, shock and loss of pride after losing the war, etc. and were eager to have someone to blame
Policy of Appeasement-include what it was + how a cause of WW2
Giving a person or party whatever they want in order to prevent conflict
Hitler saw that both Japan and Italy got away with invading other countries because the allied countries wanted to avoid conflict
SO…. Hitler decided that he was also going to invade other countries because Germany lost land and he thought he could get away with it
Who were the key players of WW2?
It was the Axis and Allied powers
Axis Powers: (Germany, Italy, Japan)
Adolf Hitler
Benito Mussolini
Hideki Tojo
Allied Powers (UK, France, America, USSR)
Neville Chamberlain-UK-beginning
Winston Churchill-Britain
Charles De Gaulle-France
Franklin Roosevelt-America-beginning
Harry Truman-America
Joseph Stalin-USSR
Adolf Hitler-include beliefs, when he gained power and kinda his plan + what he was known as
Leader of the Nazi Party who became Chancellor of Germany in 1933 and initiated World War II.
He was the Head of the 3rd Reich (like an era it was the 3rd era of prosperity for Germany that’s what he called it-the successor to prev German empires)
He believed in a “master race”-the Aryan race (blonde hair blue eyed German)
Wanted to unite all German-speaking people
He was also Anti Communist-believed in private property with strong governmental control-more of a dictatorship
He was known as “Das Fuhrer”
Benito Mussolini-include what he did/who he was, how he maintained control, what he was known as and his beliefs
Italian dictator who led the Fascist movement and established a totalitarian (totalitarian means basically prohibiting opposition to the government) state.
Had an army known as the Black Shirt Army-cause that was their uniform.
This army helped him maintain control and stuff + supported his rise to power
He was known as Il Duce-The Chief
He was also anti-communist and private property with strong governmental control-shared belief with Hitler
Hideki Tojo-include who he was, when he gained power, what he did + why
Japanese general who became Prime Minister of Japan during World War II and played a key role in militaristic expansion.
Took control of Japan in 1941
Militant Japanese general
He pushed for vast colonial empire stretching from China to Thailand-wanted to gain more land and expand Japan’s territory basically
He was the one who organized the attack on earl Harbor
Winston Churchill-include wo he was, what he was known for, what he did, when he gained power, and what he was good at/strength ig
British Prime Minister known for his leadership during World War II and his defiance against Hitler's aggression.
He criticized Chamberlains (former PM of UK) policies towards Hitler (I think this is referring to the Policy of Appeasement where its like anything to make u happy)
Became PM during the war (1940)
Was a strong ally to the US
Also a powerful public speaker (well spoken-even won the Nobel prize for literature-educated) which ended up helping rally troops to fight German aggression
Franklin D. Roosevelt-include who he was, when he gained power, what he implemented + what that did, what he did, and also a disease he had
U.S. President during the Great Depression and much of World War II; implemented the Lend-Lease program.
He was the president thru most of the war-died in 1945
The Lend Lease program he implemented helped Allies prior to US entry in the war-cause just like WW1, they saw it as European conflict near the beginning and didn’t wanna get involved. Alr because of the program, in 1940, he was essentially doing everything but offering actual military support to great Britain
He also signed and order to intern Japanese after the attack on Pearl arbor (Japanese attack pearl Harbor)
Note: Internment means that they (Japanese Americans) were deported and imprisoned in internment camps. Specifically, interment means: The forced imprisonment or confinement of people, often without a fair trial, usually during a time of war or crisis.
He also had Polio and struggled to use his legs
Harry Truman-include who he was, when he gained power, and what he did
Vice President under FDR (Franklin D Roosevelt) who assumed the presidency and made the decision to drop the atomic bombs on Japan.
Became president at the end of the war
Made the decision to drop the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Joseph Stalin-include who he was, what his goals were, what he did,
Leader of the Soviet Union whose totalitarian regime was marked by repression and the signing of a non-aggression pact with Germany.
He was waiting for a world wide communism revolution
He used the Great Purge (basically he got rly paranoid abt losing power so he just killed anyone he thought were “enemies”-which was basically everyone) in the 1930s to clear out enemies from the country
In 1939, he signed a nonaggression pact with Germany (they planned to divide Poland once they conquered it)
However, Germany broke the pact, which led to them opening up the Eastern Front of the war-started eastern part of war with Russia cause war was being fought at western front at the time
What was happening in Canada in 1939?-specifically with Canadian ppl
Canadians were feeling optimistic because Canada was starting to climb out of the depression and unemployment and homelessness were declining and the economy was beginning to expand.
