WW2 Test Flashcards
What was the significance of the Defiance of Treaty of Versailles?
It marked the beginning of aggressive expansion by Germany and undermined post-World War I peace efforts.
This defiance set the stage for World War II.
Which country did Italy attack in the 1930s to showcase its military power?
Ethiopia.
This attack was significant as it demonstrated Italy’s imperial ambitions and the failure of the League of Nations to respond.
Who was Francisco Franco?
The dictator of Spain who ruled after the Spanish Civil War.
He was supported by Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy.
Define Fascism.
A political ideology characterized by dictatorial power, extreme nationalism, and suppression of opposition.
It was a prominent ideology in countries like Italy and Germany during the interwar period.
What does the term ‘Appeasement’ refer to in the context of pre-World War II?
The policy of conceding to aggressive demands to maintain peace.
This was notably practiced by Britain and France towards Hitler.
What was the Munich Conference?
A meeting in 1938 where European leaders allowed Hitler to annex the Sudetenland.
It is often cited as a failed example of appeasement.
What was the Sudetenland?
A region in Czechoslovakia with a significant ethnic German population.
Its annexation by Germany was a key event leading to World War II.
What does ‘Anschluss’ refer to?
The annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany in 1938.
It was a significant step in Hitler’s expansionist policies.
What is Lebensraum?
The concept of ‘living space’ that justified Nazi expansion into Eastern Europe.
This ideology was central to Hitler’s plans for German territorial expansion.
Who was Neville Chamberlain?
The British Prime Minister known for his policy of appeasement towards Hitler.
His approach was criticized after the outbreak of World War II.
What does Isolationism mean in the context of the 1930s?
A national policy of avoiding involvement in foreign conflicts.
This was a prevalent stance in the United States before World War II.
What was the Nonaggression Pact?
A treaty between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union to not attack each other.
Signed in 1939, it allowed Germany to invade Poland without fear of Soviet intervention.
What was the Third Reich?
The period of Nazi rule in Germany from 1933 to 1945.
It was characterized by totalitarianism, militarism, and aggressive expansion.
Who were the Axis Powers?
Germany, Italy, and Japan during World War II.
They opposed the Allied Powers.
What is Blitzkrieg?
A military tactic that uses fast and coordinated attacks to overwhelm the enemy.
It was effectively used by Germany in the early stages of World War II.
Who were the Allied Powers?
The coalition of countries opposed to the Axis Powers, mainly including the United States, Soviet Union, and United Kingdom.
They fought against the Axis Powers in World War II.
What was the Lend-Lease Act?
A program that allowed the U.S. to supply Allied nations with war material during World War II.
This act was crucial in supporting Britain and other allies before the U.S. entered the war.
What was the Invasion of Poland?
The German invasion on September 1, 1939, marking the start of World War II.
It was followed by the Soviet invasion from the east.
What does the term ‘Phony War’ refer to?
The period of inactivity on the Western Front after the invasion of Poland.
It lasted from late 1939 until the spring of 1940.
What was the Fall of France?
The rapid defeat of French forces by Germany in 1940, leading to the establishment of the Vichy Government.
This represented a significant turning point in the war.
What was Operation Dynamo?
The evacuation of Allied soldiers from Dunkirk in 1940.
This operation saved a large number of troops and allowed them to fight another day.
Who was Winston Churchill?
The British Prime Minister who led the UK during World War II.
He is known for his speeches and radio broadcasts that inspired British resistance.
Who was Charles de Gaulle?
The leader of the Free French Forces during World War II.
He later became the President of France.
Who was Joseph Stalin?
The leader of the Soviet Union during World War II.
His policies and decisions significantly impacted the course of the war.
Who was Adolf Hitler?
The dictator of Nazi Germany responsible for initiating World War II and the Holocaust.
His aggressive expansionist policies led to widespread destruction.
What was the Battle of Britain?
An aerial campaign waged by the Luftwaffe against the UK in 1940.
It was the first major military campaign fought entirely by air forces.
What technologies were crucial during the Battle of Britain?
Enigma, Radar, and Sonar.
These technologies played significant roles in intelligence and defense.
What was The Blitz?
The sustained bombing campaign against the UK by Nazi Germany during 1940-1941.
It aimed to demoralize the British population.
What was Operation Barbarossa?
The code name for the German invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941.
It opened the Eastern Front, which became a major theater of war.
What is the Scorched Earth policy?
A military strategy of destroying anything that might be useful to the enemy while retreating.
This was used by the Soviets during Operation Barbarossa.
What was Leningrad’s significance during World War II?
It was the site of a prolonged siege by German forces from 1941 to 1944.
The siege caused immense suffering but the city did not fall.
What was the impact of the Nazi invasion of the USSR?
It opened up a brutal Eastern Front and led to significant losses for both sides.
