The Second World War - Test
Name: ANDREW COHEN
World Civilizations Honors
Mr. Luke
TEST REVIEW GUIDE
Second World War
Testing Date: Tuesday, April 22nd 2025
Test Format: Multiple-choice with stimulus-based questions.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Early Aggression:
Key Terms:
Militarists:
A person who believes that a country should maintain a strong, or keep strengthening there military
Prevalent within Japan, and later, took power:
Argued that Japan was unfairly restrained, etc. Also pushed for the invasion of manchuria.
Manchuria:
A valuable resource rich province of northern China, which contained large supplies of Iron and coal.
When the Japanese economy was severely weakened by the Great Depression, militarist sought to invade foreign territories to gain valuable raw materials, hopefully reviving hurt industries:
Organized an invasion of manchuria:
LEAGUE OF NATION PROTESTED BUT DID NOT INTERVENE, FIRST ACT OF APPEASEMENT
Rape of Nanking:
After Japan, literally, walked out of the League of nations in 1933, they planned to seize valuable chinese cities including Nanking:
Became the RAPE OF NANKING:
A Brutal slaughter of Chinese citizens by Japanese troops, massacre ring men, women, and children. All done with extreme brutality and for little reason, even going as far as to treat executions like sporting events.
PROTESTED AND CONDEMNED BUT NO ACTION WAS TAKEN TO PUNISH OR STOP JAPAN: ANOTHER ACT OF APPEASEMENT. (same as above Nanking)
League of Nations:
an intergovernmental organization founded after World War I, aiming to prevent future wars through diplomacy and international cooperation (put forth by U.S. president Woodrow Wilson, although the U.S. did not join):
Had significant flaws.
Adolf Hitler:
Leader of the Third German Reich, and a horrible man. Need I say more?
Benito Mussolini:
The Leader of Italy, as a fascist government. Ruled poorly.
Remilitarization:
The Act of militarizing a country, region, or territory again after it has been demilitarized or disarmed:
Hitler remilitarized, and was met with appeasement
Ethiopian Invasion:
Benito Mussolini (upset that Italy struggled to invade Ethiopia in the Interwar period - he was a nationalist) invaded ethiopia:
The League of Nations did not appease, and put economic sanctions on Italy.
ITALY NO LONGER SUPPORTED AUSTRIA'S INDEPENDENCE:
Opened the door for German Anschluss
Rhineland:
The Rhineland region of Western Germany was demilitarized under the Treaty of Versailles, to serve as a buffer zone between Germany and France. This was done to prevent Germany from using the area as a means for war against France:
LATER REMILITARIZED - AND APPEASED BY THE (league of nations)
Rome-Berlin Axis
A military and political alliance formed between Nazi Germany and fascist Italy.
Later expanded into the Tripartite pact
Spanish Civil War:
A civil war going on in Spain to put Francisco Franco into power as another fascist government:
Germany and Italy helped to successfully put him into power.
Against the treaty of Versailles, YET MET WITH APPEASEMENT
Francisco Franco:
Another fascist leader:
Attempted to be put in power by a brutal civil war, which the rome-berlin axis helped with
Undermines the treaty of Versailles - yet still appeased
Anschluss:
The illegal unification of Austria and Germany.
(Italy originally supported Austrian independence, but because of repercussions of the Ethiopian invasion, no longer does that.)
Met with APPEASEMENT
Sudetenland:
Czechoslovakia’s ethnically-German border region:
Adolf Hitler later demanded it be turned over to the Third Reich, claiming Czechoslovakia was a fraudulent nation. This demand led to the Munich agreement (see below)
Czechoslovakia:
A part of Czechoslovakia, the Sudetenland, was Demanded by hitler. Despite initial resistance, and being legally entitled to defense of its region, the Munich agreement allowed Germany to Annex the sudetenland.
later a term in the Munich agreement which said that Hitler was no longer allowed to claim land of any other Nation more than what he owns right now, was violated with an invasion of the rest of Czechoslovakia
Neville Chamberlain:
The British Prime minister who appeased much of what Hitler, Italy, and Japan had done:
Most notably, the Munich conference and later agreement to appease Hitlers demand for sudetenland
Munich Agreement:
Agreement met at the Munich CONFERENCE:
(the response to fascist aggression): which was brokered at the last minute by Benito Mussolini, where:
Britain and France would accept the Third Reich annexing only the Sudetenland
Hitler promised to never invade the rest of Czechoslovakia, and Sudetenland would be his last territorial acquisition
Later broken.
BROKERED WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF EDUARD BENES (leader of the Czechoslovakia)
Appeasement:
Appeasement is a policy of making concessions (a thing that is granted, especially in response to demands; a thing conceded,) to an aggressor in the hope of avoiding a conflict/war.
Before the beginning of WW2, many things done by the Japanese, Italians, and Germans were APPEASED, leading to stronger enemies when it comes time for war.
Key Questions:
Why did militarists gain power and influence in Japan during the Great Depression?
ANSWER: Japan was experiencing a major political shift in the mid-1920s, which was the beginning of the Showa period, and saw the rise of anti-democratic groups and legislation, where militarists gained power by arguing that the European powers were unfairly restraining Japan. The militarists also started promoting ideologies of Japanese racial superiority
Why did Japan invade the Chinese province of Manchuria in 1931?
ANSWER: Since Japan's economy was weakened due to the Great Depression, the Province rich place of Manchuria that had a multitude of iron and coal looked like exactly what the Japanese needed to revive their economy. - also: The militarist and ultra-nationalists advocated for expansion.
