World War Two Flashcards
(105 cards)
1
Q
What significance did the end of World War I represent?
A
The end of World War I was meant to signify:
- “a war to end all wars.”
- “a world safe for Democracy.”
2
Q
When did the League of Nations form and what principal purpose did it serve?
A
The League of Nations was formed at the end of World War I with a goal to maintain world peace.
The United States refused to join the League of Nations in order to maintain its Isolationism.
3
Q
Define:
Isolationism
A
Isolationism is a policy enacted by a nation or country that isolates said nation or country from foreign affairs, such as participating in alliances or committing to foreign trade agreements.
After World War I, the United States entered a period of Isolationism to avoid potential military conflict with another nation.
4
Q
Define:
Neutrality
A
The United States position of neutrality stems from the isolationist theory. By remaining internationally neutral, America could avoid conflict and potentially war.
5
Q
What two critical foreign political decisions did President Herbert Hoover make that impacted United States involvement in World War II?
A
After World War I, President Hoover decided America would be best in a state of isolationism. As a result, the United States did not join the League of Nations.
By isolating themselves from the rest of the world, the United States was able to focus on their own internal issues. Yet, this ultimately gave them a late start to entering World War II.
(The contingency could have meant the surrender of Germany sooner.)***
6
Q
What two previous diplomatic endeavors put the United States in poor standing with Latin American countries?
A
Theodore Roosevelt’s Big Stick Diplomacy and William Taft’s Big Dollar Diplomacy aimed to achieve political and economical dominance over Latin America. These gave the United States and unfavorable reputation with many Latin American countries.
(Bold anything?)
7
Q
Define:
Belligerent
A
Any nation involved in warfare, defending or attacking, is considered as a belligerent.
This was a key term used in America’s Neutrality Acts to remain impartial towards any nation.
8
Q
How did President Hoover mend the poor relationship with the Latin American nations?
A
President Hoover negotiated a withdrawal of troops from Nicaragua and Haiti along with allowing their respective governments to run independently. These actions remained consistent with the isolationist mentality.
This crucial step America took would lead to future beneficial relations with Latin America under Roosevelt’s Presidency. Namely, the Good-Neighbor Policy and the Pan-American Conferences.
9
Q
The signatories of the ________________ pledged not to use military force as an aggressive means.
A
Kellogg-Briand Pact of 1928
The League of Nations was to interfere militarily only if a country acted as an aggressor.
10
Q
What rights did America’s Open Door Policy give to other country’s?
A
The Open Door Policy stated that any country could have access to Chinese territory, so long that no other nation took control over the territory.
Although America’s statement was technically in neutral standing, the policy was directed at Japan.
11
Q
What did the meetings of the Washington Naval Conference accomplish?
A
The Washington Naval Conferences began to meet after World War I and was attended by nine nations (including Japan). Their function revolved around policy of the Pacific region. They managed to agree upon a number of treaties which maintained peace in the area.
Japan broke these treaties with the invasion of Manchuria, China in 1931.
12
Q
What factors caused Japan to attack China’s northern province, Manchuria?
A
- The American Great Depression effectually caused a depression worldwide, particularly Japan.
- Japan’s sinking economy meant they needed a new way of acquiring raw materials such as oil and iron.
- With a weak government, Japanese militarists took control over the country. Consequently, they attacked Manchuria (for those materials)** **and set up a puppet government in the region.
**Map of area**
13
Q
Japan’s invasion of Manchuria in 1931 violated which international policies?
A
The military aggression of Japan into China violated:
- The Washington Naval Conference
- The Open Door Policy
- The Kellogg-Briand Pact of 1928
14
Q
In order to remain in isolationism, the United States signed the ______________ which refused to recognize the legitmacy of any annexed territories.
A
Stimson Doctrine
This statement was also technically neutral but aimed at Japan.
15
Q
What was the importance of the incident in Manchuria?
A
The Manchurian Crisis holds a key indication to the inevitability of World War II.