What did Germany do in terms of their armed forces?
They started building their armed forces despite the treaty of Versailles-weren't supposed to.
Germany since the end of WW1 was getting more and more unhappy with the terms of the Treaty-specifically the war guilt clause and having to pay huge damages (reparations)
What did Germany do in order to pay off the money that the treaty of versailles wanted to make them pay?
They printed large amounts or money in the 1920s which led to inflation and the value of German currency spiraling. Basically, German money became almost worthless
What did the world/Europe/other countries do to control the inflation? What went wrong?
Britain, France and the US agreed to decrease the reparations and also lent Germany some money.
However, when the global stock amrk3t crashed in 1929 (great depression) the German economy was completely ruined.
What was public sentiment after the stock market crashed and horrible economy?
By the early 1930s, German ppl were crushed by poverty and had lost all confidence in the government. Since they were so desperate, they ere willing to follow anyone who could solve their problems.
Describe how Hitler gained popularity -include how he took control as well and what he became plus how he ran the country. Also include what he brought to Germany
Him and the Nazi party claimed that they had the solutions to make Germany a great nation again.
Hitler had been gaining support since 1923 due to him criticizing the Treaty of Versailles and the German government-were the views of the ppl.
By March 1933, Hitler and the Nazi Party had managed to win control of the German parliament and had abolished all other political parties in the country.
Hitler became the Furher or leader-a dictator with absolute power. No one could oppose him without severe punishment.
He brought fascism to Germany, and fascist governments often select scapegoats (groups to Balmer for the country's problems)
What did Hitler do once he rose to power?
He defied the terms of the Treaty of Versailles by stopping all reparation payments and expanding the armed forces-this caused the economy to slowly improve
The Nazi Secret Service also imprisoned any opponents who criticized the Nazi party
They were also racist-members believed that German ppl were a master race composed of Aryans -non Aryans-”Gypsies”, Jews and Slavs, were considered inferior
They also discriminated against homosexuals and disabled ppl
Why and how did Germany take an offensive in the beginnings of WW2
In 1936, Germany took an offensive outside their borders-Hitler wanted to bring all German ppl together (cause separated after WW1 treaty of Versailles and stuff-German ppl who spoke German were now in a new country called smth else but still considered themselves German yk).
He also wanted to expand Germany’s “living space” to accommodate the Aryan race
He ordered troops into Rhineland, along Germany’s western border (a area that was demilitarized by the Treaty of Versailles)
However, even when they did this, Western countries didn’t protest-wanted to make concessions in order to maintain peace (called appeasement)
What did the whole appeasement thing that Western countries did when Germany deployed troops at their Western border cause Hitler to do?
This made Hitler even bolder, and in 1938, he took over Austria (A German speaking country)
He then even had the audacity to demand the right to take over Sudetenland (German speaking region in western Czechoslovakia)
In September of 1938, France and Britain actually agreed to this demand and Hitler promised that it would be is last territorial claim. Even Canada supported the decision because it brought peace
This agreement was called the Munich agreement
What did Hitler do on March 1939?
Hitler took over the rest of Czechoslovakia without asking
Because of this, the world started to fear that he wouldn’t stop, and the final straw came in 1939-Hitler and Joseph Stalin (leader of the Soviet Union) formed a non-aggression pact-promised not to fight each other if war broke out and made a deal to split Poland between them
What did Germany did on September 1939?
German troops invaded Poland with a Blitzkrieg (a military tactic)
Britain and France ordered Germany out of Poland, but Germany ignored them-Therefore, Britain and France declared war on Germany on September 3
And, side note, since Italy was allied with Germany and was also fascist in 1936-1937, Britain and France were at war with Italy as well
How did Canada declare war?-also what was Canadian sentiment abt joining the war
By this point, Canada was independent and therefore had to decide whether or not to join another war-in like WW1 where Britain declared war on Canada’s behalf
Many Canadians were isolationists-reluctant to be drawn into world events and Mackenzie King (The PM at the time) didn’t want t go to war again, but also thought that it was an opportunity to show the world what an important contribution it could make
Canada also brought the War Measures Act in again before it was even involved in the war-gave the government extreme power
And in the end, Canada’s House of Commons ended up declaring war on Germany only 7 days after Great Britain and France (September 10, 1939)
Hitlers fam + birth, when did he move to Germany, familial relationship, when did him and his fam move to Germany, where did he move to when older + profession, when did his mom die and the cause, what happened after this, and what led to him having anti-Semitic views?