Why did the League of Nations fail to respond in an effective fashion to this act of aggression? Which article made it entirely incapable of taking action?
ANSWER: The League of Nations failed to respond because of many reasons, one of the
Most prevalent, was the need for 100% agreement from the League of Nations to take
Action, and Japan was in the League of Nations so they just rejected anything that talked
about punishing Japan for its actions
Why did Japan risk a full-scale invasion of all of northern China in 1937, and how could this be linked to the initial response of the League of Nations to the invasion of Manchuria?
ANSWER: Japan risked a full-scale invasion of Northern China due to the ongoing desire for strengthening the weakened economy from the Great Depression. ALSO: THEY NEW THAT THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS WAS INEFFECTIVE, SO THEY INVADED AND FELT NO REPERCUSSIONS, EMBOLDENING JAPAN TO MOVE.
What occurred during the “Rape of Nanking”, and despite full knowledge of the atrocities, why did the international community not intervene in a meaningful fashion to stop such behavior?
ANSWER: During the “Rape of Nanking” in December 1937, Japanese troops committed the brutal slaughter and rape of Chinese citzens, including treating some executions like sports events. Furthermore, the League of Nations protested, and condemned but did not intervene because of: (partially because of the need for unanimous agreement within the League of Nations) and the isolationist attitudes of many countries.
Why did the League of Nations response, or lack thereof, embolden fascist territorial aggression in Europe led by Hitler and Mussolini?
ANSWER: Japan’s invasion of Manchuria in 1931, and subsequent actions showed the league of Nations’ weakness in responding to issues. Hitler and Mussolini observed the Leagues’ verbal protests but lacked intervention. Emboldening Hilter and Mussolini to accelerate territorial aggression in Europe, as they knew, a response from the League of Nations was unlikely.
What was Hitler’s overarching goal throughout the mid to late 1930s? What was he attempting to reverse or un-due?
ANSWER: Hitlers’ overarching goal in the mid to late 1930s was to restore Germany’s military strength and international prestige after the humiliation of The Treaty of Versailles.
How did the victors of World War I (Britain, France, Belgium, etc.) feel about the Treaty of Versailles by the mid-1930s, and how did this affect their response to Hitler’s expansion of the German military beyond the 100,000 man limit imposed by the Treaty of Versailles? What other factors restrained them from responding aggressively?
ANSWER:
U.S.: The U.S. did not ratify the treaty, and was grappling with the effects of the Great Depression.
Every other victor: Strongly desired another war, so when Hitler broke it, they let it pass because they wanted to preserve peace.
Another factor is the great depression.
Why was Hitler’s decision to place troops into the Rhineland (German territory) a threat to France, and why was it problematic that neither France nor Britain responded to this action? Why did this make further appeasement more likely?
ANSWER: Hitlers’ placement of troops in the Rhineland in March 1936 threatened France by violating the Treaty of Versailles (which had demilitarized the area) and placing troops very close to France's border, a real threat to war. The failure of France and Britain to respond forcefully was problematic because it weakened the international order and allowed Germany to make itself stronger. It lost a strategic opportunity to check German expansion when its military was weaker.
How did the Rome-Berlin Axis Agreement alter the relationship between Germany and Italy?
ANSWER: The Rome-Berlin Axis Agreement, formed in October 1936, Made Germany and Italy allies, and forced them to work with each other.
Why did Germany and Italy intervene in the Spanish Civil War, and why was it a violation of the Treaty of Versailles for Germany to do so?
ANSWER: Germany and Italy intervened in the Spanish Civil War, to put another fascist government (Francisco Franco) into power, which would help them. (also Spain would now like the axis powers - and even though they never joined the war, they sorta did help.) This was a violation for Germany of the Treaty of Versailles because Germany was not allowed to exercise its military unless threatened.
Who was Spanish General Francisco Franco and what was the final outcome of the Spanish Civil War? Why did this outcome benefit both Germany and Italy?
ANSWER: General Francisco Franco was a fascist government leader who was put in power because of the Civil War which Germany and Italy helped to win (for him). This benefitted both Germany and Italy because it helped to form the Rome-Berlin axis, and made for a third fascist government in europe to help against the allies (spain did not join in war - riddled from civil war)
What was the process of Anschluss and why was it a violation of the Treaty of Versailles?
ANSWER: ANSCHLUSS: The illegal unification of Germany and Austria after WW1 - strictly prohibited in the Treaty of Versailles because Germany was not allowed to gain territory (per the treaty) and Austria's independence was guaranteed.
Why did Britain and France fail to respond to this action by the Nazis?
ANSWER: many reasons, some being: US not wanting to join, economic constraints, fear of war, etc.
Why did Hitler begin demanding the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia in late 1938?
ANSWER: because he claimed that Czechoslovakia was a fraudulent nation trying to cleanse it's population of its German minority. Also ethnically german.
Why did British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain agree to appease Hitler’s demands for the Sudetenland at the Munich Conference?
ANSWER: Many reasons: a desire for appeasement/fear of war, British being ill-prepared to defend, French reluctance. GET MORE INFORMATION!!!!!
What did Hitler promise in the Munich Agreement, and how did he break this agreement only five months later? Why did France and Britain not respond to this violation of the agreement?
ANSWER: He promised: That sudetenland would be his last piece of land aggrandizement, and he would never invade the rest of Czechoslovakia. The French and British failed to respond, YET AGAIN BECAUSE OF APPEASEMENT AND A FEAR OF WAR.
