Period 7 WWII 3/25/2025 Flashcards
What was a prevailing opinion among Americans regarding foreign commitments during Herbert Hoover’s presidency?
The United States should not enter into any commitments to preserve the security of other nations.
What term describes the foreign policy approach favored by Herbert Hoover and many Americans at the time?
Isolationism.
What was Japan’s stance towards the Open Door Policy?
Japan defied the Open Door Policy
The Open Door Policy was aimed at ensuring equal trading rights for all nations in China.
What significant action did Japanese troops take in Manchuria?
Japanese troops marched into Manchuria and renamed it Manchukuo
Manchukuo was established as a puppet state controlled by Japan.
What type of government did Japan establish in Manchukuo?
A puppet government
A puppet government is one that is controlled by an outside power.
What was Japan’s relationship with the League of Nations?
Japan walked out of the League of Nations never to return
This action demonstrated Japan’s rejection of international diplomatic norms.
True or False: Japan’s actions in Manchuria were seen as a threat to world peace.
True
Japan’s aggression was viewed as a significant challenge to international order.
What was FDR’s Good-Neighbor Policy aimed at?
Creating better relations with other nations
This policy was particularly focused on Latin America.
What was the significance of the Pan American Conferences in relation to the Good-Neighbor Policy?
They were platforms to discuss and promote cooperation among American nations
These conferences were instrumental in fostering diplomatic relations.
What pledge did FDR make regarding Latin America’s affairs?
To never again intervene in Latin America’s affairs
This marked a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy.
Which amendment did FDR repeal that affected Cuba’s foreign policy?
The Platt Amendment
This amendment had previously made Cuba’s foreign policy subject to U.S. approval.
What was the purpose of Roosevelt granting recognition to the Soviet Union?
To increase US trade and boost the economy
This recognition was a significant shift in US foreign policy.
What did the Tydings-McDuffie Act accomplish?
It allowed the Philippines to be independent from the US and removed military presence
This act marked a pivotal change in US-Philippines relations.
What economic conditions after WWI contributed to military dictatorships in certain countries?
Economic hardships
Which countries formed the Axis Powers?
Italy, Japan, and Germany
Who created the fascist party in Italy?
Benito Mussolini
What is the central idea of fascism as promoted by Mussolini?
People should glorify their nation with aggressive show of force
Who led the Nazi Party in Germany?
Adolf Hitler
Which groups controlled Japan leading up to WWII?
Nationalists and militarists
What was Japan’s primary motivation for invading China and Southeast Asia?
To gain raw materials
Fill in the blank: After WWI, economic hardships led to military dictatorships in ______, Japan, and Germany.
Italy
True or False: The Axis Powers consisted of Italy, Japan, and France.
False
What event marked the beginning of World War II in Europe?
The invasion of Poland by German tanks and planes in September 1939
This invasion led to Britain and France declaring war against Germany.
What pact did Hitler and Stalin sign before the invasion of Poland?
A nonaggression pact
This pact included an agreement to split Poland between them.
What did Britain and France pledge regarding Poland?
To fight if Poland was attacked
This pledge was a significant factor in the escalation of tensions leading to World War II.
In what month and year did Hitler invade Czechoslovakia?
March 1939
This invasion was part of Hitler’s broader expansionist policies in Europe.
What is Blitzkrieg?
Who did Germany use it on?
A type of warfare using air power and fast-moving tanks
This strategy allowed Germany to quickly conquer Denmark, Norway, and France.
Which countries did Germany manage to conquer in a short amount of time after the start of World War II?
Denmark, Norway, and France
This rapid expansion showcased the effectiveness of the Blitzkrieg strategy.
What was Roosevelt’s shift in U.S. policy during the pre-war period?
Moving away from isolationism and neutrality to give aid to Great Britain
This marked a significant change in U.S. foreign policy leading up to World War II.
What was the Cash and Carry policy?
Allowed nations involved in war to buy U.S. arms if they pay cash
This policy favored Great Britain during World War II.
What was the purpose of the Selective Services Act?
Registration of ALL men ages 21-35 and trained 1.2 million troops in 1 year
This act was crucial for preparing U.S. military forces during the war.
Did the U.S. officially join the war during this period?
No
The U.S. provided support but did not officially enter the war at this time.
What was significant about the Election of 1940?
Roosevelt was re-elected for his 3rd term.
Why did Americans prefer Roosevelt during the Election of 1940?