born April 20, 1889 in Austria-Hungary to Alois Hitler and Klara Polzl
Was the fourth of six children born to the couple (three died in infancy)
Moved with his family to Germany at age 3
Had a tense relationship with his family
Moved to Vienna and lived a bohemian life as a painter
Applied to Vienna’s Academy of Fine Arts but was rejected twice
After the second rejection, Hitler’s mother died of breast cancer at age 47
He ran out of money and was forced to live in homeless shelters and hostels
At the time Hitler lived there, Vienna was a hotbed of religious prejudice and racism
It was feared that immigrants from the East (particularly Jews) would take over Western Europe
Hitler read many anti-Semitic newspapers while living there
Historians say that it is difficult to pinpoint exactly when Hitler “became” anti-Semitic but there is general agreement that it was before the end of WW1
What did Hitler do after the war (WW1)?
After the war, Hitler returned to Germany
With no career or education, he remained in the army
In 1919, Adolf Hitler joined a small political party known as the German Workers Party(Deutsche Arbeiterpartei or DAP)
In 1920 Hitler began working full-time for the party, which had grown and changed its name to the Nationalist Socialist German Workers’ Party-Nazi party (Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeitepartei)
What were the ideals/beliefs of the Nazi paltform?
The Nazi party’s political platform (main ideals) included:
Crush Marxism(communism)
Oppose the Weimar republic (German government at the time)-thought government betrayed country cause thought they didn’t lose
-cause blinded so didn’t see the loss on the battlefield cause went back home-stab in the back myth-believed in it
Oppose the Treaty of Versailles
Promote the Stab in the back myth from the end of the Great War
Oppose the Jewish stranglehold over the German economy and politics
Only pure Aryans could be members of the Nazi party, and were forbidden from socializing with Jews in any way
What was hyperinflation, when + why did it occur, and what was the result for Germany?
Germany’s economy suffered tremendously during the Great Depression
Hyperinflation of the Deutsche Mark (German dollar) peaked through 1921-1923
Hyperinflation: when more money is printed to try to combat widespread poverty, decreasing the value of money and increasing prices in general
Result: The German mark became almost valueless
Who was Hitler inspired by and what did that leader do?
Hitler was inspired by the authoritarian leader of Italy, Benito Mussolini
Mussolini became the leader of Italy in 1924
Mussolini led Italy using a distinct form of radical right-wing authoritarianism called fascism-this was the beginning of fascism and the movement in Europe
Fascism points/ideals/beliefs
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EATBOMBDADPlsPls
What happened to Hitler in 1923 and why, what did eh do during this time and what significance did what he did have
Hitler served a year in prison for leading the Beer Hall Putsch in 1923 (tried to overthrow the government!)-Hitler tried to follow in Mussolini's footsteps-only in for one year
During his time in prison, he wrote his autobiography, “Mein Kampf” (My Struggle)
The book laid out Hitler's plans for transforming German society-becomes his important to his platform
When released from prison, Hitler promised that he would only seek political power in a legal way (democratic election)
When the stock market crashed in 1929, Hitler and the Nazis used it as a way to promise to strengthen the economy, create jobs, and abolish the Treaty of Versailles-restore Germany to what it was b4 ww1
What happened with the Nazi party in 1932? What role was Hitler given?
1932: Hitler and the Nazis democratically won 33% of the vote
He was then appointed Chancellor, the leader of Germany (comparable to our Prime Minister)
What happened in 1933 in Germany and how did Hitler use this event to his advantage?