Overall, what was the goal of the policy of appeasement and why did it ultimately fail to prevent another European / global war?
ANSWER: Overall, The goal of the policy of Appeasement was to preserve peace by addressing the grievances and demands of aggressive powers like Nazi Germany through diplomatic negotiation and concession, thereby avoiding another large-scale european/global war.
ULTIMATELY: IT FAILED BECAUSE… it was based on a flawed understanding of Hitlers ambitions since it only emboldened Hitler to do more. Also, it alienated potential allies, and caused a missed opportunity to confront Germany, and made it seem like they were not committed to defending Europe (allies).
Opening Stages of World War II:
Key Terms:
Non-Aggression Pact:
CAUSED BY: Stalin noticed that the allies were not gonna defend Europe, so he attacked Poland, and did not want to fight Germany when they ran into each other.
A German-Soviet agreement signed on August 23rd, 1939, where both parties obligated themselves to refrain from any act of violence, aggressive action, or attack on eachother:
Weird, they hate each other.
Enabled the German invasion of Poland by ensuring there would not be a hostile Soviet response
Often referred to as the start of WW2
Poland:
A place in europe
Invaded, and often referred to as the Start of WW2
Lebensraum:
Literally translated to “living space”
Hitler wanted places like Poland for German settlers.
Blitzkrieg:
Utilized by the Germans:
Aggressively quick and fierce, literally translating into “lightning war”
Catches the enemy off guard.
Used rapidly mobile infantry units, paired with German tank divisions.
S.S.
The S.S. (Schutzstaffel) refers to a key organization within Nazi Germany. It was a paramilitary organization that played a crucial role in enforcing Nazi ideology and carrying out atrocities during the Second World War.
Phony War:
The period following the invasion of Poland where no attack came from the German troops on the French border, while the British and French waited for months, it became known as the “phony war” because they sat waiting for an invasion, but one wasn't coming soon.
Sitzkrieg:
Likewise to “Phony war” it describes the endless waiting for a German invasion that would never come.
Translates to “sitting war” unlike the blitzkrieg which is “lightning war”
Denmark:
A place in Europe
Invaded by Germany in 1940
SEIZED DURING THE PHONY WAR
Norway:
A place in europe
Invaded by Germany in 1940
SEIZED DURING THE PHONY WAR
Maginot Line:
The Maginot Line was a defensive line that the British and French militaries massed on the border of France, focusing on heavily defending points, in preparation for an expected immediate invasion of France following their declaration of war on Germany after the invasion of Poland:
No attack came at the french border.
SORTA RELATED TO THE MAGINOT LINE BUT ALSO JUST A NOTE:
Actually went through the treacherous rainforest, which they believed the Germans couldn't do. So no attack came from German troops on the French border.
MR LUKE SAID SOMETHING THAT ONE OF THESE COUNTRIES, FRANCE OR BELGIUM FELL BECAUSE OF LACK OF COOPERATION WITH ALLIED COUNTRIES, SMTH WITH THE MAGINOT LINE AND THAT HORRIBLE FOREST.
Vichy Regime:
Established by Nazis as the new government of france:
Where it acted as a collaborative, puppet government of Nazis. Only independently controlled southern France. Which was led by former French military hero Philippe Petain.
Implemented fascist policies, assisted in holocaust, extremely anti-semetic.
French Resistance:
The French Resistance was a movement of French civilians who opposed the Nazi German occupation of France and the collaborationist Vichy regime during WW2, it developed after the fall of France in 1940 and was led by figures like Charles de Gaulle
Put out propaganda, provided aid and support, etc.
Dunkirk Evacuation:
The evacuation of French and British soldiers from the port of Dunkirk:
IDK ANYMORE OF IT!
Winston Churchill:
Britain's Prime Minister in early 1940-(__)
Held a strong opposition to appeasement.
Great with speeches, and could easily rally up a group
Battle of Britain:
A massive German bombing campaign of Great Britain, where the goal was to force Britain to surrender:
Began with the London Blitz and was fought off by the British Royal Air Force (R.A.F.)
Long and very hard, so they needed motivators.
London Blitz:
A catastrophic bombing of the city’s urban center (britain - london)
Involved in the Battle of Britain.
Luftwaffe:
The German air force that carried out The battle of Britain
Royal Air Force:
The royal air force for Britain that fought them off utilizing radar and the enigma Machine
Radar:
Crucial technology in WW2, in which, Radar refers to a detection system that uses radio waves to determine the range, angle, or velocity of objects
They could see when people were coming.
Enigma Machine:
A crucial technology in WW2 where the Germans could encode secret messages. The British were able to decode these messages and get vital information that they needed.
They would literally know when a German invasion would begin.
Key Questions:
What were the multiple reasons why the Third Reich and the Soviet Union signed the NonAggression Pact in 1939?
ANSWER: There were multiple reasons for the signing of the Non-aggression Pact in 1939, one being, because the soviets and Germans would run into each other after invading Poland, and did not want to fight (communists and fascists hate each other). Another one, was how the soviets and Nazis agreed that Britain and France did not seem like they were committed to protecting Europe, so the soviet union attempted to expand its sphere of influence and land size.
Why did Stalin and Hitler strongly distrust and dislike one another before the agreement, and did this agreement truly erase that mistrust?
