World War II Chapter 31 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What was the conclusion of the Nye Committee?

That WWI was fought for financial reasons and the U.S. should stay out of future foreign wars.

Why did Britain and France enter World War II?

Because of Germany's invasion of Poland.

Which action prompted the United States to enter World War II?

Japan's bombing of Pearl Harbor.

Why did Japan attack Pearl Harbor?

It wanted to discourage U.S. involvement in the war with China and Japan's Pacific conquests. Signup and view all the answers

Which action prompted the United States to enter WWII?

Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following events prompted the state of undeclared war that existed between the United States and Japan?

Japan invaded Manchuria. Signup and view all the answers

Though Japan had invaded _ earlier, they did not attack the United States until _?

China; 1941 Signup and view all the answers

Which of these tenets was NOT part of the Nine Power Treaty?

Maintain European colonies as they existed after WWI. Signup and view all the answers

You have been asked to give a presentation dealing with the results of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Which of the following should you mention?

For the next several months, Japan had nearly free reign in the Pacific. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements concerning the German invasion of the Soviet Union is NOT true?

It was all over within three months. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true concerning the involvement of the United States, at least initially, in fighting World War II?

The U.S. was not involved directly but instead supported allies with ammunition and weapons under the Cash and Carry program. Signup and view all the answers

How was the Soviet Union involved in World War II?

Initially, the Soviets were neutral, but later, after Germany tried to invade them, the Soviets joined the Allied Powers. Signup and view all the answers

Which nations made up the Axis powers throughout most of WWII?

Germany, Japan and Italy Signup and view all the answers

After the fall of France, how did Germany try to defeat England?

They began a bombing campaign, named the Blitz, to try and weaken British forces and strength. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Hitler title his plan the 'Final Solution'?

This was the last step of Hitler's strategy where he planned to rid all of Europe of Jews. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups fell victim to Hitler's 'cleansing'?

All of these groups fell victim to Hitler's cleansing. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the Holocaust?

Doctors used concentration camp prisoners for medical experiments. Signup and view all the answers

Which event immediately preceded Germany's surrender and the end of WWII?

Hitler's suicide. Signup and view all the answers

The Night of the Broken Glass, also known as Kristallnacht, was a night _____?

where Jewish-owned businesses, homes and synagogues were destroyed Signup and view all the answers

Why was the Battle of Midway so pivotal to the war in the Pacific?

The victory at Midway included the sinking of many important Japanese ships putting them on the defensive for the rest of the war. Signup and view all the answers

What was a kamikaze attack?

A suicide collision attack by a Japanese airplane. Signup and view all the answers

Why was McArthur's surrender of the Philippines significant?

The 'Gateway to Asia' was now in the hands of the enemy. Signup and view all the answers

Following the Battle of Midway, how did Japanese military commanders, soldiers, and pilots respond to the strategy of island hopping?

All of these answers are correct. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor?

This sneak attack was meant to cripple the U.S. naval fleet and keep them from stopping Japan's control of the Pacific during World War II. Signup and view all the answers

How did American entry into WW2 impact the life of everyday Americans?

It included significant rationing of all supplies, such as meat and butter. Signup and view all the answers

How did World War II impact the relevance of state, local and federal governments in the United States?

Even after the war ended,... Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Treaty of Versailles and Hitler's Violations

Hitler violated the Treaty by militarizing the Rhineland and forming military alliances.
Invasion of Ethiopia and Sudetenland are notable but do not directly relate to the Treaty violations.

Nye Committee Findings

Concluded that World War I was primarily fought for financial gain.
Advocated for U.S. neutrality in future foreign conflicts.

Entry of Britain and France into WWII

Britain and France declared war following Germany's invasion of Poland.

U.S. Entry into WWII

Prompted by Japan's surprise attack on Pearl Harbor.
Aimed to deter U.S. involvement in Japan's Asian conquests.

Japan's Actions Leading to War

Attack on Pearl Harbor stemmed from a desire to prevent interference in its military operations in China and the Pacific.
Prior invasion of China predated the attack on Pearl Harbor by a significant period.

Nine Power Treaty

Did not include a provision to maintain European colonies post-World War I.

Aftermath of Pearl Harbor

Japan gained near uncontested control in the Pacific for a period following the attack.

German Invasion of the Soviet Union

Contrary to popular belief, the invasion was not resolved in just three months.

U.S. Support for Allies

Initially, U.S. involvement was indirect via ammunition and weapon supply under the Cash and Carry program.

Soviet Union's Role

Began as a neutral entity but joined the Allies after Nazi Germany's invasion.

Axis Powers

Germany, Japan, and Italy formed the core Axis powers during most of WWII.

German Tactics Against Britain

Germany launched the Blitz bombing campaign to weaken British morale and military strength.

The 'Final Solution'

Hitler's plan aimed at exterminating the Jewish population across Europe.

Victims of Hitler's Purge

Various groups, including Jews, were targeted for extermination.

Holocaust Facts

Medical experiments were conducted on concentration camp inmates by doctors.

Germany's Surrender

Hitler's suicide preceded the surrender and marked the end of WWII.

Kristallnacht

A violent night featuring the destruction of Jewish-owned properties, homes, and synagogues.

Battle of Midway Significance

The U.S. victory resulted in the sinking of vital Japanese ships, shifting the war's momentum.

Kamikaze Attacks

Defined as suicide attacks by Japanese pilots crashing their planes into targets.

Philippines Surrender

General MacArthur's surrender marked a strategic loss, with the Philippines—termed "Gateway to Asia"—falling to enemy forces.

Island Hopping Strategy

U.S. and allies adopted island hopping, provoking comprehensive responses from Japanese military leaders and personnel.

Impact of Pearl Harbor Attack

Aimed at crippling U.S. naval capabilities and securing Japanese dominance in the Pacific.

Domestic Effects of WWII in the U.S.

American daily life faced significant rationing, affecting food supplies like meat and butter.

Government Relevance During WWII

WWII enhanced the importance and role of government at all levels in the U.S., a trend that persisted post-war.

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Description

Test your knowledge with these flashcards focused on Chapter 31 about World War II. Explore key concepts like the Treaty of Versailles violations and the Nye Committee's conclusion. Perfect for students studying this crucial period in history.