WWII Test Review PDF

WWII Test Review Key Terms/ People: Totalitarianism - Common characteristics of totalitarianism include having one leader (dictator), being nationalistic, having strict laws, censorship, propaganda, total conformity to the leader and ideas, and is a state run by terror run by fear. Includes fascism,...

WWII Test Review Key Terms/ People: Totalitarianism - Common characteristics of totalitarianism include having one leader (dictator), being nationalistic, having strict laws, censorship, propaganda, total conformity to the leader and ideas, and is a state run by terror run by fear. Includes fascism, and communism although they both are very different politically.​ ​ Isolationism- Avoiding foreign entanglements to concentrate on domestic affairs; a policy of non-involvement and non-interference Final Solution- The Nazi plan to eliminate Jewish people. They attempted numerous methods to get rid of the Jews, and eventually decided that extermination camps were the most efficient solution, although alternatives were attempted in the beginning.​ ​ ​ Aryan- People who Hitler believed to be superior to all others, often characterized by blue eyes, and blonde hair. Kamikaze- Pilots who deliberately committed suicide by crashing planes (the plane was used as a bomb) into the target, which was more effective than just deploying bombs.​ ​ ​ Blitzkrieg- Known as lightning war. Hitler sought to avoid a long war, so Germany’s strategy was to defeat opponents in a series of short, quick campaigns. Blitzkrieg allowed him to do so, as he capitalized on surprise penetrations, general enemy unpreparedness, and an inability to react quickly to offensive operations. This allowed Hitler to take over much of Europe in around 2 years. Non-Aggression Pact- Germany signs a pact with the Soviet union. The two countries promise not to fight each other in the event of war. They also secretly agree to divide Poland between them. Both countries had different motives as Stalin wanted to buy time before Hitler inevitably attacked, while Hitler thought that temporary peace would allow him a chance to fight Britain and France first. Genocide- The systematic extermination of a nationality or group​ Munich Agreement- Britain and France allowed Hitler to take over the Sudetenland (the north western part of Czechoslovakia), only if Hitler promised not to invade the rest of Czechoslovakia. They believed this would save the world from war. This policy became known as appeasement. ​ Mein Kampf- Hitler’s political autobiography was written when he was in prison, and was sometimes referred to as the bible of the Nazi Party, and made Hitler a millionaire. It was used as propaganda and given freely to any newlywed German couple. It was eventually banned from Germany after the war. ​ Camp X​- A top secret training facility near Whitby, Ontario that trained Canadians and allies in skills such as demolition, silent killing, weapon use and more. Many were Europeans training for work with the resistance behind enemy lines.​ ​ ​ Enola Gay- The plane used to drop the bomb on Hiroshima, named after the mother of the pilot. Pilot’s name was Paul Tibbets Plebiscite- A special vote on a specific proposal. In this case, King wanted permission to break his promise not to send conscripts overseas in order to avoid further conflict, especially with the francophones.​ ​ ​ Kristallnacht- Known as the night of the broken glass. When Polish born Jews were expelled from Germany, many found themselves stranded and stuck between the border of Germany and Poland. One of these Jews, only 17, decided to get revenge on the Germans by going to the German embassy in Paris and shooting the official assigned to help him. After this event, the attack on Jews became much more brutal, and the incident known as Kristallnacht took place. Nazis destroyed synagogues, businesses and more, killing 100 Jews. Many were also sent to concentration camps. This event marked the first instance where Jews were incarcerated to such an extent. From there on, things just got worse for Jews as many of their basic rights were taken away, such as their right to a driver's license or employment in many places.​ Fascism- Part of totalitarianism, but differentiates from communism. This is because it maintains a class system and private ownership. On the other hand communism does not allow private ownership as everything is owned by the state. Italy and Germany were fascist. ​ ​ ​ ​ Communism- Part of totalitarianism, but differentiates from facism. State ownership and control of the means of production. The Soviet Union was communist. Athenia​- A British passenger liner that was torpedoed by a German submarine a week before Canada joined the war. This was considered a war crime as 128 civilians died. Around 200 of the 1500 passengers were Canadian, and this event managed to convince many Canadians of the war effort. In the end, Hitler blamed this event on Britain, claiming it to be a propaganda effort to draw America into the war, as he tried to avoid another incident like the Lusitania. ​ Luftwaffe- German air force. