Final: WWII

Question 1

Nuremberg Laws

Answer 1

1935 Antisemitic laws in Nazi Germany. Classified people as ‘German,’ Jewish, or mixed depending on grandparents. These clear definition allowed full discrimination against Jews. 1/4 = different, 3/4 = full Jew.

Question 2

The Flying Tigers

Answer 2

1941 A Chinese group of fighter pilots trained by American Army Air Coprs posing as private contractors. Used to combat Japan.

Question 3

Operation Sea Lion

Answer 3

1940 Germany’s plan to invade England following the fall of France. This would have required Germany to have both sea and air supremacy of the English Channel, neither of which they ever had. This plan was never enacted.

Question 4

Vichy

Answer 4

1940-44 French government which collaborated with the Axis powers. Basically a puppet government run by Germany after the fall of France.

Question 5

Operation Barbarossa

Answer 5

1941 Germany’s invasion of Russia. The largest military invasion in human history. It’s failure began the decline of the Third Reich, and eventually led to the Siege of Leningrad and Battle of Stalingrad.

Question 6

The Atlantic Charter

Answer 6

1941 Defined Allied goals for the post-war world. It was based on making territorial changes agreeing with the people, restoration of self-government, free access to raw materials, open trade, FREEDOM FOR FEAR AND WANT, disarmament of aggressor nations, and global cooperation.

Question 7

Bataan Death March

Answer 7

1942 Filipino and American POW’s forced to march over 80mi after Battle of Bataan. Extreme physical abuse and frequent murder caused high fatality rates.

Question 8

US Executive Order 9066

Answer 8

1942 Allowed the creation of Japanese POW camps in America. Government later issued apology payments to survivors.

Question 9

Wannsee Conference

Answer 9

1942 The place where the “Final Solution” to Nazi Germany’s Jewish ‘problem’ was proposed and accepted. Jews were soon imprisoned in labor camps which were later converted to death camps.

Question 10

Operation Torch

Answer 10

1942 British-American invasion of North Africa to take it out of Nazi hands. Roosevelt and Churchill agreed to leave North Africa in Vichy hands after the invasion.

Question 11

Siege of Stalingrad

Answer 11

1942-43 Attempted Nazi invasion of Stalingrad, Stalin’s ‘Not another step back” speech was followed. Nazis decided to level Stalingrad with artillery. This leads Stalin to ask for a second front.

Question 12

Kursk

Answer 12

1943 German and Russian forces fought in a massive tank battle. The decisive Soviet victory marked a turning point in the war.

Question 13

Cairo Conference

Answer 13

1943 Addressed Allied position against Japan and made decisions about postwar Asia. Stalin refused to attend to avoid provocation between Soviet Union and Japan. Decided to continue fighting Japan until unconditional surrender when all land taken, including Manchuria and Formosa, would be returned to rightful owners.

Question 14

The Second Front

Answer 14

1944-45 Stalin’s wish for western Allies to open an assault on France and mainland Europe to relieve pressure on eastern European Russian fronts. Stalin requested this in 1942 but Churchill would not agree until ‘44, when sufficient forces were amassed.

Question 15

Operation Anvil/Dragoon

Answer 15

1944 Allied invasion of southern France initiated via parachute drops followed by amphibious assaults. Ultimately caused Germany to abandon southern France and suffer heavy casualties. Very successful for Allies.

Question 16

Lublin Poles

Answer 16

1945 Soviet backed government created for Poland after its liberation. In direct conflict with the current exiled Polish government, the London Poles.

Question 17

Bretton Woods

Answer 17

1944 System of rules for trade among the world’s major industrial states. Regulates international monetary systems and set up World Bank.

Question 18

Dumbarton Oaks

Answer 18

1944 Conference that set up the system that would succeed the League of Nations, the United Nations.

Question 19

Battle of the Bulge

Answer 19

1944-45 Major German offensive on the western front towards the end of the war. Bloodiest battle on the western front, leaving German army severely depleted and nearly defeated in the west.

Question 20

Potsdam Conference

Answer 20

1945 Allied conference to determine how to administer punishment to defeated Nazi Germany. Took place just after Germany’s surrender, decided to give back taken land give reparations, and return Poland to provisional Lublin government. Also set up terms of surrender for Japan. Truman was informed of successful a-bomb tests at this conference.

Question 21

Operation Downfall & Ketsu-go

Answer 21

1945 Allied plan for invasion of Japan near the end of the war. Due to island hopping Japan was able to organize defensive Ketsu-go as a final defense. This was all halted after atomic bombing and surrender of Japan.

Question 22

The London Poles

Answer 22

1945 Exiled Polish government trying to regain power over Poland while competing with Soviet-backed Lublin Poles.

Question 23

Manhattan Project

Answer 23

1939-46 The secret military research project to build the atomic bomb. Cost nearly $2 billion. First successful test was in New Mexico desert at Trinity site. Produced two bombs, Little Boy and Fat Man that were used on Japan.

Question 24

Lend-Lease Act

Answer 24

1941 Program under which US provided UK, Soviet Union, and China with war equipment. Used to promote defense of US and effectively ended US neutrality.

Question 25

Anschluss

Answer 25

1938 Occupation and annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany. There was not immediate Allied military action even though this was a direct violation of the Treaty of Versailles. This was the first step in Hitler’s creation of a Greater German Reich.

Question 26

Dunkirk

Answer 26

1940 Defense and evacuation of British and Allied forces in Europe during the Battle of France. Although this was successful for British troops it left the French to stand alone against German assaults.