WW2 Flashcards
What year did World War II begin in Europe?
1939
Which event is commonly regarded as the starting point of World War II in Europe?
The invasion of Poland by Germany
True or False: The United Kingdom and France declared war on Germany after the invasion of Poland.
True
What was the significance of the Battle of Britain?
It was the first major military campaign fought entirely by air forces.
Who did the Axis Powers primarily consists of?
Germany, Italy, and Japan.
Who was the leader of Nazi Germany during World War II?
Adolf Hitler
What was the purpose of the Blitzkrieg strategy?
To achieve quick victories through fast and coordinated attacks.
Which country was invaded by Germany in 1941, breaking the Nazi-Soviet Pact?
The Soviet Union
What was the D-Day invasion?
The Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944.
True or False: The Holocaust was the systematic extermination of Jews and other minorities by the Nazis.
True
What was the main goal of the German military operation known as Operation Barbarossa?
To conquer the Soviet Union.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following was NOT a member of the Axis Powers? A) Germany B) France C) Italy D) Japan
B) France
What was the significance of the Battle of Stalingrad?
It marked a turning point in the war in favor of the Allies.
Who was the British Prime Minister at the start of World War II?
Neville Chamberlain
True or False: The Treaty of Versailles ended World War II.
False
What city was the site of the Nazi Party rallying point and significant events during WWII?
Berlin
Multiple Choice: Which country was liberated first by Allied forces in Europe? A) France B) Belgium C) Italy D) Norway
C) Italy
What year did World War II end in Europe?
1945
Who was the leader of the Soviet Union during World War II?
Joseph Stalin
True or False: The German invasion of France was successful and led to the fall of Paris.
True
What major event happened on May 8, 1945?
V-E Day (Victory in Europe Day)
When was the phoney war?
September 1939 - April 1940
During the phoney war Poland was quickly conquered by who using what tactic? How long did it take them?
Nazis (Germany), blitzkrieg, 18 days
Why is the phoney war called that?
No real fighting occurred as countries prepared for the oncoming war
When was the blitzkrieg in France and Dunkirk?
April 1940 - June 1940
How many british troops were rescued from the France and Dunkirk blitzkrieg and who by?
300 000, Royal navy and normal leisure boats
When did Britain and the empire stand alone?
April 1940 - June 1941
When France was defeated the nazis controlled what?
most of mainland Europe
Who won the battle of Britain? Who actually won it?
Britain, The RAF (Royal Air Force)
The nazis kept doing what on London and other british cities? what did this become known as?
destructive bombing raids, the blitz
When did the tide of the war start to change. (like who was winning)
1941 - 1943
The Japanese launched a surprise attack on what and when? How many died?
Pearl harbor, December 1941, over 2000 US troops
Who did the nazis fail to conquer and at what battle? How many died?
The USSR, Battle Stalingrad, 800 000
When was D-Day? How many troops landed in France?
6th June 1944, 156 000 allied (GB, US and Canadian) soldiers
When was the battle of the bulge? Why was it interesting?
1944, IT was Hitlers last major offense.
How long was the battle of the bulge and in what conditions what it?
6 weeks long, freezing weather
When was the battle of Berlin and who was it between?
1945, Russia and Germany
How large was Russia’s army in the battle of the Berlin?
2 500 000 men
Who did Germany’s army consist of in the battle of Berlin and why?
Children and elders. People who weren’t fit for warfare, Everyone else was dead.
How many artillery shots were fired into Berlin and the surrounding area and during the battle of Berlin? And for how long?
Over two million, in 3 weeks
Where did most of the fighting take place in the battle of Berlin?
The streets
When did the battle of Berlin end?
May 2nd 1945
What was the situation in World War 2 by 1940?
Germany had achieved significant territorial gains and was poised to invade Britain.
What did Hitler hope would happen in 1940?
He hoped to force Britain to negotiate for peace.
What preparations were made in Britain for invasion?
Strengthening defenses, mobilizing military resources, and improving communication systems.
Who was in charge of the RAF during the Battle of Britain?
Hugh Dowding.
Who led the Luftwaffe?
Hermann Goering.
What was the ground-breaking technology that helped Britain during the battle?
Radar technology.
What were the effects of ‘dogfights’ on the human body?
High levels of stress, physical exhaustion, and potential for injury.
What was Hitler’s ‘new plan’ during the Battle of Britain?
To shift focus to bombing London and other cities.
If a pilot’s fuel tank was hit, what did they do?
They would attempt to land immediately.
How long did pilots have to land if their fuel tank was hit?
Typically only a few minutes.
What were the impacts of the Battle of Britain on British pilots over time?
Increased experience, psychological stress, and physical fatigue.
Why were some people relieved that Hitler targeted London?
They believed it would divert attention from other strategic targets.
What was different about the outcome of the barrage on September 15th?
British defences were more effective and inflicted heavy losses on German aircraft.
Why is September 15th known as Battle of Britain Day?
It marked a significant victory for the RAF and a turning point in the battle.
What was the impact of Battle of Britain Day on Hitler’s plans?
It forced him to reconsider the timeline and feasibility of invading Britain.
Why was the Battle of Britain so important to the outcome of World War 2?
It prevented German domination of British airspace and boosted Allied morale.