The invasion ultimately failed to achieve its objectives.
What were the Neutrality Acts?
Laws passed in the 1930s aimed at preventing U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts.
They reflected the isolationist sentiment in America.
What was the Atlantic Charter?
A joint declaration by the U.S. and UK outlining post-war goals and principles.
It laid the foundation for the United Nations.
What role did U-boats play in World War II?
German submarines used to disrupt Allied shipping.
They were key in the Battle of the Atlantic.
Why were natural resources significant during World War II?
Control of resources like oil was crucial for sustaining military operations.
This often led to conflicts over territories rich in resources.
Who was Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto?
The commander-in-chief of the Japanese Navy during World War II.
He planned the attack on Pearl Harbor.
What was the significance of Pearl Harbor?
The surprise attack by Japan on December 7, 1941, that led to U.S. entry into World War II.
It galvanized American public opinion in favor of war.
What was the Japanese Empire’s strategy in the Pacific?
To expand its territory and influence through military conquest.
This included attacks on various countries in Southeast Asia.
What was the Bataan Death March?
The forced march of American and Filipino prisoners of war by the Japanese army in 1942.
Thousands died due to the harsh conditions.
What role did Aircraft Carriers play in World War II?
They served as vital platforms for launching and recovering aircraft in naval battles.
They were key in battles such as Midway.
What were the Doolittle Raids?
An air raid by the U.S. on Tokyo in 1942 intended to boost morale.
It was the first air operation to strike the Japanese homeland.
What was the Battle of Midway?
A pivotal naval battle in June 1942 where the U.S. defeated Japan.
It marked a turning point in the Pacific War.
What is Island Hopping?
A military strategy employed by the Allies to capture strategic islands in the Pacific.
It allowed the Allies to bypass heavily fortified Japanese positions.
What was the Battle of Guadalcanal?
The first major offensive by Allied forces against Japan in the Pacific.
It was critical for controlling supply routes.
Who was Douglas MacArthur?
The Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in the Pacific during World War II.
He is known for his famous quote, ‘I shall return!’
What was Manchuria’s significance in the context of World War II?
It was invaded by Japan in 1931 and served as a base for further expansion into China.
This invasion highlighted Japanese imperial ambitions.
What happened in Nanking (Nanjing) during the Second Sino-Japanese War?
The city suffered a brutal massacre by Japanese troops in 1937-1938.
This event is often referred to as the Nanking Massacre.
Who was John Rabe?
A German businessman and Nazi Party member who helped establish a safety zone in Nanking.
He is credited with saving many Chinese lives during the massacre.
What does the term Kamikaze refer to?
Japanese suicide pilots who crashed their planes into enemy ships during World War II.
This tactic was used primarily in the Pacific theater.
Why was oil a critical resource during World War II?
It powered military vehicles, ships, and aircraft.
Control over oil supplies was essential for sustaining military operations.
Who was Joseph Goebbels?
The Minister of Propaganda in Nazi Germany.
He played a key role in promoting anti-Semitic propaganda.
Who was Hermann Göring?
A leading member of the Nazi Party and head of the Luftwaffe.
He was instrumental in the Nazi war effort.
Who was Heinrich Himmler?
The head of the SS and one of the key figures in the Holocaust.
He was responsible for implementing the Final Solution.
What was the Geneva Convention (1929)?
An international treaty that established standards for humanitarian treatment in war.
It aimed to protect those not participating in hostilities.
What were Einsatzgruppen?
Mobile killing units responsible for mass shootings of Jews and others in occupied territories.
They played a significant role in the Holocaust.
What was the Luftwaffe?
The aerial warfare branch of the German Wehrmacht during World War II.
It was responsible for conducting aerial bombing campaigns.
What are Panzers?
German tanks used extensively during World War II.
They were a key component of the Blitzkrieg strategy.
What does the term Holocaust refer to?
The systematic extermination of six million Jews and millions of others by the Nazis.
It represents one of the darkest chapters in human history.
What were the Nuremberg Laws?
Racial laws enacted in Nazi Germany that discriminated against Jews.
They stripped Jews of citizenship and civil rights.
What was Kristallnacht?
A coordinated attack on Jewish businesses and synagogues in November 1938.
It marked a significant escalation in anti-Semitic violence.
What are Ghettos in the context of the Holocaust?
Segregated areas where Jews were forced to live under inhumane conditions.
The Warsaw Ghetto was one of the largest and most notorious.
What was the Warsaw Ghetto?
The largest Jewish ghetto in Nazi-occupied Europe.
It was the site of a significant uprising in 1943.
What does Genocide mean?
The deliberate and systematic extermination of a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group.
The Holocaust is a prime example of genocide.
Who were the Roma?
An ethnic group that was also targeted in the Holocaust.
They suffered persecution alongside Jews.