- After the invasion of Manchuria, the League of Nations failed to fulfill their promise to maintain world peace by not retaliating to the Japanese aggression.
- Little action from the League or Nations discredited their reputation and was no longer taken seriously as a defender of world peace.
- As a result, the Axis Powers felt comfortable making their attacks.
16
Q
What were the goals of President Roosevelt’s Good Neighbor Policy?
A
After Roosevelt’s election in 1932, his first promise was to have a “policy of the good neighbor” with all countries in the western hemisphere which acted as a truce between the nations. The policy enforced that the United States would no longer intervene in Latin American political affairs. It also called for hemispheric cooperation and defense (if necessary) against the rising fascist regimes of the Axis Powers if they were to attack.
17
Q
The Pan American Conferences in Uruguay and Argentina, set up by Roosevelt, reinforced the claims of the Good Neighbor Policy. How else did both Cuba and Mexico benefit from the new found benevolence of the American government?
A
Cuba: The Platt Amendment, which gave America the right to oversee Cuban foreign policy, was nullified (The U.S. did retain the Guantanamo Bay naval base).
Mexico: Instead of controversy, a compromise was negotiated to share oil refineries earlier seized by Mexico from America.
18
Q
What was Franklin Roosevelt’s primary concern as the newly elected President?
A
President Roosevelt was elected in 1932, inheriting the nations economic great depression. His main concern was to re-establish the American economy along with addressing other internal issues.
Roosevelt broke the United States out of Hoover’s isolationism to resume foreign economic trade and connection, potentially benefiting the American economy.
19
Q
Who was Roosevelt’s first foreign economic agreement with?
A
In 1933, Roosevelt granted recognition to the Communist Soviet Union in order to open foreign trade and boost the American economy.
In 1917, the Bolshevik Revolution took control to form the Soviet Union. The Republican Presidents of the 1920’s, however, refused to recognize the new communist state.
20
Q
What other foreign economic developments were made by Roosevelt to lift the United States economy out of the Great Depression?
A
The Philippines: Roosevelt felt that holding onto the Philippine Islands was an unnecessary expenditure. Thus, the Tydings-McDuffie Act granted independence to the islands along with the slow removal of United States troops and regional governors.
Reciprocal Trade Agreements: These agreements stated that any nation involved in trade with the United Stated would receive a gratuitous tariff reduction on imports and exports.
21
Q
What was the public reaction in the United States to the increasing threat of the Axis Powers to American and world security?
A
The rise of fascism among the Axis Powers increased the fortitude of isolationists in America, pleading for the government not to enter in foreign affairs and most importantly, not to engage in war.
22
Q
What was the aim of isolationists in congress?
A
Isolationist government officials of the Senate and the House of Representatives still held majority in congress and pushed for the United States to remain neutral if another war broke out.
Although the idea of isolationism was declining by the mid 1930’s, the majority of Americans, still, did not want the United States to enter another war. Neutrality was a way to create distance from the uproar Axis Powers overseas.
23
Q
What was the belief of the Nye Committee and what was their purpose?
A
The Nye Committee, led by Senator Gerald Nye of North Dakota, held the strict belief that American entrance into World War I was fueled by the greed of bankers and arms manufacturers. The committee had a vital influence on the passing of the Neutrality Acts which kept the United States out of foreign affairs.
24
Q
What did the various Neutrality Acts, passed in the mid-1930’s, state?
A
Each Neutrality Act passed limited the United States aid to any countries engaged in war.
Neutrality Act of 1935: Prohibited arms distribution and American travel on belligerent ships.
Neutrality Act of 1936: Prohibited loans to belligerent nations.
Neutrality Act of 1937: Prohibited arms distribution to either side of the participants of the Spanish Civil War.
25
What message did the America First Committee try to convey to the country?
The America First Committee was an independent organization, formed after the start of World War II, that toured the country to reinforce the dangers of getting involved in another world war.
26
How did the Neutrality Acts potentially effect the outcome of the Spanish Civil War?
Although the United States heavily favored the loyalists and wanted to support their fight, the **Neutrality Act** of 1937 prohibited aid to either side.
