World War 2 Flashcards
The German style of war, it means “lightning war”
Blitzkrieg
The weapons that were popularized during WWII
Tanks/Planes
The french method of eliminating trench warfare
The Maginot Line
Explain Dunkirk
The rescue of 335,000 English troops by navy and private vessels
What was the Battle of Britain?
An air battle between the British Royal Air Force and Luftwaffe which involved the use of radar
Who was the prime minister at this time?
Winston Churchill
What was the first of the two great mistakes Hitler made?
In June 1941, he attacked Russia. This caused a two-front war. Also, they had no winter clothing and the temperature was dropping 25-30 degrees below zero.
What was the second great mistake that Hitler made?
In December 1941, he declared war on the USA.
What was the only great English victory during this time?
El Alamein
What was the turning point battle of WWII in Europe? What happened?
The Battle of Stalingrad. The Germans were forced to be defensive.
Who planned the D-Day invasion?
Eisenhower
What was the D-Day invasion?
A planned landing of numerous US planes in France
Who was the disturbed American tank commander?
George Patton
Who was the Japanese chief of staff who didn’t want to attack the USA?
Yamamoto.
Where did Japan attack?
Pearl Harbor.
What was the most significant weapon of the Pacific War?
The aircraft carrier.
What was the turning point of the Pacific War?
The Battle of Midway. Four Japanese aircraft carriers were sunk.
Who was the American Army commander during the Pacific war?
Douglas MacArthur
What is “island hopping”?
MacArthur’s strategy to skip insignificant islands and attack the most prominent Japanese bases.
What were the two islands captured?
Okinawa and Iwojima
What are “kamikaze”?
Suicide pilots.
What does the Potsdam declaration say?
Truman urges Japan to surrender unconditionally, or face “unimaginable destruction”.
What were three reasons the bomb was dropped?
To end the war rapidly, save casualties, and put Russia on notice.
What was a reason for not dropping the bomb?
Civilians in Japan
Where was the original target for Japan?
Hiroshima
What was the city that was bombed as a result of the Japanese lack of surrender?
Nagasaki
