World War 2 Test Study Guide

Who declared war on Japan, prompting World War II involvement for the U.S?

President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared war on Japan after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

What was the date of the attack on Pearl Harbor?

December 7, 1941.

Which countries were part of the Axis Powers?

Japan, Germany, and Italy.

What is the Arsenal of Democracy?

A term used by President Roosevelt to describe the U.S. commitment to supply allies with weapons and supplies during WWII.

What event prompted the U.S. to enter World War II?

The attack on Pearl Harbor by Japan.

When did the U.S. Congress declare war on Japan?

December 8, 1941.

What was the Lend Lease Act?

A U.S. law allowing the provision of military aid to foreign nations without immediate payment.

Who were the primary recipients of aid from the Lend Lease Act?

Great Britain, the Soviet Union, and China.

What was the purpose of the War Production Board (WPB)?

To oversee wartime production and shift factories to produce military goods.

What is 'Island Hopping'?

A military strategy used by the U.S. to capture strategically important islands while bypassing heavily fortified ones.

What significant battle marked the turning point in the Pacific Theater?

The Battle of Midway.

What were the two cities targeted by atomic bombs in WWII?

Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

What is the significance of the term 'Greatest Generation'?

Refers to the generation that lived through the Great Depression and fought in World War II.

What roles did women take on during WWII?

Factory workers, military support roles, office jobs, and volunteers.

What was the primary goal of the Double V Campaign?

To achieve victory against fascism abroad and racism at home.

What did President Roosevelt's Four Freedoms include?

Freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.

Who were the Navajo Code Talkers?

Native American soldiers who used their language to create an unbreakable code for secure communication.

What was Executive Order 9066?

An order that led to the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII.

What was the GI Bill?

Legislation providing benefits to WWII veterans for education, housing, and job training.

What was D-Day?

The largest seaborne invasion in history, launched on June 6, 1944, to liberate Nazi-occupied France.

What was the estimated effect of the atomic bombings on Japanese cities?

Over 100,000 killed instantly and immense destruction.

What was significant about Jackie Robinson?

He broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball as the first African American player.

What was the Thousand Yard Stare?

A blank, unfocused look in a soldier's eyes, indicating trauma or psychological distress.

Who pushed for the Lend Lease Act?

President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

What did the term 'Rosie the Riveter' symbolize?

Women’s contributions to the workforce during WWII.

How did WWII affect African Americans in the workforce?

Many moved for defense jobs but faced discrimination and segregation.

What was the impact of the atomic bombings on post-war Japan?

Japan surrendered on August 15, 1945, effectively ending WWII.

Why did the U.S. practice rationing during the war?

To conserve resources for the military and manage shortages.

What were significant contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen?

They proved African Americans could excel in combat and aviation.

What was the significance of propaganda during WWII?

To influence public opinion and encourage support for the war effort.

What happened to Japanese Americans as a result of wartime fears?

Many were interned due to perceived security threats following Pearl Harbor.