WWII Test

Franklin D. Roosevelt

US president who supported the Allies before officially joining the war.

Joseph Stalin

Dictator of the Soviet Union; led the USSR against Germany, known for strict control and massive military mobilization, played a huge role in defeating Hitler on the Eastern Front.

Adolph Hitler

Dictator of Germany, started WWII, responsible for aggressive expansion and the Holocaust.

Winston Churchill

Prime Minister of Britain; inspired the British people during the war and led resistance against Nazi Germany, especially during the Battle of Britain.

Benito Mussolini

Dictator of Italy; allied with Hitler, led a fascist government, and joined WWII on the Axis side.

How did the policy of appeasement fail in the 1930’s?

It failed, giving in to Adolf Hitler only encouraged more aggression.

What was the Anschluss?

Germany’s annexation of Austria in 1938.

What event started WWII?

Germany invading Poland in 1939.

What happened at Dunkirk in 1940?

Allied troops were trapped but rescued in a massive evacuation from Dunkirk.

Where did the government of France flee to after the fall of Paris?

To the southern city of Vichy.

What technology greatly aided the British in their defense against German bombers?

Radar & Sonar

What were Hitler’s two major strategic mistakes of WWII?

Invading the Soviet Union & Not invading France

How did the Allies attempt to combat U-Boats in the Atlantic?

Convoy system + destroyers + sonar + depth charges.

Why had the tide turned in the Atlantic by 1943?

Better technology (radar/sonar), code-breaking, and stronger naval coordination.

Why was the Battle of Stalingrad so difficult on both sides?

Brutal winter, urban combat, and massive casualties on both sides.

What was the outcome of Operation Torch?

Allies gained control of North Africa.

The Allied forces first attempt to gain a foothold in Europe saw them landing on what island?

Sicily, Italy

Why was the Battle of the Bulge important?

Last major German offensive. After failure, Germany was weakened and near defeat.

What did V-E Day commemorate?

Victory in Europe (Germany’s surrender).

Women’s Auxiliary

Allowed Women to serve in non-combat roles (clerks, drivers, mechanics).

Office of Price Administration

Controlled prices and rationing to prevent inflation.

War Production Board

Directed factories to produce war materials.

Rationing

Limiting goods like gas, food, and rubber to support the war.

What is the purpose of the Selective Service System?

Draft soldiers into the military.

How many Americans volunteered for service after Pearl Harbor?

About 5 million

How many more people did the Selective Service Act provide?

10 million

What kinds of jobs were the members of the WAAC responsible for?

Clerical work, communications, mechanics, drivers.

How did discrimination show itself in regard to volunteers?

Minorities were often segregated and given lower-level roles.

Describe the contribution made by the Tuskegee Airmen?

first African American military pilots in U.S. history, who excelled in combat during World War II and helped break racial barriers in the military.

How were American factories, like the Ford Automotive Plant, transformed during WWII?

Switched from cars to tanks, planes, and military equipment.

What kinds of discrimination did women and minorities face in the defense industry?

Women/minorities paid less, limited job access, segregation.

What was A. Philip Randolph able to achieve for defense workers in the US?

Pushed for fair hiring and led to banning discrimination in defense jobs.

After their meeting in 1941, what strategy did Churchill and Roosevelt agree upon?

Defeat Germany before Japan “Germany first”

What system did the US develop to combat German U-boats in the Pacific?

Convoy system and improved naval tech.

What two decisions determined the outcome at the Battle of Stalingrad?

Hitler refusing retreat & Soviet encirclement.

What was Operation Overlord?

D-Day invasion of Normandy

Who famously "spat in the Seine"?

Charles de Gaulle

As Allied troops approached Germany, who were they encountering and liberating?

Prisoners in Nazi concentration camps.

What did Hitler choose over surrender?

Suicide

Why did Roosevelt not see V-E Day?

He died before Germany Surrendered.

How was Germany to be divided after the war?

Into four occupation zones (US, UK, France, Soviet Union).

What was Operation Paper Clip?

U.S. program to bring German scientists to America.