ANSWER: Stalin and Hitler strongly distrusted and dislike one another before the agreement because Stalin was a communist and Hitler was a fascist. The agreement, was temporary, and both sides new they would eventually fight.
What interests did Nazi Germany and Adolf Hitler have in Poland? What was the goal of lebensraum and how would Poland be used to achieve this goal?
ANSWER: Nazi Germany and Adolf Hitler had several interests in Poland. They wanted to seize the Port of Danzig and the Polish Sea Corridor both lost due to the Treaty of Versailles, but also, Hitler sought poland for a large amount of Lebensraum,
What did the Non-Aggression Pact seek to prevent when Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September of 1939? Why might the Soviet Union have reacted negatively to this invasion otherwise?
ANSWER: The Non-Aggression Pact seeked to prevent a hostile Soviet reaction to Adolf Hitlers invasion of Poland. On a map, it is Germany, then to the left, Poland, and then U.S.S.R. If hitler invaded without telling Stalin, he would've thought that he was coming for the USSR next, especially since the communists and fascists hate each other.
What were blitzkrieg tactics and how did they assist the German army in seizing Poland?
ANSWER: The Blitzkrieg tactics were fast “Lighting” like movement that often caught countries/armies off guard. It assisted the German army in seizing Poland because it caught them off guard, and they were not ready for that fast of a German invasion (although they did fend off for a while)
What did the Nazi S.S. units begin doing in Poland as the Third Reich seized the western half of the country?
ANSWER: BRITANNICA AI: they began to construct camps and conduct mass murders.
How did France and Britain respond to the invasion of Poland, and how was this different from their response to the Nazi invasion of Czechoslovakia?
ANSWER: France and Britain actually throw away the policy of appeasement and (solely - because the League of Nations would not) declare war on Germany (which was declaring war on the Axis powers). But for the Nazi invasion of Czechoslovakia, they just appeased.
What occurred during the “phony war” or “sitzkrieg” from late 1939 to early 1940?
ANSWER: The “Phony War” or “Sitzkrieg” describes the period after the declaration of war upon Germany and the axis, where no invasion was done, and people were literally sitting with a coffee in their hand waiting for the Germans to invade.
What two nations did the Third Reich seize control of during this period and why?
ANSWER: The Third Reich, during the “Phony war” seized Denmark, and Norway because
BRITANICA AI: secure vital resources and establish military bases and for Norway to control the north atlantic as well as resources and military bases.
What was the critical weakness that emerged with the French Maginot Line of fortifications against a German invasion?
ANSWER: The critical weakness of the French Maginot Line was that it did not extend along the French-Belgian border. This oversight allowed German forces to bypass the line entirely by invading through belgian (*please note that the French pushed for this, but belgian along with other countries argued against it because belgian feared that the French did not trust them with there forces so close to the french-belgian border, and nobody thought they would invade through the horrible conditions of the rainforests)
How did the German invasion take advantage of this weakness and what was the
consequence for the neighboring neutral countries of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg?
ANSWER: Germany invaded through the weakened French-Belgian border, and that meant that belgium and the other neutral countries would be swiftly taken over - IDK
Review notes and primary source documents on the Nazi occupation of France:
What was this occupation like for French citizens in Paris?
ANSWER: it was marked with severe fear and paranoia, a wrong look could get you punished or searched.
What was the Vichy regime that was established in southern France?
ANSWER: Established by Nazis as the new government of france: Where it acted as a collaborative, puppet government of Nazis. Only independently controlled southern France. Which was led by former French military hero Philippe Petain. And they Implemented fascist policies, assisted in holocaust, and were extremely anti-semetic.
Review primary source on the French resistance movement.
Who was Winston Churchill, and how did his speeches rally British citizens to continue fighting during the Battle of Britain?
ANSWER: Winston Churchill was the Prime Minister of Great Britain, he was known for his excellence in oral speeches, and was marked by powerful emotion that helped to rally support, boost morale, and keep soldiers fighting in the Battle of Britain
What was the Battle of Britain – especially the period known as the London Blitz – and how did the Royal Air Force eventually put a stop to the German Luftwaffe attacks?
ANSWER: The Battle of Britain was a crucial world war II campaign where the R.A.F. (Britain) defended the UK against the German Luftwaffe’s London Blitz which was a period so heavy, and I mean heavy German bombing on Britain. This was lightened (by brit) with two crucial machines, radar, and the Enigma Machine. Radar would let the british people see if people were coming by using its radio waves, and the enigma machine was a german encoding machine that allowed the british to decode all of their information, so they literally KNEW when an invasion was gonna come, so they could stop it accordingly.
Global Spread of the War:
Key Terms:
North Africa:
This region was significant during WW2, involving major campaigns between the Axis and Allied forces (d-day) Control of North Africa was crucial for access to the Mediterranean and the Suez Canal, impacting supply routes and strategic military operations.
North Africa was invaded in 1941 by the axis powers.
Suez Canal:
A vital waterway in Egypt that connects the Mediterranean sea to the Red sea, the Suez Canal was crucial for strategic military and trade routes during The Second World War. Control of the Canal was essential for the Allies to maintain supply lines to the Middle East and beyond.
Many battles fought over it.
Erwin Rommel:
Known as “The Desert Fox” (cause of campaign tactics):
He was the commander of German tank forces in N. Africa, and pushed the British out of most of Egypt, but failed to seize control of the Suez canal from the British.
I THINK THERE IS MORE ABOUT THIS!!