February 1933: Reichstag Fire – German parliament went up in flames
Hitler and the Nazis blamed communists
It is still unknown who started the Reichstag Fire, although many believe it was the Nazis - they used it as a way to further persecute communists and to suspend certain rights
Hitler capitalized on it as a way to pass the Enabling Act
What act did Hitler pass and what did this do to the German government + what did Hitler do with this act eventually
Hitler then passed the Enabling Act which transformed Germany’s government into a dictatorship-basically can pass any laws without parliament approval and even laws that go against constitution-so dictatorship and easily was able to kick out other parties of parliament
Using his new power, Hitler eventually wiped out all other political parties
What happened from June-July 1934 (what did Hitler do)
June 30 – July 2, 1934
Also known as “Operation Hummingbird”
Hitler and his allies conducted a purge in Germany
Political rivals were assassinated-still support Hitler tho since they think whatever he does is gonna make things better-even if he kills a bunch ppl-brainwashed
How did Hitler gain power/support from the ppl (what belief did he spread to make this happen), what happened in Germany after Hitler started ruling (more in terms of economy), ad what did Hitler make his goal in 1933, and what did he do from then on until the start of WW2
Hitler said that he was unable to improve life for Germans and pass any meaningful laws unless he had total control
He aligned himself with the Centre Party in order to get the 66% vote that he needed
Hitler got enough support and the Enabling Act was passed, thus giving him total control
Under Hitler’s leadership, life in Germany improved immensely-only for Aryans tho
Unemployment fell from 6 million in 1932 to 1 million 1936 Infrastructure was improved – roads, bridges, railways, Autobahn-cause giving building jobs to ppl
Began production on the “People’s Car” – literal translation: Volkswagen
1933: Hitler spoke of his goal for Lebennsraum (“living space”)
Wanted to expand Germany’s borders to make room for a pure, superior Aryan race
From this point onward, Hitler continuously annexed (took over) various territories of Europe until the start of World War II (September 1939)
Battle of the Atlantic-Include when it started, how it began, casualties, the response (from allies and Canada) and also add significance
Happened first-started 1939
Began when a German submarine sunk a Montreal bound passenger ship-SS Athena, west of Ireland
118 Canadian passengers were killed-not military but civilians
Canada and the allies responded by escorting merchant ships and sinking U Boats
No Canadian ship could sail without the Royal Canadian Navy's authority and direction (need permission)
Significance
By the end of the war, Canada had the world's third largest navy (significant because Canada wasn't a big or significant country at the time like considering places like Japan, China, Britain, etc were involved so it was rly big to have the world's 3rd largest navy)
6500 women served in the RCN-women weren’t rly involved in wars b4 so important
More than 25 000 merchant ship voyages were made-means the Allies were able to successfully defend the supply routes despite heavy attacks and German U-Boats-were able to deliver food and things to Britain to keep the war effort going and also proved the advancements in ships and navy stuff because we were able to avoid German U Boats -also helped in success of Britain because of the whole able to get supplies thing
Sank 50 U boats-more than b4 and stuff it means better navy and increased tech to be able to take them down
The longest continuous military campaign of WW2-lasted basically all of the war-ended in 1945
Battle of Dunkirk-include when it began, what the war was called up until that point. Also include the battle plan for Germany (what it was called + what it was), the Operation in the battle for Britain (what it was called, what happened/what it was) also add significance. Also, what did everyone think abt how the war was going so far?-up to this point
Happened 2nd-started 1940
There Was no real action for the allies over the winter of 1939-1940, so some ppl started calling it the “phony war”
But in April of 1940, the Germans invaded Denmark and Norway, the Netherlands and Belgium
Mainstein plan
Germans invade and conquer France quickly using a Schlieffen plan “fake”
Allies attempt to defend but Germans push them back to the beach (Dunkirk France)
British, French and Belgian troops were cut off by the German army
Operation Dynamo
Winston Churchill ordered evacuation of troops from seaport town of Dunkirk (“A colossal military disaster”)
They had to abandon everything on the beach
Between May 27 and June 4, 338 226 soldiers brought back to Britain-were rescued by big and little boats-civilian boats, merchant ships, etc. for small-(basically any boat civilians had that could float and would help) and big military destroyer ships, warships, and military ships from the British Royal Navy and things like that for the bigger ones
However, it (the evacuation) moved rly slowly tho because they were like almost constantly under fire by Germany and they were on a beach so they moved rly slowly
Significance
3/5 of France now under German control
all captured French become POWs-prisoners of war
At this point everyone thought Germany would win-cause they were so successful in this battle and absolutely destroyed Britain plus they were kinda ruling the seas and had that under control cause of their u boats so they had the upper hand there too yk so everyone thought Germany was going for the win for sureee
also this is like dun dun dun (in Dunkirk haha) because it went super bad for the Allies
Battle of Britain-include when it began, what Hitlers goal was, what Hitler did (politically), what the battle objective was + what the battle was in general, and how the battle went. Also include the Germans plan (name + when it started and what it was) and also include the significance
Happened in August of 1940 so it was the third battle
Following Dunkirk and the French surrender, Hitler was mainly focused on the possibilities of invading The Soviet Union while believing the British defeated on the continent and without European allies, would quickly come to terms
Hitler offered peace, on his terms, but Churchill turned him down
The air campaign waged by the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) against Britain
Battle objective was to gain air superiority over the British Royal Air Force (RAF)
At the start, the Luftwaffe outnumbered the RAF, but the British had a homefield advantage and held back the Germans
By September, Germans changed tactics and started to focus on destroying London, not the RAF-wanted to crush British morale
However this didn't work-British morale only grew-cause Churchill
Operation Sea Lion
German plan to invade Britain
Would start in July with controlling the air and follow with a cross-channel invasion in September (an invasion across the English Channel — the body of water between France and Britain.)