The Spanish Civil War was fought between defending loyalists of the nation and the aggressors, Franco's **fascist** army.
27
Who was Francisco Franco?
Francisco Franco was a Spanish rebel who supported the ideals of a **fascist** government. His rebellion attacked Spain's central government. By 1939, Franco was name "Head of State."
Franco maintained **fascism** as his belief, yet had no interest in joining with the other **fascists** of the **Axis Powers**.
28
What were some of the major events that preceded World War II?
**Manchurian** Crisis: discredited authority of **League of Nations**, especially with the United States remaining in a state of i**solationism**.
World Depression: economic downfall conversely led to the rise of **fascism**.
Resentment: the **Axis Powers** held a grudge against the **Allied Powers** after the **Treaty of Versailles** (ended World War I) placed harsh regulations on Germany.
29
Which countries agreed to be a part of the Allied Powers?
The first nations to make up the **Allied Powers** of World War II were France, Poland, the United Kingdom, and all of its British Dominions (Australia, Canada, Newfoundland, and South Africa).
The Unites States and the Soviet Union finally joined the **Allied Powers** in 1941, two years after the break out of World War II.
30
Who were the "Big Three" of the Allied Powers of World War II?
The "**Big Three**" of the **Allied Powers** were:
1. Great Britain (**Winston Churchill**)
2. The Soviet Union **(Joseph Stalin**)
3. The United States of America (**Franklin Roosevelt**)
31
# Define:
Fascism
**Fascism** is a form of radical government focused on internal industrialization and mobilization of an army. The group is lead by a supreme ruler and dictator of all political scopes. Political violence and war renew a sense of nationalism.
**Fascist** government took rise with the downfall of the world economy after World War I. Germany, Italy, and Japan resorted to **fascism** and eventually signed and agreement as allies known as the **Axis Powers**.
32
Who were the participating countries of the Axis Powers?
The **Axis Powers** were:
* Germany
* Italy
* Japan
33
Who was Adolf Hitler?
Adolf **Hitler** is most known for his rise to authority in Germany prior to World War II. He became Chancellor of Germany in 1933 and dictator over the controlling fascist **Nazi** Party. Nicknamed as "Führer" or "leader," **Hitler** began a quest for European domination which quickly developed into World War II. In addition to his ruthless war tactics, he also aimed to exterminate the Jewish population with the use of his infamous concentration camps in the **Holocaust**.
34
Adolf Hitler led the _________ Party to power in Germany.
**Nazi**
## Footnote
**Nazism** was an ideology, originating in the 1920's, fueled by **Hitler's** propaganda, risen to power in 1933. Their beliefs were extremely anti-Semitic and anti-establishment.
\*\*Nazi Flag pic\*\*
35
Who was Benito Mussolini?
Nicknamed "Il Duce" or "The Dictator," **Mussolini** rose to power using his uncanny ability to speak, write, and use propaganda to take control of Italy with a fascist regime. **Mussolini** had a thirst for war and domination and was most successful with his invasion of Ethiopia. **Mussolini** was revered until his reputation withered during the World War II years.
36
Explain the German rise to power.
The **Nazi** Party, led by Adolf **Hitler**, gained popular advantage in Germany through propaganda. **Hitler's** promise to get Germany back to full strength was a promising proposition. His ideas for war would help boost a dead economy and would re-establish an overall dying nation. By 1933, **Hitler** had gained enough support to claim himself dictator of Germany.
37
One of the reasons Hitler was so successful with his military attacks was because he used a new style of offense know as \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_, which utilized a heavy air attack and a fast moving ground infiltration..
"**Blitzkrieg**" or "Lightening War"
This was the staple of the **Nazi** army and the domain of attack.
38
Explain how Benito Mussolini claimed dominance over Italy.
**Mussolini's fascist** ideologies quickly gained momentum with the support of war veterans and those who were afraid of communism. Similar to **Hitler**, **Mussolini** believed strongly in military dominance, hoping to follow in the footsteps of Caesar and the Roman Empire. In 1922, **Mussolini's** March on Rome sacked the capital where he claimed his authority.