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Corvettes- a small, fast torpedo armed vessel that accompanied the larger supply ships. Used as protection against German U-boats. Maginot Line- A line of concrete fortifications, obstacles and weapons that France constructed along the border with Germany. German troops went North around this line, going through Belgium instead. France had believed that this was an unlikely invasion route for German forces, as its rough terrain would slow them down and give them a chance to retaliate. Instead, the blitzkrieg tactic allowed Germany to easily penetrate the line.​ ​ ​ Calais- The Allies wanted to use the element of surprise on D-Day, so in order to trick the Germans, the Allies staged an attack at Calais. By placing fake installations, troops, tanks and more, the Allies successfully managed to confuse the enemy.​ Rhineland- A part of Western Germany and extends west to the borders of Belgium, France, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. After WWI, Allied soldiers were to occupy the Rhineland to avoid further conflict and the Treaty of Versailles stated that German soldiers were not allowed to move within 50km of the Rhine River. Ignoring this, Hitler advances his troops into the Rhineland. ​​ ​ Gestapo- The secret state police led by Himmler.They tapped phones, spied on people, and anyone opposed to Hitler was in danger of arrest. Lebensraum- “Living space”; concept that emphasized the need for territorial expansion, specifically in the east​ ​ ​ Anschluss- Political union of Austria and Germany ​ ​ Radar- The reason Britain had an upperhand to Germany during the Battle of Britain was their advanced radar systems. These advancements allowed British air forces to spot German planes even in the dark, and warn them of air raids. SS St. Louis- Refugees from Germany fled to Cuba, but when they reached the port, they were denied entry as the president refused to honor previous documents allowing entry. After being denied there, they looked for help in America and Canada, but were again refused. This forced them to head back to Europe, where they found refuge in other countries which were eventually occupied by the Nazis. This meant many of those Jews died in Nazi death camps. VJ Day- The day Japan agreed to unconditional surrender, known as Victory over Japan Day​ Manhattan Project- The project to develop Nuclear weapons during WWII ​ Mussolini- Leader of Italy, fascist dictator. When Italy was captured by the allies, Italians turned against Mussolini and imprisoned. Later on, he was hung upside down in a town square.​​ Joseph Stalin- Stalin was the leader of the USSR during WWII, and hated Hitler. “Minister of Everything”- C.D. Howe was Canada’s munitions and supplies, and was able to get factories up and running as a former business man. He handpicked industry leaders to transform Canada into an industrial war machine, contributing enormously to the economy. Harry Truman- Became PM after FDR, while the War in the Pacific was still taking place. He decided that more desperate measures need to be taken to end the war, and started up the Manhattan project​ PM Mackenzie King- Prime Minister of Canada during WWII, and the longest running PM in Canadian history.​Believed in ghosts, and obsessed with seances. Margaret Hayworth- A ten year old girl who died on the Athenia, from Hamilton Ontario. One thousand people met the train that brought her body back and her funeral was attended by the mayor, the city council, the Lieutenant-Governor and the entire Ontario cabinet.Her death is what convinced Canadians of joining the war efforts. Albert Einstein- German Jew who moved to the US during the war. With information from colleagues from Germany, he made Roosevelt aware of Germany’s attempt to make a bomb of mass destruction. This was the start of the Manhattan Project.​ Louis Slotin- A Canadian scientist who participated in the Manhattan project. While performing an experiment, he ended up touching plutonium with his bare hands to avoid a potential explosion. This led to extreme radiation and a few days later, death.​​ Josef Mengele- Known as the angel of death. Conducted unspeakable medical procedures during the Holocaust. Injecting lethal germs, isolation endurance, surgeries without anaesthesia. He eventually escaped, and lived 35 more years before his body was eventually discovered.​ PM Neville Chamberlain- British Prime Minister who believed that Munich Agreement successfully avoided another war, but was eventually proven wrong​ Herman Goering- The second in Nazi command and the head of the Luftwaffe.