WW2 Flashcards
What were the 4 MAIN causes of World War I?
(M)ilitarism, (A)lliances, (I)mperialism, (N)ationalism.
Identify the two alliance groups in WWII:
AXIS, and the ALLIES.
Identify the countries in the AXIS alliance:
Germany, Italy, and Japan.
Identify the countries in the ALLIES alliance:
US, UK, Soviet Union, and China.
New forms of warfare/technology used in WWII included:
Tanks, aircraft, naval vessels, radars, and atomic bombs.
How did the new forms of technology impact the war?
They changed the dynamics and the nature of warfare and allowed for more advanced strategies to be developed.
What was the Holocaust?
The persecution and genocide of millions of Jews by the Nazi regime during World War II. It involved the mass murder of Jews and other groups considered “undesirable” by the Nazis.
Explain how Hitler and the Nazis carried out the Holocaust against those that they saw as “undesirable”:
They implemented discriminatory laws against Jews, stripping them of their rights and subjecting them to persecution. Jews were forcibly removed from their homes, confined to ghettos, and later deported to extermination camps. The Nazis propagated anti-Semitic propaganda, scapegoating Jews and portraying them as a threat to German society.
What was the turning point battle of WWII for the European Theater?
The Battle of Stalingrad. It took place in the Soviet Union and lasted from August 1942 to February 1943. The German army’s defeat at Stalingrad marked a significant turning point in the war. It ended Hitler’s hopes of conquering the Soviet Union and shifted the momentum in favor of the Allies. The battle resulted in heavy losses for the Germans and boosted Soviet morale, demonstrating that Hitler’s forces could be defeated.
What was the turning point for the Pacific Theater?
The Battle of Midway. Fought in June 1942, it was a naval battle between the United States and Japan. The U.S. successfully ambushed the Japanese fleet and inflicted significant damage, sinking four Japanese aircraft carriers. This victory pushed back Japan’s advance in the Pacific and put them on the defensive. It marked the first major setback for Japan.
When did World War II start and end?
It started in 1939 and ended in 1945.
What were the main causes of World War II?
Harsh conditions on Germany after World War I, the rise of totalitarian regimes, territorial ambitions, and failed appeasement policies.
What were the significant battles of World War II?
Stalingrad, Midway, D-Day, the Battle of the Bulge, and Okinawa.
What was the significance of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki?
The atomic bombings led to Japan’s SURRENDER and the end of World War II in the Pacific, marking the first use of atomic weapons in warfare.
How did World War II impact the world?
World War II reshaped the world, leading to geopolitical changes, the creation of the United Nations, decolonization movements, the Cold War, and advancements in technology and medicine.