39
Why did Japan feel the need to go rogue and take control over much of east Asia?
By taking control over East Asia, Japan could have free access to raw materials such as oil, iron, and tin. These key ingredients were integral for military industrialization. In addition, these resources meant Japan could be largely self-sufficient.
After World War I, Japan, along with the rest of world, suffered an immense economic depression. Militarists assumed control over the Emperor's throne and used the power to act aggressively.
40
# Define:
Kamikaze Pilots
"**Kamikaze**" translated "Divine Wind," described Japanese pilots sent on a suicide mission, ordered by the Japanese Emperor, to bomb and crash their planes into enemy vessels.
41
In the years directly preceding World War II, the Axis Powers began to mobilize their armies and make small yet efficient attacks on the world. In order to avoid conflict, democracies such as England and France adopted a policy of \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_, this allowed Hitler and Mussolini to get away with small acts of aggression.
**Appeasement**
The United States, remaining **neutral**, also adopted the policy.
42
What two acts of aggression from Germany were placed under the policy of appeasement?
**Rhineland**, 1936: This region between France and Germany was deemed demilitarized according to the Treaty of Versailles. **Hitler** disobeyed the rule and mobilized troops in the area. The invasion disobeyed the **Treaty of Versailles**.
Sudetenland, 1938: **Hitler** believed that the Sudetenland (in Czechoslovakia) rightfully belonged to Germany because the native language there was German. The secession was disputed yet, the land was taken unopposed with the approval of Great britain.
\*\*expanding german front map\*\*
43
Which piece of land did Italy take control of during the period when appeasement was being granted to Axis attacks?
In 1935, **Mussolini** ordered an attack on the country of Ethiopia. **Mussolini **intended the attack to make Italy appear militaristically dominant. Parts of the country were razed and demolished.
Capturing Ethiopia was a huge moral booster for Italy because they had lost a hard fought war to them back at the turn of the century.
44
How did Japan also benefit from the policy of appeasement?
By 1937, Japan had launched a full frontal war on China. In the midst of fighting, an American naval ship, *The Panay* was sunk by the hands of the Japanese. The United States, however, was quick to grant **appeasement** for the action.
45
After Japan's attack on the American naval ship in 1937, Roosevelt delivered his ___________ speech which brought to attention the rising fascists regimes and the threat of American freedom. Roosevelt described an intent for all democratic nations to retaliate against the violence.
Quarantine
The reaction to the speech was primarily negative which made **Roosevelt** dismiss the idea.
46
How did Roosevelt respond after the negative reaction to his Quarantine Speech?
Even though **Roosevelt's** Quarantine Speech was rejected, he managed to let congress agree for America to remain **neutral** yet build an army for defense against a potential attack from the **Axis Powers**.
This step to ready arms for war was known as **preparedness**.
47
What promise was made by England and France to be the last straw before resorting to declare war on Germany?
Both England and France agreed that if Poland was invaded, they would have to declare war on Germany.
After Germany sent troops to occupy all of Czechoslovakia, England and France finally realized that **appeasement** was failing and that Germany would not stop its aggression. Because the democracies felt the Soviet Union could not withstand **Hitler's** wrath either, they vowed to declare war on Germany if Poland was attacked.
48
What German attack thrusted the world into all out war?
Germany's invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939 was the final act allowed by the **Allied Powers** before they declared war on Germany and ultimately, Italy and Japan.
World War II had officially begun.
49
How did Germany respond to the declarations of war made by the Allied powers?
Immediately following the invasion of Poland, Germany spent the winter in a **preparedness** state and unleashed fury in the spring.
With **Hitler's** tactic of **Blitzkrieg** warfare, Germany quickly gained control over Scandinavia and took over most of its primary enemy, France. By 1940, all of Europe, except Great Britain had German troops stationed in their country.
50
How did the United States and President Roosevelt react to early German dominance over Europe after the breakout of World War II?
