World War 2 Flashcards
When and how does WW2 begin?
It begins when Hitler attacks Poland on Sept. 3, 1939.
What style of warfare did the Germans use?
Blitzkrieg - lightning warfare
They used it to conquer France/Northern Europe
What happened after Poland fell?
No fighting took place for 6 months “Phony War”
German and French Armies faced each other along the Maginot Line (a fortress)
When and how did Hitler Invade N. Europe?
May 1940 - Hitler Invaded Europe
They used Blitzkrieg and it well in 6 weeks
What happened when Hitler attacked Western Europe?
The French and British Armies were trapped along the English Channel.
They Armies were Miraculously saved at it was called the Miracle at Dunkirk.
What is the Miracle at Dunkirk
It was an oversea miracle that saved both the French and British armies where the people of Britain supplied all their floating devices to save the Armies who were stuck against the English Channel.
What was Western Europe like after the Miracle at Dunkirk?
Hitler had conquered all of Great Britain except for Great Britain
The people in France started an underground movement called Free France where they fought against the Nazi party
What was Operation Sea Lion?
It was a code name for Hitler plan to invade and conquer Britain in 1940. His plan was to control the sky with the German air force Luftwaffe.
What were Hitler’s original targets?
He targeted communication centers and airfields to destroy the British Royal Air Force (RAF) at first.
How did Britain respond to the Nazi’s attack?
The British refused to give in and Winston Churchill gave the quote, “We shall never surrender…”
What was a critical mistake that Hitler made in his war with Britain?
Hitler changed his targets to attacking the civilian population (cities). It gave the RAF time to recover.
Describe The Blitz
London was attacked for 47 consecutive days and nights. Its purpose was to destroy the peoples’ will to fight. But it did the exact opposite.
What invention turns the tide of the Battle?
The Radar was invented which could detect when aircrafts were coming. In the end Britain wins the Battle.
Describe the Battle of the Atlantic?
It was the longest continuous battle of WWII and the most pivotal. The Atlantic Ocean was vital to Britain’s survival. German U-Boats (Wolf Packs) were very successful for the first 2 years. The Allies fight back with convoys, sonars, and depth charges.
What were the two sides of WWII?
Allied Powers: Britain, France, and The Soviet Union
Axis Powers: Germany Italy, and Japan
What state was the USA in near the beginning of the War?
The USA was neutral at first with a policy of Isolationism. They passed the Neutrality acts to limit involvement in future wars.
Describe Operation Barbarossa
Hitler Invaded the Soviet Union and there were several reasons why:
1. Lebensraum: Living space for the German people
2. Largest population of Jews to get rid of
3. Natural Resources: Oil etc.
“Red Army” Russians were not Prepared and were caught by surprise
Okinawa
Longest/Bloodiest Battle in the Pacific and the Last major battle of the war! (82 Days)
Japanese fought to the death
Over 100k died and over 100k civilians/suicide
US lost 12k
Desmond Doss
Desmond Doss
SDA medic that saves over 75 men
Wins the Congressional Medal of Honor
[Most Decorated SDA in history]
What was the significance of these two islands?
They were the staging area for the anticipated Invasion of Japan
“Operation Downfall”
Manhattan Project
1939-45 - USA’s secret bomb program
Albert Einstein: warns the FDR
Led by Gen. Leslie Groves
Chief Scientist: Robert Oppenheimer (130000 - workers)
Developed 3 bombs
Test called “Gadget” tested at Alamogordo, New Mexico
*Invade or Bomb
July 1945
President Harry Truman warns Japan about Weapon saying “a rain of ruin from the air”
Enola Gay
(B-29 bomber)
Piloted by Col. Paul Tibbets Jr. dropped the first atomic bomb
“Little Boy”
Dropped on Hiroshima
120000 dead instantly
Japan warned again
