World War II Flash Cards

Questions and Answers

How did appeasement lead to WW2?

Leaders of Britain, France, and the United States adopted the policy of appeasement, which involved giving in to the demands of aggressors to keep peace, allowing Hitler and other countries to take advantage and cause war.

What is the Rome-Berlin-Tokyo Axis?

It was an alliance formed by Germany, Italy, and Japan to fight Soviet communism and not interfere with each other's expansion plans.

Czechoslovakia was saved during the Munich Conference.

False

How did the Versailles Treaty contribute to WW2?

The treaty divided the world into satisfied and unsatisfied camps, with Germany, Italy, Japan, and the Soviet Union feeling betrayed or excluded. Signup and view all the answers

When was Poland invaded by German forces?

September 1, 1939 Signup and view all the answers

What is Hitler's blitzkrieg?

"Lightning war"; it involved rapid attacks using planes followed by fast-moving ground troops. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Miracle of Dunkirk?

It was a rescue operation that ferried 300,000 British troops to safety across the English Channel. Signup and view all the answers

When did France fall to German forces?

On June 22, 1940 Signup and view all the answers

What was The London Blitz?

It was a period of sustained bombing of England's southern coast by German bombers, starting on August 12, 1940. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of Hitler's costliest mistakes?

The invasion of the Soviet Union. Signup and view all the answers

When the war began, what stance did the United States take?

Declared neutrality Signup and view all the answers

What was the attack on Pearl Harbor?

A surprise attack ordered by General Tojo on the American fleet at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Nazi genocide?

It was the systematic extermination of people judged 'racially inferior', particularly Jews. Signup and view all the answers

What are 'Death Camps'?

Special camps built by Hitler to systematically kill Jews and other targeted groups. Signup and view all the answers

What was significant about Stalingrad?

It was one of the costliest battles of the war with immense casualties on both sides. Signup and view all the answers

How did Japan behave during the war?

By May 1942, Japan had gained control of the Philippines, killing many American and Filipino soldiers. Signup and view all the answers

Why did President Harry Truman use the atomic bomb?

He believed Japan would not surrender without an invasion that would result in massive loss of lives. Signup and view all the answers

When and where were atomic bombs dropped?

On August 6, 1945, on Hiroshima and on August 9, 1945, on Nagasaki. Signup and view all the answers

When was the United Nations established?

In April 1945 Signup and view all the answers

Who was Winston Churchill?

He was the Prime Minister of Great Britain during World War II. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Adolf Hitler?

He was Chancellor of Germany from 1933 to 1945 and the dictator during World War II. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Appeasement and its Consequences

Political leaders in Britain, France, and the U.S. opted for appeasement to avoid conflict, fueled by public sentiment against war.
This policy of giving in to aggressors resulted in weakened Western governments, enabling Hitler's expansionist ambitions.

Axis Powers

Germany, Italy, and Japan formed the Rome-Berlin-Tokyo Axis to counter Soviet communism and facilitate their territorial expansion without interference.

Munich Conference and Czechoslovakia

Czechoslovakia, a democracy, was abandoned by Britain and France during the Munich Conference in September 1938 in favor of appeasement.
Hitler’s escalating demands went unchallenged, leading to the disintegration of Czechoslovak sovereignty.

Versailles Treaty Impact

The Treaty of Versailles divided nations, creating feelings of betrayal among Germany, Italy, Japan, and the Soviet Union, contributing to the rise of hostility.

German Invasion of Poland

The invasion commenced on September 1, 1939, marking the official start of World War II.

Blitzkrieg Tactics

"Blitzkrieg" or "lightning war" involved rapid aerial bombardment followed by swift ground troop advances, leading to overwhelming and fast-paced military victories.

Miracle of Dunkirk

British troops, totaling around 300,000, were evacuated to safety across the English Channel in a dramatic operation known as the Miracle of Dunkirk.

Fall of France

France capitulated to German forces on June 22, 1940.

The London Blitz

Starting August 12, 1940, Germany launched an extensive bombing campaign against England's southern coast, known as The London Blitz.

Major Mistakes of Hitler

Hitler’s invasion of the Soviet Union is recognized as one of his most strategically costly blunders.

U.S. Neutrality Pre-War

At the outset of World War II, the United States proclaimed neutrality to avoid involvement in the conflict.

Pearl Harbor Attack

The surprise assault on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, inflicted significant damage to the U.S. Pacific fleet, resulting in over 2,400 American casualties.

Nazi Genocide

Hitler instituted a genocidal campaign aimed at exterminating those deemed "racially inferior," particularly targeting the Jewish population.

Death Camps

Specialized death camps were constructed in Poland, including Auschwitz, Sobibor, and Treblinka, for the mass murder of Jews and other marginalized groups.

Battle of Stalingrad

One of World War II’s deadliest battles, Stalingrad witnessed fierce fighting resulting in approximately 300,000 German casualties as they sought to capture the city.

Japanese Campaigns in WWII

By May 1942, Japan had taken control of the Philippines, leading to the infamous Bataan Death March where hundreds of American and thousands of Filipino soldiers died.

Truman and the Atomic Bomb

President Harry Truman decided to use the atomic bomb to compel Japan's surrender without incurring high military casualties during a ground invasion.

Atomic Bomb Deployments

An atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, followed by a second bomb on Nagasaki on August 9, 1945.

Establishment of the United Nations

The United Nations was formed in April 1945 to promote international cooperation and prevent future conflicts.

Key Figures of WWII

Winston Churchill served as Prime Minister of Great Britain throughout the duration of World War II, leading with resolve against Axis aggression.
Adolf Hitler was the Chancellor of Germany and central figure in Nazi Germany, steering both WWII in Europe and the Holocaust.

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Description

Explore key concepts around the causes and policies that led to World War II through informative flashcards. Delve into the notion of appeasement and its repercussions on global conflicts. Enhance your understanding of this pivotal period in history with engaging content.