Operation Barbarossa:
In June of 1941 when the German army invaded the Soviet Union:
Caught the soviets buy surprise, attacking both civilians and soldiers.
Even though the USSR had one of the largest armies in the world, still suffered from being underequipped, and got pushed back 500 miles so had to resort to scorched earth strategies.
Isolationism:
A policy of non-involvement in international political and economic relations.
EX: Before its eventual entry into WW2, this policy influenced legislation like the neutrality acts, by which its name, aimed to keep the U.S. neutral.
Franklin D. Roosevelt:
The 32nd president of the US, Roosevelt led the nation through the Great Depression and WW2. His leadership was instrumental in the Allied victory, and he formally brought the U.S. into the war.
Neutrality Acts:
A series of laws passed in the 1930s to prevent U.S. involvement in foreign wars, reflecting the isolationist sentiment of the time. These acts did things like restricting arms sales and loans to belligerent nations.
Cash and Carry Policy:
A revision to the Neutrality Acts that allowed Belligerent nations to purchase arms from the U.S. if they paid in cash and transported the goods themselves. This policy aimed to aid allies like Britain and France without drawing the U.S. into the conflict:
Marked a step away from Isolationism, and put the U.S. on the allies side.
Lend-Lease Act:
Enacted in 1941, this program allowed the U.S. to supply military aid to its allies during WW2, significantly supporting nations like Britain and the Soviet Union against the Axis - or “any government he deemed in the interests of national defense”
Again moved away from strict neutrality
Atlantic Charter:
A pivotal policy statement issued in 1941 by Roosevelt and Churchill outlined Allied goals for the post-war world, emphasizing self-determination, economic cooperation, less territorial disputes, and peace
Officially signaled the U.S. was siding with Great Britain in the war, without officially declaring war on the Axis Powers
Tripartite Pact:
Signed on September 27th, 1940, by Germany, Italy, and Japan, this pact stated that the signatories would “stand by and cooperate with one another in regard to their efforts in greater East Asia and regions of Europe”
By signing, Japan recognized the leadership of Germany and Italy in Europe, and Germany and Italy recognized Japan's leadership in Greater East Asia.
They pledged to assist each other in all political, economic, and military means.
Formed the Axis Powers
Designed to prevent American entry into the Second World War by threatening the U.S. with a two-front war.
Pearl Harbor:
The United States was suddenly and deliberately attacked…
Surprise Japanese attack on U.S. pacific fleet:
Docked at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii where they destroyed critical warships and figure planes, along with 2000 American soldiers.
Motivation:
Japan needed to seize oil fields in the Dutch East Indies, and knew that it would provoke an American response so they felt they should strike the U.S. military first.
BRITAIN FELT:
There goes our American support, they will be focusing on Japan now!
Wrong because, later Germany, stupidly declared war on the U.S. anyway, so America had to fight both.
Key Questions:
Why did the Axis powers invade North Africa in 1940?
ANSWER: The Axis powers, specifically Italy, invaded North Africa in 1940 primarily to gain strategic locations (suez canal) and access to valuable oil reserves of the Middle East.
What critical resources were the Third Reich and Italy trying to seize?
ANSWER: The Third Reich and Italy were trying to seize the Suez Canal, and vital Oil shipments.
Why was the Suez Canal a critical waterway for the Axis to seize from Britain?
ANSWER: The Suez Canal was a critical waterway for the Axis powers to seize from Britain because it provided the shortest maritime route between Europe and Asia, significantly reducing travel time compared to the long journey around the Cape of Good Hope. Control of the Cana would have allowed the Axis powers to disrupt British supply lines and military operations, as it was a vital link for the British Empire’s trade and military logistics.
Who was Erwin Rommel and what role did he have in North Africa?
ANSWER: Erwin Rommen was the Commander of the German Tank forces in North Africa, known as “The Desert Fox” (cause of campaign tactics) he was able to push most of the british out of Egypt (after Italy had failed to) BUT, failed to seize control of the ever vital Suez canal.
How did Eastern European nations react to threats made by Hitler?
Did this lead to the spread of the Holocaust into southeastern Europe?
What were the multiple reasons why Hitler decided to launch Operation Barbarossa?
ANSWER: many reasons, some being: to eradicate communism (anti-bolshevism), gain “lebensraum” (living space) for the German People, capture vital resources and establish German dominance in Eastern Europe.
What problems did the German military immediately face as a result? Why was such an invasion into the USSR very ill-advised?
ANSWER: The German Military invaded the USSR, despite the harsh weather, scorched earth policy, and logistical challenges.
What strategy did the Soviet Red Army use as it retreated from the German invasion?
ANSWER: The Soviet Red Army used the “Scorched Earth Policy” as they retreated from the German Invasion (literally scorching the earth as you retreat, so they cannot use that area to sustain their war effort.
How did the United States show both continuity and change in its foreign policy from the mid-1930s until the early 1940s?
ANSWER:
Continuity: Isolationism, the U.S. maintained a strong isolationist stance throughout the 1930s, influenced by the disillusionment with WW1 and the Great Depression - evident in the passage of the Neutrality acts, which aimed to prevent U.S. intervention
Change: Shift towards engagement, - the cash and carry policy, allowing them to buy it with cash, and the Lend lease act of 1941, which allowed the U.S. to supply military aid to the Allied nations, signaling changes. Additionally, the attack on pearl harbor sent the U.S. into the war against the Axis
How did the Neutrality Acts of 1935 and 1936 attempt to keep America out of any potential war in Europe or Asia?