​ Joseph Goebbels- Hitler’s propaganda minister and a major anti-semite (entirely against Jewish people)​ Adolf Hitler- Leader of Germany during WWII PM Winston Churchill- Prime Minister of Britain during WWII, came after Neville Chamberlain. Very blunt, but good at what he did. Led Britain to victory. Appeasement- The act of giving into an aggressive power in order to keep the peace. The Allies did this with Germany in the events leading to the war, giving him the chance to take over much of Europe before they eventually stepped in.​ ​ RAF- Stands for Royal Air Force, Britain’s air force that managed to defend the country from Germany. They played the most crucial role in defending the country from Germany, as the Battle of Britain was fought solely in the air.​ ​ ​ ​ VE Day- The day Nazi Germany ceased to exist, known as Victory in Europe Day. Happened when Allied armies were finally able to press toward Germany, and Russians pushed through the East. 44/45 -Identify and explain the six causes of WWII. Punitive nature of the Treaty of Versailles- Caused Germany to want revenge / reclaim pride lost Hitler’s relentless ambition- He was not easily satisfied and had dreams of making Germany a world power once again Non-Aggression Pact- This pact signed with Russia prevented Germany from having to fight a two front war, which meant they could dedicate all of their resources in the West. American isolationism- The absence of a major power such as the United States bolstered Hitler’s confidence that He could easily win the war against Britain and France. Appeasement- The policy of Appeasement allowed Hitler time to annex other countries, gathering resources which aided his ability to wage war. Failure of the League of Nations- The League of Nations did not effectively intervene to German aggression and expansion beyond the limits set out in the Treaty of Versailles. -How can WWII be considered a total war? Be specific. A war that both soldiers AND civilians take an active part in, even though the civilians are not actually fighting. It affects almost all aspects of society. -​ Canadians on the homefront were seen making sacrifices for the war as well through numerous methods -​ They managed to pay for the war through income tax and victory bonds paid by the people -​ There was rationing and price control. -​ Women took jobs outside the home -​ People were scarce with materials, salvaging and donating whatever they could for the war efforts. -​ Numerous goods were produced for the war effort, including aircrafts, military vehicles, ammunition, gauze, etc. This war was considered a total war as thousands of men, women and children participated on the homefront as well in an attempt to aid war efforts. Women took jobs outside the home, manufacturing companies focused on building things specific to the war efforts, and Canada became the host to the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. -What were the steps to war? ​ Germany rearms- Army and Air Force begin expanding past limits set by the Treaty of Versailles. Done secretly at first, but becomes public soon after. ​ German troops occupy the Rhineland- No one stops them although they were forbidden from moving 50km of the Rhine river. ​ Germany annexes Austria (known as anschluss)- There is no resistance from allies or Austria, and taking over was not an issue. ​ The Munich agreement was signed- Hitler stated that he wanted to alleviate the suffering of Germans in Czechoslovakia. Britain and France allowed Germany to have the Sudetenland if he promised not to take over the rest of the country. This was done as an act of appeasement. ​ The Rome-Berlin Axis Pact is signed- Mussolini allows Hitler to take Austria and other territories in Northern and central Europe as long as he could have Southern Europe. Japan later joins this alliance  ​ Hitler occupies Czechoslovakia- Hitler violated the Munic agreement and takes over the entirety of Czechoslovakia. ​ Non-aggression pact- Hitler signs a pact with Russia promising not to fight each other in the event of war. They also decide to divide Poland between them. Stalin signed to buy the USSR time to prepare for battle. Hitler signed to avoid a two front war. ​ Hitler invades Western Poland- He justifies the attack by faking an assault on the German border by supposed Polish officers. ​ Britain and France declare war on Germany -What countries made up the Allied powers? France, The USSR, Britain, America (China kind of helped) -What countries made up the Axis powers? Germany, Italy, and Japan -Major WWII battles/ Significance Miracle at Dunkirk- The Allies were entirely surrounded by Germans on Dunkirk, with Germans encouraging them to cease fighting. Britain continued to fight, although 300,000 soldiers were trapped at Hitler’s mercy. This was when Hitler made his first mistake of asking the German army to pull back and give the Luftwaffe the honor of striking the final blow. Although the reason for this was never explained, this led to almost all soldiers escaping because of a dense fog. Almost 900 boats came to the rescue of the Allied soldiers, and many