World War 2 Questions Flashcards

D-Day Invasion

• The D-Day invasion, also known as Operation Overlord, involved the U.S.A, England, and Canada.
• The invasion aimed to liberate occupied France from Nazi control.

Key Figures

• Adolf Hitler served as the dictator of Germany.
• Joseph Stalin was the leader of the USSR.
• The "Big Three" leaders were Franklin Roosevelt (U.S.A), Joseph Stalin (USSR), and Winston Churchill (United Kingdom).
• Hideki Tojo was the dictator of Japan and a key figure in Japan’s militaristic initiatives.

Key Events

• The Battle of Midway is recognized as a major turning point of World War II.
• The U.S dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, contributing to Japan's surrender.
• Victory in Europe (V.E.) Day marks the official end of combat in Europe.
• Victory in Japan (V.J.) Day signifies Japan's surrender to the Allies.
• Pearl Harbor was bombed by Japan on December 7, 1941, prompting the U.S. to enter the war.

Domestic Impact

• The U.S. experienced economic recovery as the Great Depression ended during the war.
• Rosie the Riveter became a cultural icon symbolizing women's contributions to the workforce.

Military Strategy and Warfare

• Blitzkrieg refers to fast and aggressive military tactics employed by Germany, including a 57-day bombing campaign over London.
• Island hopping was a strategy used by the Allies in the Pacific to capture strategic islands from Japan.
• The Manhattan Project was a secret U.S. initiative to develop atomic bombs.
• Operation Torch was the Allies' first coordinated mission in North Africa, aimed at protecting oil fields.

Concentration Camps and the Holocaust

• Concentration camps were facilities where Jews and other minorities were subjected to forced labor, torture, and execution during the Holocaust.
• The Holocaust involved the systematic genocide of Jews, overseen by the Nazis.

Post-War Consequences

• After the war, Japan was occupied by the U.S. for seven years, leading to the establishment of a democratic government.
• Germany was divided into four occupation zones controlled by the Allied powers, fundamentally reshaping the nation's political landscape.

Important Dates

• World War II began on September 1, 1939, and concluded on September 2, 1945.

Additional Notes

• The Navajo language was utilized for coded communication due to its complexity, providing a crucial advantage in military operations.
• Joseph Stalin's leadership, coupled with the efforts of the Allied forces, played a significant role in defeating Axis powers.

Test your knowledge with these flashcards on World War 2. This quiz covers key figures, invasions, and significant events related to the war. Perfect for history enthusiasts looking to challenge themselves!