ANSWER:
The Neutrality Act of 1935 made it unlawful to export arms, ammunition or any implements of war from the U.S. to belligerent states: aiming to remain neutral, by not involving in the war, and prevent American businesses from selling war materials to warring nations, and profiting off of it.
The neutrality act of 1936 ensured U.S. neutrality by making it unlawful for any person in the U.S. to purchase, sell, or exchange bonds, etc. to any government of any belligerent country
Both attempt to keep the U.S. neutrality by not involving themselves in the war.
How did the “cash and carry” policy of 1939 preserve neutrality while also allowing the U.S. to assist Britain, France and China?
ANSWER: Preservation of neutrality by avoiding entanglements, by requiring cash payments and the use of foreign ships, the policy minimized the risk of U.S. ships being attacked and reduced the likelihood of financial entanglements that could draw the U.S. into the war. While simultaneously assisting the allies by allowing them to acquire the necessary war materials without directly involving the U.S. in the conflict.
How did the Lend-Lease Act show a dramatic change in U.S. foreign policy without requiring direct military intervention?
ANSWER: The Lend-Lease Act represented a major shift in U.S. foreign policy by allowing the U.S. to support its allies in WW2 without direct military involvement. The Lend lease act authorizes the president to provide military aid to any country deemed vital to U.S. security. This shows a dramatic change, because they went from not selling, to selling with cash, and now picking a side and selling as much as deemed vital.
Why did Roosevelt’s “Arsenal of Democracy” speech and the Atlantic Charter show a change in U.S. foreign policy prior to the Pearl Harbor attack?
ANSWER: Roosevelts “Arsenal of Democracy” speech and the Atlantic Charter signaled a shift in U.S. foreign policy away from isolationism. The Arsenal of Democracy is a term outlining that urged american to become the suppliers of democracy, and we must stand up to those who are against it (picking a side with democracy) the atlantic charter was a joint declaration by roosevelt and Churchill outlining the common goals for the post-war world, including no territorial aggrandizement, self-determination, etc. further demonstrating the U.S. commitment to moving away from isolationism
What was the Tripartite Pact and what consequence would it have if the United States started a war with Japan in the Pacific?
ANSWER: The Tripartite Pact was an agreement signed in 1940, by Germany, Italy, and Japan, forming a defence alliance intended to deter the U.S. from entering The Second World War (by the threat of a two front war). The pact stipulated that the signatories would assist one another with all political, economic, and military means, and also recognized each others leaderships.
Furthermore, if the U.S. started a war with Japan in the Pacific, the Tripartite Pact would obligate Germany and Italy to declare war on The U.S, as they did following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December, 1941 (although they were not obligated to - because Japan declared war not america, this was a blunder by Hitler) This broadened the conflict, and would make America face a two front war.
What directly motivated the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December of 1941?
ANSWER: The motivations of the Pearl harbor attack on America was because Japan needed to seize oil fields in the DUTCH EAST INDIES, but since this was owned by the U.S. and they knew it would provoke a military response they felt they should strike the U.S. military first, which would limit the ability to respond to the attack on the Dutch East indies (NOTE: america had recently cut down how much oil they gave to Japan)
THE FEELING IN BRITAIN WAS: oh no! Our American support is gone because they are gonna be focused on Japan after Pearl Harbor! But then, Germany/Hitler declared war on America, drawing them back to the European theatre - british were literally celebrating.
The European Theater:
Key Terms:
Propaganda:
Communication utilized to persuade or influence an audience, often with a specific agenda and without necessarily being objective or truthful
Utilized during wars to attempt to get people to join:
Characterized by racism, dehumanization, demonization, underlying tones, etc.
Dehumanization:
The process of making someone appear less human, or “dehumanizing”/”demonizing” them.
Often done with propaganda, to justify the killing of these rabid animals instead of humans like you and me.
Operation Torch:
An operation where the U.S. and Britain invaded North Africa, which was led by General George patton:
outcome:
Allies retained control of the Suez Canal and regained control of North African oil fields (makes it way harder for Germany to fuel their army) and primary control of the mediterranean sea.
George Patton:
The guy who led the operation torch - key to victory!
Daylight Bombing:
PREFACE: Night Time bombing was less accurate, and they couldn't see you coming, but it was so dark and you couldn't see where you were going!
A strategy used by the Allies, particularly the U.S. Army Air Force, involving bombing raids conducted during daylight to increase accuracy. This tactic was pivotal in cripplying German industrial and military capabilities, despite the high losses of life.
Italian Campaign:
The Italian Campaign was an allied invasion to liberate Italy, beginning with Sicily where Mussolini lost popularity and was later arrested.
Subsequently the German military entered Italy and returned mussolini to power as a puppet leader.
Later Mussolini was recaptured by Italian resistance, shot, and hanged at a gas station.
MANY PEOPLE WERE HAPPY!
All whilst Stalin is arguing that we are wasting our time liberating Italy when we should go head on against Germany - are you trying to weaken the communists?!
Sicily:
Place in Italy
The site of the Allied invasion in July 1943, marking the beginning of the Italian Campaign. The Successful capture of Sicily facilitated the subsequent invasion of mainland italy and weakened axis control in the mediterranean.
