Germany's Defeat in World War 2 Flashcards
How did were Americans involve the war indirectly (Policies)
The First Policy the US implemented is the ‘Cash and Carry’ policy. This allowed the allies to pay cash for American war products and carry them away. The Second Policy was the “Lend Lease Act”. This allowed the US to lend war materials to the allies and receive payment at a later date. With this Act, the US gave $50 billion in supplies.
How did were Americans involve the war indirectly (Rearmament)
The US planned to have 10 million men in arms. 5 million men were ready to be deployed overseas by 1934.
How did were Americans involve the war indirectly (Economic Sanctions)
The USA restricted supplies of materials like scrap metal, oil and aeroplane fuel to Japan.
How did were Americans involve the war directly (Resources and Manpower)
The USA contributed huge resources and manpower. They converted factories into military production and increased supplies of military goods. They also sent large numbers of American military personnel, e.g. soldiers and intelligence officers, to aid in campaigns.
How did were Americans involve the war directly (Collaborated with the Allies)
The US enabled the Allies to achieve control of air and sea. They prevented essential resources from reaching Germany. The D-Day Landings was a tactical success against the Germans.
What were Germany’s Weaknesses (Ineffective Command Structure)
There was a confusing structure of German State and Military Command. There were many overlapping positions with little power. Only Hitler could make the decisions or had access to information. Hitler often made poor military decisions going against the advice of his generals. For example, Hitler decided to invade the Soviet Union because he believed it was primitive. Another example was the Battle of Britain, he changed bombing targets away from British airfields.
What were Germany’s Weaknesses (Inappropriate use of resources and military funds)
Germany focused on producing too many different types of weapons. They made poor military tactics, such as investing in Battleships, instead of the more threatening U-boats. There were also not enough workers for weapons production, for example, German women stayed at home instead of working at the factories. There was also a shortage of proven and useful weapons. There was a lack of trucks, infantry vehicles and suitable clothing and equipment.
What were Germany’s Weaknesses (Heavy reliance on Petroleum )
Germany had very little petroleum reserves of their own. They invented synthetic oil. However, german synthetic oil plants and airfields got heavily bombed by the Allies. The main source of oil imports was oil fields in Romania, but they also got destroyed by the Soviet Union and the US. Therefore, they were forced to abandon blitzkrieg.
What were Germany’s Weaknesses (War on two fronts)
The war on the western front was against Britain and the US. There were much aerial warfares (Luftwaffe). U-boats and the British RAF were against each other. The USA focused on Europe and supported Britain. The war on the eastern front was against the Soviet Union. The Germans were outnumbered by Soviet forces. German troops froze during the winter without winter clothing. There were too many losses on the eastern front to replenish soldiers on the western front.
What were Germany’s Weaknesses (Allied Resistance)
The Soviet Union reorganised itself. The Soviet Union defeated 80% of the German focus on the Eastern front. The Soviet Union had the advantage of tactical errors made by Germany and strong resistance from Soviet troops. The Soviet Union strengthened its army and rebuilt its economy and military production.
Resistance movement from Nazi-occupied countries. Resistance movements provided information and behind-the-lines support to the Allies. Groups from Yugoslavia, Poland and the Soviet Union. They enabled the Allies to succeed in their tactics. Resistance was encouraged and supported by the British and Soviet governments.