soldiers that survived went on to fight at the Battle of Normandy, which many Historians believe to be the reason for Hitler’s defeat. -​ Less than a month after Dunkirk, France was forced to surrender to Germany, meaning Hitler controlled all of Western Europe Battle of Britain- Britain and the Soviet Union were the only European nations not conquered by Germany. It was the first major campaign to be fought entirely by air forces, and was also the largest and most sustained aerial bombing campaign to that date. Britain was losing the battle until Hitler made his second mistake. When a German bomber accidentally bombed Lonfan, the RAF bombed Berlin. This made Hitler angry and he ordered the Luftwaffe to attack London. This gave the RAF breathing space to recuperate. The RAF shot down 3000 Nazi planes in two months although they were greatly outnumbered, so Hitler eventually decided to delay the invasion of Britain. This delay eventually became permanent. -​ The RAF had to be defeated for German forces to cross the English Channel and invade -​ The reason for the defeat was Britain's advanced radar systems, effective fighter planes, and aid from other commonwealth nations. -​ Hitler then turned his attention to the USSR Operation Barbarossa- Germany broke the non aggression pact and attacked the Soviet Union, so the USSR allied itself with Britain and other allied nations. Initially, Germany captured millions of Soviet prisoners, most of them being killed. Hitler believed the Blitzkrieg would allow Germany to have a quick victory, but the size of Russia made that impossible, as the army kept retreating into Russia. As the invasion was much longer than anticipated, Germans were not prepared for the cold, and many froze to death. Stalin burned all buildings that might be occupied by German soldiers. Hitler’s third mistake was losing to the Soviets and now having to fight a war on two fronts. The war in the Pacific- Japan invaded Manchrica and continued to expand into China, leading to all out war in 1937. Japan became a threat to economic interests and influence in Asia. The US responded by placing economic sanctions to reign in Japan’s expansion. As Japan continued, FDR moved the US Navy to the US, in closer proximity to Japan. The sanctions crippled Japanese economy, so they were even more desperate to take over other countries for resources. The Japanese plan was to destroy the American Pacific Fleet so they would not be able to fight back as Japanese forces spread across Asia. The attack on Pearl Harbor destroyed all of the American Pacific fleet and the US declared war on Japan. Germany then declared war on the US, and the US did the same, although Germany was in no obligation to do this. -​ Canadians at Hong Kong- Hong Kong was a vital British colony that Japan attacked a few hours after Pearl Harbor. Canadians were assigned to defend this, although they were not prepared. Canadians were easily defeated, with many dying or being captured. Dieppe- Allies believed they needed a second front to defeat Germany so they planned an invasion at Dieppe. The objective was to obtain information and test German resistance, so many Canadian soldiers were used to test this. The invasion was an absolute disaster with the majority being captured or dying. This was considered the most embarrassing Allied defeat of the war. Why it failed: ​ Weather postponed the invasion multiple times, so Germany anticipated the attack ​ The invasion relied on air, sea, & land coordination and the failure left soldiers vulnerable ​ Dieppe’s pebble beaches made it hard for tanks to get on to the land and their cliffs made it hard to escape enemy fire ​ Strategic planning- the size and strength of German defenses went beyond anticipated ​ However, all the lessons the Allies learned from Dieppe would help them succeed in D-Day Battle of the Atlantic- ​ This is the only battle that lasted the entire Second World War. ​ It was all about getting crucial supplies from North America to Britain and Russia ​ Ships with these supplies had to cross the Atlantic Ocean, but many German U-boats were sinking supply ships fast. ​ Significance: If it weren’t for the Canadian merchant ships and corvettes, Britain would not have had the necessary supplies to fight the war. If Britain had fallen to the Germans, the D-Day offensive could never have taken place because the offensive was launched on British soil. The Italian Campaign ​ The Italian Army lacked strong leadership and modern weaponry. ​ The Allies decide to launch an attack on Sicily and head north ​ Because of this, the Italian people turned against Mussolini and is hung by the citizens ​ Italy surrendered to the Allies, but the fighting continued  ​ Germany stepped in to fight the Allies and prevent them from moving up the boot of Italy. ​ By Dec, the Allies had moved all the way up to Ortona, a very valuable city ​ Germany wanted to keep Ortona at all costs. ​ Ortona had very