Battle of Stalingrad:
From August of 1942 to February of 1943, fighting on an industrial city, where the German and Axis forces seized much of the city. But Stalin ordered the Red Army to defend the city to death:
Subsequently the soviet surrounded the city and laid siege to it. - REVIEW ORDER 227 (if you retreat we shoot)
THE WORST BATTLE IN HUMAN HISTORY, forced Germany to retreat from Russia, and the axis lost over 850,000 soldiers while the soviets lost 1,150,000
D-Day Invasion:
A massive beach invasion of Normandy, France:
Carried out by the: U.S. British, and Canada.
Planned and led by the U.S. Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Saw horrific fighting with high casualties, forcing Germany to put more forces to the west, crippling its ability to fight the soviets, leading to:
Intense fighting and late the liberation of France and Belgium
Normandy:
The region in France where the D-Day landings occurred
Dwight D. Eisenhower:
An important figure in Europe, he led the planning and execution of D-Day and other major operations, playing a pivotal role in the allied victory in Europe.
The Atlantic Wall:
BRITANNICA AI: A system of coastal defenses built by Nazi Germany along the western coast of Europe. Despite its formidable appearance, it was breached by the allied during the D-Day landings, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Allied planning and deception
Battle of the Bulge:
The battle of the bulge was a battle where they poured troops onto the Western front, punching a hole (bulge) in allied lines, hoping this would cause the U.S. and Britain to negotiate.
Assault was brutally beaten back by the allies, and the U.S. and Britain began to push into the Third Reich.
First fight on German Soil
Battle of Berlin:
In the Battle Of Berlin:
The City became surrounded by the Soviet's military, which led to brutal fighting in the city’s streets.
Hitler and Leading Nazis commited suicide:
This caused the remaining leaders to surrender, subsequently ending the war.
Key Questions:
What were some of the common characteristics of World War II propaganda utilized by all nations involved in the conflict?
ANSWER: Dehumanization, Demonization, racism, underlying tones, etc.
How could the use of dehumanization be linked to the need for total war policies?
ANSWER: Dehumanizing the enemy made it easier to justify the extreme total war policies. Dehumanizing the enemy also made it easier to mobilize the army out of fear, as well as removing the moral constraints with killing another human
What was the goal of Operation Torch in North Africa in late 1942, and what effect did it have on the Axis powers?
ANSWER: The goal for the allies was to invade the region and gain control of the french north african regions. Attempting to open up another front in the war. — As for the effect, it marked the end of axis control in north africa, severely hurting the axis powers as they lost many valuable places in north africa.
Why was Italy invaded by Great Britain and the United States after Operation Torch in North Africa, and what was the result of the Italian Campaign?
ANSWER: they wanted to: liberate Italy, exploit the strategic advantage they just gained, and continue to pressure the axis powers. THE RESULT: 1. Mussolini lost popularity and was arrested. 2. The German military entered Italy and returned Mussolini to power as the puppet leader. 3. The Allie successfully moved up the Italian peninsula. 4. The Allies faced intense German resistance in Italy until the end of the war. 5. Lastly , Mussolini was then recaptured by the Italian resistance, shot, and hanged — and people were very happy.
The results of the Italian Campaign were as follows:
Why did the United States carry out aggressive and dangerous daylight bombing campaigns over Germany and occupied France from 1942 to 1945?
ANSWER: The U.S. carried out the aggressive and dangerous daylight bombing campaigns instead of nighttime campaigns because you had better accuracy, although it was in the daytime so the enemy could see you easier. The U.S. was also able to see factories and railways better because of the sunlight from the daytime.
Why was the Battle of Stalingrad in the Soviet Union perhaps the most critical and horrific battle of the Second World War?
ANSWER: The Battle of Stalingrad was one of the most critical and horrific battles of the second world war because of its scale, intensity, and importance. The battle took place near the Volga river, in a vital industrial city. Also, it saw deaths like to others - 2 MILLION.
How did Joseph Stalin ensure that after the Germans took the city, no Soviet troops would retreat in the effort to reclaim it?
ANSWER: ORDER 227 which made it so, that if you begin to surrender, and run away because you're scared, we have men in our army ready to shoot you for surrendering. — THE IDEA WAS YOU DIE FIGHTING OR WE KILL YOU RETREATING
What effect did this battle have on the German military and why did this enable the D-Day invasion into France by the U.S., Britain and Canada?
ANSWER: Germany was severely weakened, and a drought of resources. The Germany army was stretched thin, which made it easier to begin the D-Day invasions
Why did Dwight D. Eisenhower ordered the D-Day invasion of Normandy, France in 1944?
ANSWER: Dwight D. Eisenhower ordered the D-Day invasion of Normandy, France in 1944 because he wanted to: 1. Open up a western front for Germany and relieve pressure off of the soviets.
Why was this an especially brutal and difficult beach landing for Allied troops?
ANSWER: Because the Germans expected an invasion, and set up the Atlantic Wall, which was a good defense, but we just kept sending human waves and they were overwhelmed. Also there was tough terrain
Why did the Allied invasion into France present a critical problem for the German military and what did it result in?
ANSWER: The Allied invasion into France presented a critical problem because It opened up a new front, causing Germany to have to fight the infamous two-front war.
What critical impact did the Battle of the Bulge have on the Western Front of the European Theater and the future survival of the Third Reich?
ANSWER: The Battle of the bulge saw very soon success, then a lot of backfire, it pushed a (bulge) into the allied lines. But exhausted manpower, fuel, oil, etc.
What occurred as a result of the Battle of Berlin between the German and Soviet militaries?