Never launched by September, clear that the Luftwaffe wasn't controlling the sky
Significance
First major campaign to be fought entirely by air forces and was the arrest and most sustained aerial bombing campaign until that date
Germany was unable to overwhelm British air force
Overall this battle went pretty good for Britain
Battle of Barbarossa-include when + which battle, what the plan was, how big the Germany army was and why, notable thing abt the battle as a whole, why this battle happened in the first place-what made them decide to initiate, specifically how much military resources in terms of troops, tanks and aircrafts were going into this, how did the battle go at first and what went wrong, when did it end and also ad the significance
4th battle-June 1941
Operation Barbarossa was actually the code name for Nazi Germany’s invasion of the Soviet Union that began on June 22, 1941
Over 4.5 million troops of the Axis power had invaded the Soviet Union-an over time number they didn’t go in with this much right off the bat. Also, this huge number was because the USSR was so big at the time and had so many troops it was strength in numbers for them yk that’s what made their military so powerful so Germany tried to match
It was the largest military offensive in history
Remember, in 1939, Germany and the Soviet Union had signed a “Non Aggression Treaty” and had a secret plan to split Poland between themselves. However, obv, Hitler didn’t keep his word and in his pursuit of more land launched Operation Barbarossa.
Quick note, like mentioned b4, Hitler at this point broke their deal because he wanted to conquer ALL of Europe so he thought oh Britain and all the other ill be beat easy peasy since things had been going so well for Germany’s-had already conquered most of europe atp, thus far so he was getting cocky and confident that he was gonna win. But the USSR was in the way and insted of compromising Hitler got greedy and decided to conquer them too. This also lined up with his anti-commnst feelings and Russia was communist at this point o he saw that as a win too to take them over
Hitlers goal at this point was the rapid conquest of the European part of the Soviet Union
The assault compromised of 3 million troops, 3500 tanks, and 1800 aircrafts
Tactically, the Germans had won some resounding victories in the battle and occupied some of the most important economic areas of the country (Russia)
Germany also ended up killing 2 million Russian soldiers and taking over 1 million POWs
However, by winter, the Germans were in trouble-lacked supplies and manpower
Hitler expected Moscow to fall quickly, however fierce resistance drove Germans back into icy plains. His army was left out in the bitter cold without resources for winter warfare.-Germans in general were not adequately prepared for the harsh winter of Russia unlike the Russian soldiers-German soldiers literally freezed to death or starved
And because of this, in July 1943, Germany was finally beaten
Significance:
Ended Germany’s military's good fortune
This battle greatly helped allies since Germany was hit so hard from the effects of this battle-Germany took a huge hit in terms of supplies, manpower, etc. since they had put so much into this operation and battle.
