World War II

Study Notes

World War II lasted from 1939 to 1945
The majority of the world's countries fought as part of two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis
The war resulted in an estimated 70 to 85 million fatalities, mostly among civilians
Causes of the war included tensions in Europe after World War I, the rise of fascism, and conflicts in Asia
The war started with Germany's invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939
The war ended with Germany's surrender on May 8, 1945, and Japan's surrender on September 2, 1945
The war changed the political alignment and social structure of the globe, setting the foundation for the international order during the Cold War
The United Nations was established to prevent future conflicts
Germany lost territory and was limited in its armed forces by the Treaty of Versailles after World War I
Irredentist and revanchist nationalism emerged in several European states in the interwar period.

Italy became a Fascist state under Mussolini in 1922-1925.
Hitler became Chancellor of Germany in 1933 and abolished democracy.
The Stresa Front was formed in 1935 to contain Germany, but the UK made an independent agreement with Germany.
Japan invaded Manchuria in 1931 and China appealed to the League of Nations for help.
Italy invaded Ethiopia in 1935 and exposed the weakness of the League of Nations.
The Spanish Civil War broke out in 1936 and Germany and Italy supported the Nationalists.
Japan invaded China in 1937, capturing Nanking and killing many Chinese civilians.
Germany annexed Austria in 1938 and the Sudetenland in Czechoslovakia in 1938.
Hitler secretly ordered a major build-up of the German navy to challenge British naval supremacy.
Germany invaded the remainder of Czechoslovakia in 1939 and split it into the German Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia and a pro-German client state.
Germany annexed western and occupied central Poland while the Soviet Union annexed its eastern part.
The Soviet Union invaded Finland in November 1939, leading to the Finno-Soviet war.
In June 1940, the Soviet Union occupied Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Romanian territories.
In April 1940, Germany invaded Denmark and Norway to protect shipments of iron ore from Sweden.
Germany launched an offensive against France in May 1940, leading to the fall of Paris and an armistice signed between France and Germany.
The Battle of Britain began in July 1940, with the Luftwaffe attacking shipping and harbors.
The German air superiority campaign failed to defeat RAF Fighter Command, postponing the proposed German invasion of Britain.
The German strategic bombing offensive intensified with night attacks on London and other cities in the Blitz.
The United States amended the Neutrality Act to allow "cash and carry" purchases by the Allies in 1939.
The British Home Fleet sank the German battleship Bismarck in May 1941.
The United States increased the size of its navy and agreed to a trade of American destroyers for British bases.
The majority of the American public opposed direct military intervention in the conflict until 1941.
In December 1940, Roosevelt promoted Lend-Lease programs of aid to support the British war effort.
The Tripartite Pact united Japan, Italy, and Germany as the Axis powers in September 1940.
Italy attacked and besieged Malta, conquered British Somaliland, and made an incursion into British-held Egypt.
Germany started preparation for an invasion of the Balkans to assist Italy and to strike against the British dominance of the Mediterranean.
In December 1940, British Empire forces began counter-offensives against Italian forces in Egypt and Italian East Africa.
Germany invaded the Soviet Union in Operation Barbarossa on June 22, 1941.
The Red Army adopted a strategic defense, and the Axis made significant gains into Soviet territory.
By early December, the Soviets began a massive counter-offensive that pushed German troops west.

Description

Test your knowledge of World War II with this quiz! From the causes of the war to the major battles, this quiz covers all the important events and facts about this global conflict. Challenge yourself to see how much you know about the alliances, invasions, and political changes that shaped the world during and after World War II. With questions about the rise of fascism, the Blitz, and the United Nations, this quiz is perfect for history buffs and students alike. Take the quiz now and see how you