Question Bank (only FRQ)) Flashcards
What was the name of the agreement the US negotiated with Japan, before Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, and thus ended
negotiations?
The Hull Note
How did Japan justify its expansionist policies in the early 20th century, and how did these justifications shape its actions
leading up to World War II?
They justified their policies through economic, necessity, national security, and their idealogy. Japan had claimed they needed
territorial expansion for self-sufficenty. These justifications then led to the invasions of Manchuria and China allowing their
military to grow which resulting in their attack on Pearl Harbor .
How did Japan’s expansion affect its relationships with other countries?
It led to conflicts with China, Russia, and Western nations, increasing tensions and eventually contributing to World War II.
What were the primary motivations behind Japan’s expansionist policies in the 1930s, and how did these contribute to the
outbreak of World War II?
Japan’s expansionist policies in the 1930s were driven by economic, political, and military factors. Economically, Japan lacked
natural resources such as oil, rubber, and iron, making territorial expansion necessary to secure these materials. Politically, the rise of militarism and nationalist ideology encouraged aggressive territorial acquisition, particularly in Manchuria and China. Japan’s
invasion of Manchuria in 1931 and later full-scale war with China in 1937 signaled its defiance of international norms. These
actions, combined with the failure of the League of Nations to enforce consequences, emboldened Japan to further expand into
Southeast Asia. This aggression eventually led to tensions with Western powers, particularly the United States, which responded
with economic sanctions and an oil embargo. Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 was a direct consequence of these tensions,
officially bringing it into World War II.
How did the League of Nations and Western powers respond to Japan’s invasion of Manchuria in 1931, and what impact
did this have on Japan’s foreign policy?
The League of Nations condemned Japan’s invasion of Manchuria and sent the Lytton Commission to investigate, which ultimately
ruled that Japan had acted aggressively and should withdraw. However, the League lacked enforcement power, and Japan simply
withdrew from the organization in 1933 rather than comply. Western powers, including Britain and the U.S., issued diplomatic
protests but did not take direct action due to economic concerns and isolationist policies. The weak international response convinced
Japan that it could continue its expansion without facing serious consequences. This encouraged further aggression, leading to the
Second Sino-Japanese War in 1937 and ultimately Japan’s entry into World War II as it sought to secure resources in the Pacific.
How did Japan’s invasion of China in 1937 (the Second Sino-Japanese War) escalate tensions in Asia and the Pacific?
The invasion led to a full-scale war between Japan and China, with events like the Nanjing Massacre (1937-1938) shocking the
world. Reports of extreme brutality fueled anti-Japanese sentiment globally.
Explain the extent to which Hitler used social unrest to his advantage.
Hitler used social unrest to paint himself as the only leader capable of restoring order. By capitalizing on economic distress, political
instability, and public fear, he positioned the Nazi Party as Germany’s savior which enabled his rise to power and dictatorial control.
How did the Treaty of Versailles contribute to German expansionism?
The Treaty of Versailles imposed harsh economic and territorial restrictions on Germany, fueling resentment and nationalist
sentiment. Adolf Hitler exploited these grievances, using promises of territorial expansion and military rearmament to gain support,
leading to aggressive expansion in the 1930s.
How did the Great Depression contribute to the rise of Fascism in Italy and Germany?
The Great Depression created economic and social instability in both Germany and Italy, this instability made the promises of
remilitarization and expansion attractive to the people. Unemployment rates were rising, resources were being depleted quickly,
and people were losing confidence in the liberal / democratic government. Hitler and Mussolini both promised to resolve the
economic hardships and bring national unity.
What were Adolf Hitler’s main foreign policy goals during the 1930s, and how did they contribute to the outbreak of
World War II?
Hitler’s primary foreign policy goals included overturning the Treaty of Versailles, expanding German territory (Lebensraum)
to the east, and uniting all ethnic Germans under one Reich. These ambitions led to aggressive actions such as the remilitarization
of the Rhineland (1936), the Anschluss with Austria (1938), and the invasion of Czechoslovakia and Poland (1939), ultimately
triggering World War II when Germany invaded Poland.
How did Benito Mussolini’s leadership and policies contribute to Italy’s involvement in World War II?
Mussolini’s fascist ideology emphasized nationalism and militarism. He sought to restore the glory of the Roman Empire, leading to
the invasion of Ethiopia and intervention in the Spanish Civil War. His alliance with Hitler through the Pact of Steel further committed
Italy to war, despite economic and military weaknesses.
What event did Mussolini orchestrate in 1922 to become the Italian Prime Minister?
March on Rome
In what ways did World War II impact the social dynamics within the United States, particularly regarding civil rights movements, and how did these changes influence post-war policies?
World War II catalyzed significant changes in social dynamics in the U.S. by challenging racial segregation and traditional gender roles, as African Americans and women made substantial contributions to the war effort. The “Double V” campaign and the increased participation of women in the workforce sparked greater activism for civil rights and gender equality, setting the stage for the post-war civil rights movements. These shifts in social attitudes influenced policies like the G.I. Bill, which, despite its unequal application, helped pave the way for future civil rights legislation and broader social reforms.
What directly caused World War 2?
Nazi Germany’s invasion of Poland, which caused declarations of war by Germany and France.
How did the Battle of Stalingrad shape the course of World War II on the Eastern Front, and could Germany have realistically achieved victory in the Soviet Union?
The Battle of Stalingrad (August 1942 – February 1943) was a decisive turning point in World War II. Before the battle, Germany had advanced deep into Soviet territory as part of Operation Barbarossa, capturing vast regions and inflicting heavy losses on the Red Army. However, the failure to secure a quick victory allowed the Soviets to regroup and counterattack.
Describe the role of propaganda in shaping public opinion about the war in Europe. What were some common themes used?
Answer can vary, but propaganda played a significant role in shaping public opinion in world war 2. Common themes they used were patriotism for their country, Demonization of the Enemy, Sacrifice and Unity a messages that urged citizens to make sacrifices for the greater good.
How did the European front change Europe politically and socially?
socially- destruction, death, displacement. politically Europe was now divided between us and ussr- lead to cold war.
How did the strategic decisions made by the allies on the European front impact the outcome of the war?
The strategic decisions made by the allies such as the invasion on D-Day opened a new front in the European theater, thus increasing the workload of the German forces.
What was the purpose of the United Nations which was formed after World War 2?
To maintain international peace and prevent future wars
How did the “Germany Fist” affect the WW2 outcome in Europe?
The “Germany Fist” strategy prioritized defeating Germany, leading to key campaigns like Operation Torch and D-day, accelerating German’s surrender in 1945.
What was the significance of D-Day in the European Front?
Allied troops landed on the coast of Normandy. It was the start of the campaign to liberate Europe and defeat Germany.
Which significant battle marked the turning point on the Eastern Front of World War II?
The Battle of Stalingrad
What were the date of the European Front
June 22, 1941 - May 8, 1945
How did the strategies and tactics used on the European Front during World War II shape the outcome of the war and influence modern military strategy?
World War II’s European Front shaped modern military strategy with tactics like Blitzkrieg, the use of multiple fronts (e.g., D-Day), urban warfare (e.g., Stalingrad), and combined arms. These strategies emphasized speed, coordination, and logistics, which continue to influence military operations today.
