WW2 Flashcards
What were the two major alliances involved in World War II?
Allied Powers and Axis Powers
The Allied Powers included the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and China, while the Axis Powers were led by Germany, Italy, and Japan.
Who were the main leaders of the Allied Powers during World War II?
United States, Soviet Union, United Kingdom, China
Additional support came from nations such as Canada, Australia, and France.
Who led the Axis Powers in World War II?
Germany, Italy, and Japan
Smaller allies included Hungary and Romania.
What treaty imposed harsh reparations on Germany after World War I?
Treaty of Versailles (1919)
This treaty contributed to resentment and economic turmoil in Germany.
What political ideology rose in Germany, Italy, and Japan during the interwar period?
Fascism
Leaders like Hitler and Mussolini promised to restore national pride.
What global event in the 1930s contributed to political extremism?
The Great Depression
This economic turmoil destabilized economies worldwide.
What policy did Western democracies adopt in response to aggression from Axis Powers?
Appeasement
This was an attempt to avoid another war.
When did Germany invade Poland, marking the beginning of World War II?
September 1, 1939
This invasion prompted Britain and France to declare war.
What military tactic did Germany use to quickly conquer Poland and other countries?
Blitzkrieg
This tactic is known as ‘lightning war’.
What significant event occurred on December 7, 1941?
Japan attacked Pearl Harbor
This attack brought the United States into World War II.
What was the outcome of the Battle of Britain in 1940?
Royal Air Force defended Britain against German air raids
This battle was crucial for British morale.
What was Operation Barbarossa?
Germany’s invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941
This broke the non-aggression pact between the two nations.
What were the dates of V-E Day and V-J Day?
V-E Day: May 8, 1945; V-J Day: August 15, 1945
V-E Day marked the surrender of Germany, while V-J Day marked Japan’s surrender.
What was the human cost of World War II?
Over 70 million people died
This included 6 million Jews who died in the Holocaust.
What international organization was established in 1945 to prevent future conflicts?
United Nations
The UN was created to promote global cooperation.
What ideological divide emerged after World War II?
Between the U.S. (capitalism) and the Soviet Union (communism)
This division led to the Cold War.
What significant social change occurred in Canada as a result of World War I?
Women gained the right to vote in federal elections in 1918
Many women entered the workforce during the war.
What battle became a symbol of Canadian unity and independence during World War I?
Battle of Vimy Ridge
This battle earned Canada international recognition.
What was the economic impact of World War I on Canada?
Spurred industrial growth but left significant debt
This reshaped Canada’s economy and led to post-war struggles.
Fill in the blank: The war fostered a sense of pride and ______ among Canadians.
identity
This was due to soldiers fighting together under the Canadian flag.
What crisis highlighted tensions between English- and French-speaking Canadians during World War I?
1917 Conscription Crisis
This crisis revealed internal divisions in Canada.
What was one of the technological advancements developed during World War II?
Nuclear technology
Other advancements included radar and jet engines.
True or False: World War II transformed the global order and emphasized the importance of international collaboration.
True
The war set the stage for the modern geopolitical landscape.