Pearl Harbor-include when it happened/what battle, what occurred because of the battle/significance, why it happened/background info, the casualties-in terms of ppl and military supplies, and how the US officially entered the war + when
This battle can basically be summed up as Japan attacks US navy to weaken it so US joins the war-it gets personal
Anyway it was pretty bad for America navy took a huge hit cause they were NOT anticipating it at ALL-weren’t even involved in the war yk
December 7 1941-5th battle
US/Japanese relations had been tense since Japan invaded Manchuria in 1931-The US had territorial and economic interests in Asia that they wanted to protect
Roosevelt slowly began economic warfare on Japan (and Germany), and in 1940, the US even loaned China over $100 million
The Japanese responded with the Tripartite pact wit Germany and Italy-bound the countries to mutual defense if attacked by any new enemies (eg. the US)
In July of 1941, Japan invaded Indo-China, and the US cut off 90% of Japan’s oil supply. Therefore, Japan only had enough oil for 18 months. SO what did they do? They either give in or take oil from the Dutch East Indies
Japan knew that the US had the strongest navy, and they needed to even the score if they wanted to have a chance of winning. So, they came up with a plan to destroy the US at Pearl Harbor
On December 7, 1941, after peace talks had failed, the Japanese put the plan into action. They launched a two-wave attack so that US ships would be unprepared. And by the end, 8 battleships, 10 warships and 349 aircraft were severely damaged.
2400 Americans died
However, Japan still didn’t get 3 important aircraft carriers or oil reserves
The US declared war on Japan on December 8, 1941 (BUT NOT GERMANY!!). However, GERMANY declared war on the US(because of the treaty) on December 11, 1941. Therefore, this led to US officially entering the war (WW2)
Significance:
It was the reason the US entered WW2
Hong Kong-include when started, what happened, how long it lasted, casualties and significance
Canada fails to protect Hong Kong-bad
December 8, 1941-December 25, 1941-6th battle
Japan had invaded China in the early 1930s and was now looking to gain control of more land in South East Asia
2 Canadian battalions were sent to try and protect Hong Kong (a British colony at the time)
Allies knew it would be almost impossible to stop Japan if they attacked-they lacked the troop members and military resources
Battle lasted 17.5 days
Canadians were captured on Christmas day 1941 by the Japanese army
290 Canadians were killed in action and 500 more wounded
Those who survived were POWs-246 died as POWs (really bad conditions in camps-were tortured and stuff-didn’t “recognize” Geneva convention)
Significance
This was the first Canadian combat during WW2
Battle of Dieppe-include when started/which battle, how it went-good or bad, why it happened/occurred, what operation was planned by Britain-what it was called, what it included/what was planned, when was the operation launched, how did it go and why, and also include significance
Failed because it was a half-planned experiment (bad)
Started August 1942-7th battle
Soviet Union was carrying almost the full weight of German attack-Wanted the Allies to open a second front so that Soviets could get some relief
Britain and colonies were outraged by the fall of Hong Kong-but 1st before charging in, they wanted to test German coastal defenses along French coast at Dieppe to see how the Germans responded
Operation Jubilee
Quick punch to scare Nazis, get info, and get back to Britain
There were no battle ships OR bombers to loosen defenses
The info was to be used for a large scale invasion later
August 19, 1942, Canadians landed on the beach but Germans were ready and the attack was a huge failure-meant for it to e a surprise attack but legit wasn’t? they underestimated Germany too severally and Germany was PREPAREDD like they had the tool sand strong defenses and the Canadians legit didn’t even have the element of surprise. Overall, it was a colossal military failure and a huge mistake on he part of the allies to the point wheer some ppl even called that day a massacre since Canadian soldiers were just being killed so much and so easily
900 Canadians were killed, 1000 injured, and 1900 POWs
The operation failed because it was an experimental invasion (horrible idea), poorly planned, inexperienced troops, no element of surprise
Significance
Greatest disaster in Canadian military history
Taught military leaders strong lesson that would be later used during D-Day
Battle of Stalingrad-include when started/what battle, when ended, what happened/what was it, what made it historically different/stand out ig, how did it start like what did they do to attack first, how did it go in general, what was the German operation called-also include what it was what happened, and also incldue signifciance
Germany loses in Stalingrad-good
Started in August 23, 1942-Feb 2, 1943-8th battle
It was considered the turning point in the war
A major battle of WW2 in which Nazi Germany and its allies fought the Soviet Union for control of the city of Stalingrad
Was one of the bloodiest battler in the history of warfare
The German offensive began with Luftwaffe (German air force) bombing that reduced much of the city to rubble-kinda like what they did in Britain
The fighting turned into hand-to-hand combat and both sides poured reinforcements into the city
By mid November 1942, the Germans had pushed the Soviet defenses back
Operation Uranus
A 2 pronged attack targeting the weaker axis powers (German?)