They wanted a more experienced leader due to the uncertainty of war.
Fill in the blank: Roosevelt was re-elected for his _______ term in 1940.
3rd
True or False: The Election of 1940 resulted in a political change in leadership.
False
What was the primary purpose of the Arsenal of Democracy?
To lend money to Britain for purchase of war materials
This initiative aimed to support Britain during World War II.
What are the Four Freedoms?
Speech, religion, from want (freedom to want things to happen), from fear (freedom to not fear the government and daily lives)
These freedoms were articulated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
What did the Lend-Lease Act of March 1941 do?
Ended cash & carry and permitted Britain to obtain all arms on credit
This act was a significant shift in U.S. policy during World War II.
What was the Atlantic Charter?
A blueprint for the United Nations
It was a policy statement agreed upon by Churchill and Roosevelt.
Who were the key leaders involved in the secret meeting that led to the Atlantic Charter?
Churchill and Roosevelt
This meeting set the foundation for post-war peace.
What was the vision for peace after the war according to the Atlantic Charter?
Self-determination for all people, no territorial expansion, free trade once war was over
These principles were intended to guide the post-war world.
What economic action did the U.S. take against the eastern hemisphere?
US cuts off steel and scrap iron to all countries in Eastern Hemisphere except Britain
This action was primarily aimed at Japan but also wasn’t placed only on Japan since it may have led to war
What was the consequence of Japan’s invasion of Indochina?
US freezes Japanese credit and cuts off oil supply
This action further strained relations between the U.S. and Japan.
What did the U.S. insist Japan do during negotiations?
Pull troops out of China
Japan refused this demand, leading to continued tensions.
Who rose to power in Japan during this period?
General Tojo
His rise marked a significant point in Japan’s military leadership.
Was a compromise reached between the U.S. and Japan?
No compromise reached
This lack of agreement contributed to the escalation of conflict.
What was Japan’s situation regarding oil during this time?
Japan running out of time for oil
This urgency pushed Japan toward seeking quick military action.
Fill in the blank: The U.S. cut off steel and scrap iron to all countries in the Eastern Hemisphere except _______.
Britain
What significant event occurred on December 7, 1941?
Pearl Harbor attack
This date is referred to as ‘a date which will live in infamy.’
What was the nature of the attack on Pearl Harbor?
Surprise Attack
Japanese planes destroyed U.S. ships while sailors were asleep.
How many Americans were killed during the Pearl Harbor attack?
Over 2400 Americans
This included military personnel and civilians.
What date did the U.S. declare war on Japan?
December 8, 1941
This marked the official entry of the U.S. into WWII.
When did Germany and Italy declare war on the United States?
December 11, 1941
This followed the U.S. declaration of war on Japan.
What significant action did Germany take against the Soviet Union?
Germany invaded the Soviet Union
This marked the breaking of the nonaggression pact with Russia.
Which countries were part of the Allies from 1942 to 1945?
Russia, US, Britain
Key leaders included Stalin, Roosevelt, and Churchill.
What was the significance of the ‘Double V’ Campaign?
Victory overseas and victory for equality at home
The campaign symbolized the fight for civil rights alongside the fight against fascism during World War II.
What was the purpose of the Bracero program?
What did it lead to?
Farmworkers can enter without immigration procedure during growing season
Zoot Suit Riots
This program allowed Mexican laborers to work in the United States temporarily.
What were the Zoot Suit Riots?
Riots in Los Angeles in 1943 involving Mexican Americans
The riots highlighted racial tensions and discrimination against Mexican Americans during World War II.
How many American Indians served in the military during World War II?
25,000 served
This was significant as it was the first time American Indians served in the U.S. military.
What happened to Japanese Americans after Pearl Harbor?
They were suspected of being spies and sent to live in internment camps
This led to widespread violations of civil liberties for Japanese Americans.
What was the outcome of Korematsu v. US?
The policy of internment was upheld as just during wartime
This Supreme Court decision has been widely criticized for its impact on civil rights.
What was a major consequence for American Indians after serving in the military?
Thousands never returned home due to off-reservation opportunities
This marked a significant shift in the lives of many American Indians.
What was a major demographic change for African Americans during the war?
Mass migration from South
This migration was driven by the search for better job opportunities in northern cities.
Why would American Indians want to serve in the U.S. military?
1) maybe they will get treated better
2) some were considered American citizens
