WWII Battles Flashcards
What is Blitkrieg?
“Lightning War”; using surprise tactics to overwhelm an enemy country in hopes of creating disorganization
What happened at the Battle of Britain?
The Germans attacked coastal targets and British shipping operations
What was the Atlantic Charter?
A policy statement (agreed on by Roosevelt and Churchill) that defined America and Britain’s ideals for the postwar world.
Why was the Battle of Coral Sea significant?
The Japanese experienced failure because Americans had decoded a message regarding an attack.
What happened at the Battle of Midway?
The Japanese surprise-attacked American carriers by attacking the Coral islands. The US managed to stop the Japanese advance.
What happened at the Battle of Stalingrad?
Germany tried to attack Stalingrad because of its economic significance, but the Soviet Union defeated them – they had an advantage because they were well-equipped for the weather
What happened at the Casablanca Conference?
Roosevelt and Churchill agreed to step up the bombing of Germany. Churchill thought to attack Italy, the “soft underbelly” of Europe because he assumed Italians would quit the war.
What was D-Day?
The Allies invaded Normandy, France. It liberated France, stopping Germany from exploiting its resources.
What was a kamikaze?
Japanese pilots who flew suicide attacks into enemy targets
What was the Battle of the Bulge?
Hitler’s last major offensive in WWII against the Western front. He tried to cut off the Allies’ supplies.
What was the importance of Iwo Jima?
Over 6,800 marines died trying to attack and invade the Japanese island
What were the Nuremberg Trials?
The trials for the 22 Nazi German leaders. Seven went to prison and twelve were sentenced to death. Similar trials were held in Japan.