The Axis forces were cut off and surrounded in the Stalingrad area
Hitler ordered that the army stay in Stalingrad and make no attempt to break out
Instead, attempts were made to supply the by air and to break the encirclement from the outside
Heavy fighting continued for another 2 months, and by the beginning of Feb 1943, the Axis forces in Stalingrad had exhausted their ammunition and food
I also think that because of this German soldiers did ask to retreat but Hitler was like nah ur either winning or dying there so ya huge casualties and a huge loss for Germany
The remaining German troops surrendered
Significance
Marked the end of Germany’s eastern advance and was the first major German loss in WW2
Led to later allied victory
Italian Campaign/Invasion of Italy-include when started/what battle, why happened, what date it begins, what happens in Italy around the time of this campaign, the battle name-include who fought by, what happened, when ended and casualties. Also include significance
Italy switches sides (good)
1943-9th battle
By 1943, Italy was showing signs of weakness and weakened support for the war
Churchill wanted to invade Italy in order to open access to the Mediterranean and weaken the Axis powers
September 3, 1943, allied troops land in Sicily
Italians actually end up disposing of their fascist leader, Mussolini, and the new government sides with the Allies
Battle of Ortona
A small yet extremely fierce battle fought between Germans and the Canadian infantry
Hitler ordered his troops to defend Ortona at all costs
Germans put up a viscous fight but in December 28, the depleted German troops finally withdraw from the town
1375 Canadians dead
Significance
Canadians played a major role in Ortona by helping to defeat Italy and weaken the axis power
Italy switches sides and now supports the allies
D-Day/Normandy-what happened, when did it start/what battle, what was the goal of the allies, why did they decide to attack now,
what was the operation called-when did it begin, how many troops were deployed from each country, give a rundown of events (hour to hour).
How many soldiers landed and how many were Canadian, what obstacles did they face-and why able to overcome them now.., why was this special for Canada/what did Canada do right, casualties (Canadian) what happened after all this, when did battle end, and what was the significance
Take back France (good)
June 6, 1944-10th battle
Goal: To rush beaches of Normandy and overcome German troops
With Germany busy defending from Italy and Russia, the coastal defenses were weakened
Operation Overlord
Occurred June 6, 1944 (D-Day)
Troops build up in Southern Britain
1.25 million Americans, 1.25 million British, 30 000 Canadians
2:30AM
27 000 paratroopers dropped behind enemy lines
3:15AM
2000 bombers began first waves of bombing
5:30AM
Allied warships started firing at German defenses
6:30AM
First wave of US, British and Canadian troops landed
Canadian were on Juno beach
14 000 soldiers landed, 100 Canadian sips with 10 000 Canadian sailors-faced underwater obstacles, land mines, barbed wire, and heavy machine gunfire from Germans-however we were insanely prepared ig after the Dieppe fight-sent a bunch of ppl, had a step by step plan, were VERY prepared overall
Canada was the only allied group to meet all objectives
335 Canadians died
Within a week, the allies had 300 000 troops safely on shore
Within a month, 1 million allies had landed with 200 000 military vehicles
German troops fought hard but were now faced with war on 2 fronts and may Nazi soldiers were just 16 years old
By August, Paris had fallen-had been occupied by the Germans but now liberated by the Allies, and once they did this, the Allies pushed relentlessly into Germany until they met up with Russian forces advancing from the east (23 April, 1945) (joined forces with Russians and effectively encircled Nazis)
On May 7, 1945, the Nazis surrendered
Significance
Major Canadian victory
Learned from Dieppe mistakes
The Netherlands-include what happened, which battle, when, what the allies did + when they attacked (what month), what Canadians did, what the Soviet Union did, when Germany surrendered, and significance
Netherlands are liberated-11th battle
March-May 1945
Once the allies (including Canadians) landed in Normandy, they worked their way inland
An 11 month advance took them thru France and Belgium towards Germany
March 1945, the main Allied force attacked Germany
Canadians were given the task of liberating the Netherlands-over 6300 Candians were killed in the oepration
Dutch had suffered badly during the war and many were starving
Canadians arranged for thousands of tones of food a day t e delivered to civillia’s
Meanwhile, while the allies invaded Germany from the West, the Soviet Union attacked from the east
Facing defeat, Germany surrendered on May 9, 1945
Hitler and his wife, Eva, committed suicide rather than submit to the allies (last week of April)
Significance
This marks the end of WW2
Quick note tho: In Asia, the US was still at war with Japan
Note 
Flashcards (33)