Key Battles and Strategies in WWII

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Questions and Answers

The American victory at Iwo Jima was made possible, in part, by?

the transmission of vital battlefield information to American forces by Navajo code talkers

What was a consequence of the Dolittle raid?

The raid convinced Japanese commander Yamamoto to engage American forces in the Battle of Midway in an effort to defend Japan's home islands from American bombers

This battle was a turning point in the Pacific war that relieved the Japanese threat to the U.S. Navy base at Honolulu?

The Battle of Midway

U.S. strategy during the Second World War called for?

the defeat first of Germany and then of Japan Signup and view all the answers

In 1942, why did Prime Minister Winston Churchill reject Stalin's appeal for a second front against Germany?

He wanted to protect British interests in the Mediterranean and Middle East by halting German advances in North Africa Signup and view all the answers

Which event stalled German advances in eastern Europe and placed German forces on the defensive for the rest of the Second World War?

The battle for Stalingrad Signup and view all the answers

To become the 'great arsenal of democracy,' the United States had to?

successfully convert major industries from production of consumer goods to production of military materiel Signup and view all the answers

The primary task of the War Production Board was to?

coordinate the conversion of factories from civilian production to military production Signup and view all the answers

In its effort to persuade American business to convert from civilian production to military production, the U.S. government did what?

The government agreed to pay for necessary retooling and factory expansion Signup and view all the answers

Which is true of government military contracts during the Second World War?

Most were awarded to the nation's top one hundred corporations Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the Second World War have on American industry?

It furthered the trend toward bigness by consolidating manufacturing in the hands of a few giant corporations Signup and view all the answers

The Manhattan Project refers to?

the secret plan to build an atomic bomb Signup and view all the answers

Issued by President Roosevelt in 1941, what did Executive Order No. 8802 do?

prohibited discrimination in the employment of workers in war industries and in the government because of race Signup and view all the answers

Which was a feature of the bracero program?

Mexican farm workers were admitted to the United States on short-term work contracts Signup and view all the answers

Which is true of Rosie the Riveter?

She did not accurately portray women in the labor force during the Second World War Signup and view all the answers

During the Second World War, women?

entered the labor force in increasing numbers and often found new employment opportunities Signup and view all the answers

What did the federal government do to help workers in defense plants during the Second World War?

helped some workers in defense plants by offering federally funded childcare centers Signup and view all the answers

In the matter of closed- versus open-shop arrangements in industry, what did the National War Labor Board do?

forged a workable compromise by allowing unions to enroll as many new members as possible but not requiring workers to join a union Signup and view all the answers

Which is true of the War Labor Disputes Act of June 1943 (Smith-Connally)?

It authorized the president to seize and operate certain strike-bound plants Signup and view all the answers

By the end of the Second World War, how did the United States achieve 40 percent of the world's weaponry production?

The assembly-line process of mass production was used in many defense-related industries Signup and view all the answers

In producing Liberty ships, Kaiser shipyards emphasized?

speed of production over quality Signup and view all the answers

During the Second World War, how did the United States compare to other major combatants regarding direct warfare?

was the only major combatant that did not experience warfare directly Signup and view all the answers

Why did the War Production Board redesign men's suits during the Second World War?

To save wool for military use Signup and view all the answers

Which is true of the Office of Price Administration?

It established a nationwide rationing program for consumer goods Signup and view all the answers

Why was sugar rationed in the United States during the Second World War?

Sugar was used to produce alcohol for weapons manufacture Signup and view all the answers

The Office of War Administration was created for which reason?

It was in charge of domestic propaganda to build public support for the war Signup and view all the answers

How did some movie theaters support the war effort against Germany and Japan?

They held 'plasma premiers' at which patrons could donate blood to the Red Cross as the price of admission Signup and view all the answers

During the Second World War, the personal income of most American workers?

reached new highs Signup and view all the answers

Which statement concerning the wartime economy is true?

The national debt skyrocketed during the war years Signup and view all the answers

As a result of racial tension between Mexican American gang members and white sailors and soldiers in 1943, what did the city of Los Angeles outlaw?

the wearing of zoot suits Signup and view all the answers

Statistics reveal that during the Second World War?

both the marriage rate and the birthrate rose Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is most consistent with the public's attitude toward women entering the labor force during the war years?

Women should enter the labor force during the temporary wartime emergency, but they should return to the home when the war is won Signup and view all the answers

Which is true of the Alien Registration Act of 1940?

It made it illegal to advocate the overthrow of the U.S. government by force or violence Signup and view all the answers

The internment of Japanese Americans during the Second World War was based on?

their ethnic origin Signup and view all the answers

How did the Supreme Court rule on cases involving the internment of Japanese Americans?

It ruled that the policy of internment was unconstitutional Signup and view all the answers

Which is true of the 'Double V' campaign?

It was an attempt by African American leaders to force the nation to confront the issue of racial inequality Signup and view all the answers

Which is true of the American military during the Second World War?