narrow roads, making it difficult for tanks and soldiers to get through ​ Germans blew up buildings to make more space on the road. ​ They also mouse-holed: moving from one house to another to take over cities ​ The Result: Canadians successfully captured the capital, Rome, with many losses. D-Day (June 6, 1944) ​ Stands for Day of Deliverance ​ In Normandy, there are 5 beaches that the Allies take over ○​ Utah & Omaha Beach (US) ○​ Gold & Sword Beach (Britain) ○​ Juno Beach (Canadas) ​ The Allies applied lessons from Dieppe here ​ They tried to make it seem like they were going to invade another area in France, but in reality, it was on Normandy Beach ​ This was Canada’s largest military operation and Canada managed to reach all their goals by the end of the day. ​ Paratroopers, bombers, warships, soldiers, and more would help sabotage Germany ​ On Omaha Beach, the US faced more fierce opposition from Germany than the Canadians as it was heavily fortified. ​ In the end, the invasion was successful and Germany was now fighting a 3 front war against the USSR, Italy, and France ​ Canada also liberated the Netherlands during this time. -Internment of Japanese Canadians ​ Prior to WWII Japanese began settling on the coast of BC. At this point they were already being discriminated against, with many of their rights being taken away. Even considering their circumstances, many Japanese were willing to fight for Canada in WWII. ​ After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Japanese were barred from military service. Although the RCMP felt that the Japanese Canadian population posed no threat and opposed taking action, the Federal government disagreed. Their fishing boats were seized, newspapers and schools shut down, cameras and radios confiscated, and curfew was implemented. Later, Japanese Canadian men were not allowed to reside in special protected zones near the coast, which meant many were displaced from their homes ​ Most Japanese Canadians were placed in isolated internment camps. The BC government used the War Measures Act to suspend their basic rights. ​ The camps were often in terrible conditions, and many were forced to do physical labor. Some were also sent to POW camps  ​ Even after all of this, they still protested for the right to enlist, which they were finally given a chance to do upon the request of other Allies ​ After WWII, Japanese Canadians were banned from returning to BC, and some were shipped back to Japan. ​ Many had lost all their property and were given hardly any compensation. They also had to pay for their own internment, which meant they had hardly any money left ​ Eventually they were allowed to move freely around Canada and after decades, an apology was given to all those who suffered. -Conscription in Canada: how was it handled differently in WWII? -​ King wanted to avoid dividing the nation as happened in WWI between anglophones and francophones. To avoid this, he did his best to avoid conscription for as long as possible, promising not to implement it at the beginning of the war. As the war progressed, the situation became more dire and troops were needed. King decided to hold a plebiscite to ask Canadians for permission to break his promise. In the end, Canadians were greatly divided again, as francophones and anglophones had entirely differentiating votes. In the end, King gave in and ordered conscription, which left quite a few Quebecois feeling betrayed. Again riots occured in Quebec, but on a smaller scale than in WWI. -The decision to drop the atomic bomb: Who? Where? Why? ​ Japan attacked pearl harbor and the war began ​ Although allies began to gain back land, Japan was entirely unwilling to surrender ​ After the bomb was developed, President Truman called for Japan’s surrender but no reply was given. In response, America dropped the atomic bomb over Hiroshima on Enola Gay. 80,000 people were killed and 61,000 injured ​ President Truman again contacted Japan, presenting them an ultimatum before dropping the next bomb ​ Then, a second bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, killing 40,000. This was when Japan agreed to unconditional surrender, a day known as VJ Day -Division of Germany/ Berlin Germany was split into four quadrants, divided up temporarily by the allies, to demilitarize Germany. Britain, France, The US, and The USSR all had their separate sections, but Berlin was in the Soviet Union zone. As this was the capital and held strong influence, it was also divided up by the Allies. In the end, the allies came together to form West Berlin, a democratic state, while the Soviet Union was entirely communist. As many Germans were trying to get West Berlin, the Berlin wall was built to force Germans to reside in East Berlin. -What role did women play in WWII? ​ Took up vacant jobs that had once been filled by men, including work in factories, farms, airfields, or driving buses. ​ Worked on farms to manage without sons