6: End of World War 2 in Europe and Asia-Pacific – Study-Guide Flashcards

30 question-and-answer flashcards covering major events, strategies, strengths, and weaknesses that led to the Allied victory in Europe and the Asia-Pacific during World War 2.

What event officially started World War 2 in Europe?

Germany’s invasion of Poland on 1 September 1939.

What was the Blitzkrieg strategy and why was it effective for Germany early in the war?

A "lightning war" of swift, concentrated attacks by mobile forces, tanks, and close air support that overwhelmed enemy defences before they could organise.

What was the outcome and significance of the Fall of France in May–June 1940?

A rapid German victory that removed a major Allied power, provided Germany control of Western Europe, and served as perceived revenge for WW1.

Who fought the Battle of Britain (Sept 1940–May 1941) and why was it crucial?

The German Luftwaffe versus the British RAF; Britain’s successful defence prevented invasion and preserved a base for future Allied operations.

When did Operation Barbarossa begin and why did it become a major German defeat?

22 June 1941; initial gains stalled by the harsh Russian winter and Soviet reorganisation, leading to huge German losses.

What was the primary objective of Operation Overlord (D-Day) on 6 June 1944?

To launch a massive amphibious invasion of Normandy and liberate German-occupied France, opening a Western front.

On what date did Germany formally surrender, ending the war in Europe?

8 May 1945 (V-E Day).

Which Eastern Front battle (Aug 1942–Feb 1943) is widely seen as a turning point against Germany?

The Battle of Stalingrad.

Why did Japan pursue an expansionist policy in Asia during the 1930s?

To secure natural resources—especially in China—to fuel its growing military and economy.

What surprise attack led directly to U.S. entry into World War 2?

Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbour on 7 December 1941.

Why is the Battle of Midway (June 1942) considered a turning point in the Pacific?

The U.S. Navy sank four Japanese carriers, crippling Japan’s naval air power and shifting the strategic initiative to the Allies.

What was the Allied "island hopping" strategy in the Pacific?

Capturing lightly-defended islands to use as forward bases, isolating and bypassing heavily fortified Japanese positions to reduce casualties and cut supplies.

Why was the Battle of Okinawa (April–June 1945) significant?

It caused enormous Japanese casualties and showcased Japan’s refusal to surrender, influencing the U.S. decision to use atomic bombs.

Name the atomic bombs dropped on Japan and their dates.

"Little Boy" on Hiroshima (6 Aug 1945) and "Fat Man" on Nagasaki (9 Aug 1945).

When did Japan announce its surrender, ending World War 2?

14 August 1945 (formal signing 2 September 1945).

How did U.S. industrial mobilisation earn the title "arsenal of democracy"?

The United States rapidly produced vast quantities of weapons, vehicles, food, and raw materials for itself and Allied nations.

What two factors helped Britain survive the Battle of Britain?

Superior fighter aircraft (Spitfire, Hurricane) and effective radar-guided air-defence system.

Give two reasons for the Red Army’s success against Germany.

Reorganisation granting field officers autonomy, and effective weapons such as the T-34 tank (also discipline, specialist intelligence units, and strong production).

How did the Russian winter affect Operation Barbarossa?

Freezing conditions immobilised German equipment and troops, while giving the Soviets time to regroup and counter-attack.

What resources did the British Empire provide to aid Britain’s war effort?

Manpower, raw materials, and significant financial support—e.g., large contributions from India.

Name two key military weaknesses of Germany that led to defeat.

Hitler’s flawed strategic decisions (e.g., Stalingrad, declaring war on the U.S.) and the strain of fighting simultaneously on Eastern and Western fronts.

Identify two Japanese military weaknesses by 1945.

Rivalry between Army and Navy causing poor coordination, and an overstretched empire that was hard to supply and defend.

Why did fighting on two fronts prove disastrous for Germany?

It divided forces and resources between the Eastern Front against the USSR and the Western Front against the U.S.-led Allies, preventing concentration of strength.

Which technological advantage gave the RAF early warning of German raids?

Radar (the Chain Home radar network).

What did the kamikaze tactic involve?

Japanese pilots deliberately crashing explosive-laden aircraft into Allied ships as suicide attacks.

What Soviet action against Japan occurred in August 1945?

The USSR entered the Pacific war, crushing Japan’s Kwantung Army in Manchuria and Korea.

Why was Germany’s 1940 victory in France considered symbolic revenge?

It overturned Germany’s WW1 defeat by humiliating France and occupying Paris in just six weeks.

Define the term "arsenal of democracy."

A phrase describing the United States as the main producer and supplier of war matériel to the Allies during WW2.

In military history, what is meant by a "turning point"?

A decisive event or battle that significantly changes the momentum and outcome of a conflict—e.g., Stalingrad or Midway in WW2.

What was the Nazi-Soviet Pact and how was it broken?

A 1939 non-aggression agreement between Germany and the USSR; Germany violated it by launching Operation Barbarossa in June 1941.