ANSWER: Other than the capital of the Third Reich falling to the Soviets, The Battle of Berlin caused (after Soviet victory) Hitler, and other leading Nazi officials to commit suicied. Following these events, the remaining German leaders surrendered. Effectively ending the war.
The Pacific Theater:
Key Terms:
General MacArthur:
General Douglas MacArthur was a prominent U.S. Army leader during World War II
Admiral Nimitz:
Commander in chief of ALL U.S. forces in the Pacific, equal to that of Eisenhower. He led naval operations in the Pacific, including key battles such as Midway and The Coral Sea, and was instrumental in the Island-hopping strategy that led to Japan’s defeat.
Battle of Midway:
The battle of Midway (1942) was a pivotal naval battle in which the U.S. navy DECISIVELY defeated an attacking fleet of the Imperial Japanese Navy, marking a turning point in the Pacific war by ending Japanese expansion.
Battle of the Coral Sea:
The Battle Of the Coral Sea (May, 1942) was a naval and air engagement that stopped a Japanese invasion force heading for New Guinea, it was the first major naval battle where aircraft carriers did all of the fighting, the aircraft carriers engaged in the opposing ships and aircrafts for the first time. Foreshadowing future naval warfare.
Success for the allies as they stopped Japan's southern advance
Island Hopping:
A technique, in which one would bypass heavily fortified islands to reach the strategically vital ones.
Caused very high death - yet successful
Guadalcanal:
The Battle of Guadalcanal was a series of land and sea clashes that were horrific. They marked a turning point in the Pacific war as allied forces began to take the offensive against japan.
Marked by high casualties because of the island hopping strategies
Described a “hell”
Iwo Jima:
Iwo Jima was a strategic battle where American forces captured the island “iwo jima” from the Japanese, resulting in a better air position against them.
Accounts of VERY high deaths, and showed that the Japanese army was learning, which will affect if we use the atomic bomb later or not.
Okinawa:
The battle of Okinawa was one of, if not, the bloodiest campaigns in the pacific, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides, providing a staging area for the planned invasion of Japan… if we were to do that.
Unconditional surrender:
More formally, The Potsdam Declaration, called for Japan’s unconditional surrender, warning of “prompt and utter destruction” if they refused. Japan’s eventual surrender followed the atomic bombings and soviet entry into the war against Japan.
It was basically saying:
Surrender now, on our terms - none, or we destroy you.
President Harry Truman:
Harry S. Truman was the 33rd president of the U.S. overseeing the final stages of WW2, including the fateful decision to use the atomic bombs on Japan and hastening the end of the War.
Manhattan Project:
A HIGHLY secretive U.S. project during WW2 that developed the atomic bomb, eventually leading to the fateful bombings
So secretive, even the vice president didn't know until his predecessor died.
Started under President Roosevelt:
Including leading atomic physicist, like Albert Einstein, who urged Roosevelt to initiate the project over fears of the Nazi government developing one, and the consequences of not having something to counter it.
KNOWLEDGE WAS TIGHTLY RESTRICTED
Led by Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer:
Oversaw the trinity test.
Hiroshima and Nagasaki:
Hiroshima:
Hiroshima was a vital Japanese industrial city that Japan could not sustain the war effort without. Hit with an atomic bomb at 8:15 Am on august 6th - by the B-29 Bomber Enola Gay
Caused 80,000 immediate deaths, and vaporized the Japanese 2nd Army Division
The Japanese government still refused an unconditional surrender
Nagasaki:
Subsequently, after they refused to surrender another vital industrial city was bombed on august 9th, three days after hiroshima:
Japan still refused to surrender, but finally agreed to it after Emperor Hirohito overruled the military leadership.
Killed roughly 210,000 people
Key Questions:
How did the leadership of MacArthur and Nimitz change the course of the war in the Pacific?
ANSWER:
Admiral Chester Nimitz, as commander in chief of all U.S. forces in the Pacific, spearheaded the “island-hopping” strategy, which was crucial for the systematic advance toward Japan.
General MacArthur, subordinate to Nimitz, primarily led campaigns in the Southwest Pacific, including the significant retaking of the Philippines.
What was the goal of the island hopping strategy?
ANSWER: The goal of the island-hopping strategy was to capture specific islands across the pacific to use as bases for advancing towards Japan. — systematic small strategic advances throughout the pacific building up. (and bypassing islands)
Why were the battles of Midway, the Coral Sea, Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa each critical turning points?
ANSWER:
Midway: The Battle of Midway was pivotal because they decisively defeated japan, shifting the momentum and balance in the allies favor
Coral Sea: The coral sea was a strategic victory for the allies halting Japanese advancement southward, marking the first Japanese invasion stopped.
Guadalcanal: first major allied offensive in the pacific.
Iwo Jima: provided a critical base for fighter escorts and emergency landings — iwo jima
Okinawa: largest assault in the pacific war, providing a crucial base for the planned invasion of Japan.
Why was the goal of an unconditional surrender important in the decision to either invade or use atomic weapons on Japan?
ANSWER: The goal of the unconditional surrender was crucial in the decision to invade or utilize the atomic weapons on japan. They were determined to achieve a complete dismantling of Japan’s military power and its existing political leadership. These were outlined in the potsdam declaration
Ultimately, what led to the decision to drop the atomic bomb on both Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and what were its effects?
ANSWER: Japan refused to surrender, so they dropped the bomb to try to force an unconditional surrender, but they claimed it was fake so they had to drop another one to show them it was real. It killed many, and the radiation flowed over killing more — truly a detrimental piece of destruction.