What was Jewish Resistance during the Holocaust?
Efforts by Jews to resist Nazi policies and actions, including uprisings in ghettos and concentration camps.
Notable examples include the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.
Who was Erwin Rommel?
A German Field Marshal known as the ‘Desert Fox’ for his leadership in North Africa.
He was respected for his tactical skill.
What was Operation Torch?
The Allied invasion of North Africa in 1942.
It was the first major Allied offensive against Axis forces.
What does a Two Front War refer to?
A military strategy where a country is engaged in conflict on two separate fronts.
Germany faced a two-front war after the invasion of the Soviet Union.
What was the Battle of Stalingrad?
A major battle between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union from 1942 to 1943.
It marked a turning point in the Eastern Front.
What role did Russian winters play during World War II?
They severely impacted German military operations, contributing to their failures in the Soviet Union.
Harsh conditions hindered supply lines and troop movements.
What does Home Front refer to?
The civilian sector of a nation at war, focusing on support for military operations.
It includes aspects like production, rationing, and morale.
What is Total War?
A conflict where a nation mobilizes all resources and populations to achieve complete victory.
World War II is often characterized as a total war.
What is Propaganda?
Information, often biased or misleading, used to promote a particular political cause or point of view.
It played a significant role in shaping public opinion during the war.
What was D-Day?
The Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944.
It was a pivotal moment in the liberation of Western Europe.
What was the Battle of the Bulge?
The last major German offensive on the Western Front in late 1944.
It aimed to split Allied forces but ultimately failed.
What happened after Hitler’s Death?
Germany surrendered unconditionally, leading to the end of World War II in Europe.
His suicide in April 1945 marked the collapse of the Nazi regime.
What does V-E Day stand for?
Victory in Europe Day, celebrated on May 8, 1945, marking the end of WWII in Europe.
It followed the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany.
What were Kamikazes?
Japanese suicide pilots who conducted aerial attacks against Allied naval vessels.
They were a desperate measure to counteract Allied advances.
What was the Battle of Okinawa?
A major battle in the Pacific Theater fought in 1945 that resulted in heavy casualties.
It was one of the bloodiest battles of the war.
What was the Atomic Bomb?
A weapon of mass destruction developed by the U.S. that uses nuclear reactions.
It was used against Japan in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
What happened in Hiroshima?
The first city targeted by an atomic bomb on August 6, 1945.
The bombing caused massive destruction and loss of life.
What happened in Nagasaki?
The second city targeted by an atomic bomb on August 9, 1945.
This bombing contributed to Japan’s surrender.
Who was Dwight D. Eisenhower?
The Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces in Europe during World War II.
He later became the 34th President of the United States.
Who was Franklin Roosevelt?
The President of the United States during the Great Depression and most of World War II.
He played a crucial role in mobilizing the U.S. for war.
Who was Harry Truman?
The U.S. President who succeeded Franklin Roosevelt and made the decision to use atomic bombs against Japan.
He led the country through the final stages of World War II.
What was the Yalta Conference?
A meeting between Allied leaders in February 1945 to discuss post-war reorganization.
It involved Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin.
What was the Tehran Conference?
A meeting of Allied leaders in 1943 to plan the next phase of the war against the Axis Powers.
It was significant for the coordination of efforts.
What was the Potsdam Conference?
A meeting of Allied leaders in July-August 1945 to negotiate terms for the end of World War II.
It addressed post-war order and territorial issues.
What were the Nuremberg Trials?
Military tribunals held after World War II to prosecute prominent leaders of Nazi Germany.
They established precedents for dealing with war crimes.
What was Political Turmoil in the context of post-war Europe?
Widespread instability and conflict in various countries after the war.
It often stemmed from power vacuums and ideological struggles.
What were the effects of Famine and Disease after World War II?
Significant loss of life and suffering among civilian populations due to disrupted food supplies and healthcare.
These challenges were prevalent in war-torn regions.
What was the Impact on Civilians during World War II?
Civilians faced bombings, occupation, and atrocities, leading to millions of deaths and displacements.
The war profoundly affected civilian life and society.
What does Destruction of Territory and Cities refer to?
The widespread devastation of urban areas and infrastructure during World War II.
Major cities like Dresden and Hiroshima were heavily bombed.
What does Death refer to in the context of World War II?
The millions of lives lost due to combat, genocide, bombings, and other war-related causes.
Estimates suggest around 70-85 million people died during the conflict.
What does Demilitarization mean?
The reduction or elimination of a country’s military forces and weapons.
This was a key aspect of post-war peace treaties.
What does Democratization refer to?
The transition to a more democratic political regime.
It was a significant goal in many post-war countries.
What was the Marshall Plan?
A U.S. program providing aid to Western Europe for economic recovery after World War II.
It aimed to rebuild war-torn regions and prevent the spread of communism.