or husbands  ​ One of the first women to graduate as an aeronautical engineer, managed to make significant impacts in the production of aircrafts. ​ Women contributed to the war by making parcels for soldiers overseas, collecting scraps, and aiding refugee centres. ​ They managed to make due with what they had, mending clothes and starting victory gardens ​ Many contributed to the actual battles through the creation of the women’s forces. More than 50,000 women served in the armed forces and filled many positions such as mechanics, parachute riggers, clerks, and more. ​ Many served as nurses during the war as well. -Holocaust: Anti-Semitism, Ghettos, Nuremberg Laws, Life in the Camps, Nuremberg Trials Anti-Semitism ​ The hate towards Jews ​ The Nazi party was filled with hate for Jews as they believed that Jews were the cause of Germany losing World War 1. Ghettos ​ Overcrowded ​ No access to running water and there is no sewage system ​ German authorities controlled the food supply. The average food ration in 1941 for Jews was 184 calories ○​ Forced to beg or steal to survive and people were killed ​ Heating was scarce and lacked regular clothing ​ Children were orphaned and many people died. ​ This is the prelim step in the annihilation of Jews. Ghettos were areas where they would transport Jews to concentration camp Nuremberg Laws ​ Laws stating who is considered German or not. ​ Mixed marriages between Jews & Germans were forbidden ​ Jews were forbidden from waving the German flag ​ Outlawed hiring German women as domestic workers in Jewish homes ​ The Nuremberg Laws also considered Jews as not citizens of the German state ​ German officials identified Jews by Life in the Camps ​ Jews are forced to dig their own graves before they are executed. ​ Jewish people were ordered into gas vans and victims would die from the fumes. ​ Many young and old people died on the journey to the camps ​ Certain people were forced to work in slave labour ​ Those who couldn’t work (elderly, children, women) were immediately sent to gas chambers. 8000 people per day are killed at one extermination camp ​ Women had to shave their heads and were often assaulted ​ Tattoos with numbers were given to people in the concentration camps ​ Medical experiments happened on prisoners without anesthesia. Nuremberg Trials ​ Military tribunals held by the victors of the war to prosecute prominent members of Nazi Germany ​ The Allies went to great lengths to make sure that defendants had proper lawyers and were adequately represented, unlike the Treaty of Versailles. ​ The Nazi’s defense was that they were just following orders given by Hitler ○​ This was not considered a justifiable defense and were severely punished (death, imprisonment, etc). ​ The Allies don't go after every high-ranking Nazi because they are worried about a new threat; the Soviet Union and the spread of communism. They didn’t want Germany to fall weak to the spread of communism. -Arguments for and against appeasement ​ Appeasement was the act of giving in to an aggressive power to keep peace ​ The Allies do this because they are scared to start another war. They start by giving Germany the Sudetenland in Czechoslovakia. Couldn't afford another war ​ Against: ○​ Allowed Germany to expand and continue to take over other countries ○​ Boosted Hitler’s confidence to gain objectives ○​ Led to the 2nd world War ​ For: ○​ The Allies wanted to avoid the losses of another world war. ○​ Allies were already struggling with the Great Depression and didn’t have the funds for a war. -Denazification initiatives Denazification: an Allied initiative to rid German society, culture, press, economy, judiciary, and politics of any remnants of Nazi ideology at the end of WWII -​ Rid Nazism from Germany’s legal system, including legislation, courts and legal -​ Eliminate Nazi influences on schools and the education system through thorough screening of teachers and textbooks. The education system was then focused towards democracy and humanitarian needs. -​ There was the denazification of religions, as any restraints on beliefs were removed, and people were able to follow their religions again. -​ The Allies attempted to eliminate Nazi ideology from the public, in order to rid the country of Nazi propaganda. This included making changes to the press, radio, theatres, and more. -​ Denazification was also applied to street names and memorials, removing them from Germany entirely 1939-1945 ASK WHY HITLER MADE JUDAISM SEEM LIKE A RACE INSTEAD OF RELIGION -​ Can pretend to practice, cannot deny race How did Germany fight a three front war? -​ Took over italy How to find the historical significance? Seven multiple choice 10 matching 9 marks for put in the order 12 fill in the blanks 11 who am Is Corrent true and false (6) Short answer question, four marks Primary source question?- 10 marks Political cartoon analysis 6 marks- Message, aspect of the message, historical context