It remained segregated by race throughout the war Signup and view all the answers

During the Second World War, how did the Red Cross handle blood plasma?

segregated blood plasma by race Signup and view all the answers

Which reason was used to keep the armed forces racially segregated throughout the Second World War?

Integration would challenge racial segregation by law in the southern states Signup and view all the answers

What impact did wartime service have on the American GIs?

Many became less prejudiced due to having served with people from backgrounds and cultures different than their own Signup and view all the answers

Which most accurately describes the relationship among the Allies during the Second World War?

Within the relationship there was an undercurrent of suspicion that ran beneath the surface of cooperation Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the Teheran Conference in December 1943?

The three Allied leaders finally agreed that Operation Overlord would be launched in early 1944 Signup and view all the answers

D-Day refers to?

the invasion of Normandy by the Allied troops on June 6, 1944 Signup and view all the answers

What was achieved at the Dumbarton Oaks Conference in 1944?

The United Nations Organization was approved in principle by the Allies Signup and view all the answers

Which was a major factor that shaped the agreements reached by the Allies at Yalta?

The military positions of the Allies Signup and view all the answers

What was an agreement reached at the Yalta Conference?

Russia would declare war on Japan shortly after Hitler's defeat Signup and view all the answers

What made President Truman more bold at the Potsdam Conference?

learned that the atomic bomb test in New Mexico had been successful Signup and view all the answers

The decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japan was influenced by?

the possibility that it would quickly end the war with Japan and save American lives Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Battles and Strategies in World War II

American victory at Iwo Jima aided by Navajo code talkers providing crucial battlefield intelligence.
The Doolittle Raid prompted Japanese Admiral Yamamoto to engage U.S. forces at the Battle of Midway, aiming to protect Japan's homeland.
The Battle of Midway was a pivotal moment in the Pacific theater, neutralizing the Japanese threat to Honolulu.

Allied Strategy and Leadership

U.S. strategy prioritized defeating Germany first before turning to Japan.
Churchill resisted Stalin's calls for opening a second front in Europe, focusing on securing British interests in North Africa and the Mediterranean.
The Battle of Stalingrad marked a turning point, halting German advances in Eastern Europe.

Industrial and Economic Changes

The U.S. aimed to be the "great arsenal of democracy," necessitating a full conversion of industries to military production.
The War Production Board managed this conversion, facilitating the transition of civilian factories to military output.
The government subsidized businesses for retooling and expansion to meet wartime production demands.

War contracts largely went to leading corporations, consolidating manufacturing power among a few major players.
The Manhattan Project signified the commitment to developing atomic weapons in secrecy.
Executive Order No. 8802 in 1941 prohibited racial discrimination in war industry employment.
The bracero program allowed Mexican workers to fill labor shortages in U.S. agriculture.

Women in the Workforce

Although Rosie the Riveter symbolized women's contributions, her portrayal did not reflect the realities of women workers during the war.
Women increasingly entered the workforce, benefiting from new job opportunities and federally supported childcare.

Labor Relations and Economic Impact

The National War Labor Board facilitated compromises on union recruitment and workplace arrangements.
The War Labor Disputes Act of 1943 empowered the president to take control of plants affected by strikes.
U.S. industrial output reached unprecedented levels, producing 40% of the world’s weaponry through mass production techniques.

Wartime Economy and Rationing

The Office of Price Administration implemented a nationwide rationing system for consumer goods.
Sugar was rationed due to its use in alcohol for munitions production.

Propaganda and Public Support

The Office of War Administration was established to manage domestic propaganda to garner support for the war effort.
Movie theaters hosted "plasma premiers," allowing patrons to donate blood for the Red Cross as admission.

Societal Changes and Racial Issues

Wartime experiences contributed to rising personal income levels for American workers.
The national debt surged, significantly increasing during the war years.
Tensions between racial groups led to the banning of zoot suits in Los Angeles amid violence.
Overall marriage and birth rates increased during the war.

Racial Dynamics and Segregation

Public sentiment oscillated regarding women in the workforce; many believed their contributions were temporary.
The Alien Registration Act of 1940 criminalized advocating for overthrowing the U.S. government through violence.
The internment of Japanese Americans was fueled by racial prejudice, despite later Supreme Court rulings deeming the policy unconstitutional.
The "Double V" campaign arose among African American leaders highlighting racial inequality issues.

International Relations and Major Conferences

Allies maintained a relationship marked by suspicion despite cooperation during the war.
Outcomes of major conferences, such as Teheran and Yalta, included plans for military operations and post-war agreements.
D-Day, or the Normandy invasion, took place on June 6, 1944, a critical moment in Allied strategy to liberate Europe.
The Potsdam Conference saw Truman become more assertive after a successful atomic bomb test.

End of the War and Atomic Decisions

The decision to deploy the atomic bomb was influenced by its potential to end the war swiftly and save lives.

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Description

Explore the significant battles and strategies that shaped World War II, including the pivotal Battle of Midway and the Doolittle Raid. Understand how the American victory at Iwo Jima and the leadership decisions of figures like Churchill and Stalin influenced the outcome of the war. Delve into the economic changes that supported wartime production.