The United States still held a popular opinion that they should remain **neutral** despite the alarming news of heavy warfare overseas. **Roosevelt** was conscious of public opinion yet, still believed in preparing for the worst. He thought Great Britain's survival was integral to American safety. As a result, **Roosevelt** broke down many of the **Neutrality Acts** in order to give financial aid to Great Britain to fight the war.
The United States was tried to stay in its **neutral** position for as long as possible.
51
Although the United States continued to remain neutral, what major policy managed to heavily favor Great Britain's war with Germany?
The "Cash and Carry" policy was a rewrite of the **Neutrality Act** of 1935 stated that any **belligerent** could purchase arms from the Untied States so long that the nation purchasing used their own ships and paid in cash.
The "Cash and Carry" policy technically kept America as a **neutral** country, but strongly favored the aid Great Britain, especially since Great Britain controlled the Atlantic Ocean.
52
The _______ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Act of 1940 was essentially a United States military draft of all people between the ages of 21 and 35 to train in preparation for the inevitable joining of World War II
Selective Service
## Footnote
While it stretched the line of **neutrality**, **Roosevelt** discerned that involvement in the war was unavoidable. With the threat of Germany to the American homeland, **neutrality** had been rapidly loosing its popularity.
53
How did the United States remain neutral and isolated while organizing an army ready for warfare?
In order to remain **neutral**, the United States could not directly sell destroyer ships to Great Britain. Instead, **Roosevelt** proposed a trade of the American destroyer ships for the freedom to use the British Caribbean Islands as naval bases.
Foreign trade, as opposed to direct aid, kept the United States **neutral** and not immediately involved in warfare.
54
Why was it so important that the United States remain neutral prior to and during the first few years of World War II?
At the time, the **Great Depression** was devastating the entire nation and **Roosevelt** had mad a promise to fix the countries internal issues. Conflict or war with another nation was an option the United Stated could not afford to exhaust. Holding **neutral** ground kept them safe from attack from the **Axis Powers** and insured that their safety was not compromised.
With America in such a fragile state, it was vital to keep the people calm and make them feel secure. Cooperation form the people meant the federal government could focus on the issues at hand.
55
What controversial American tradition was at stake regarding the Election of 1940?
The significance of the Election of 1940 was whether **Roosevelt** would be elected for a third term.
With the world in a state of chaos, the United States could not withstand a change in policy and ideology with a new President elect. As a result, **Roosevelt** campaigned for a third presidential term, which broke **George Washington's** tradition of a two-term maximum.
56
Who ran against Roosevelt in the Election of 1940?
Wendell Willkie. He criticized the **New Deal** and laid the foundation of his campaign on **Washington's** two-term maximum regulation.
57
Why did roosevelt end up winning the Election of 1940?
**Roosevelt** had one the election for a third time for two primary reasons:
1. **Roosevelt** had boosted America's foreign trade, by developing a defense forces.
2. The people of the United States wanted to keep a more experienced leader in office.
58
What did winning the election of 1940 give Roosevelt the confidence to do?
After wining the election and a third term, **Roosevelt** felt the need for the United States to make the final push out of **neutrality** and begin directly aid Great Britain's military efforts.
The rise of the **Axis Powers** was seen as a threat to American security and democracy around the world. **Roosevelt** insisted that America was to strive for betterment of "the great arsenal of democracy."
59
How did the United States officially exit their state of neutrality?
In 1941, **Roosevelt** proposed to congress that the United States lend money to Great Britain so they could purchase military weaponry from America.
The proposal would accomplish two feats:
1. Keep Great Britain afloat from German conquest and protect the **four freedoms**.
2. Rebuild the American economy.
60
What were the four freedoms?
The **four freedoms** were
1. Freedom of speech.
2. Freedom of religion.
3. Freedom from want.
4. Freedom from fear.
It was important for the United States to protect any nation practicing the **four freedoms**.
61
What was the Lend-Lease Act?
The **Lend-Lease Act**, signed in 1941, was a policy that allowed for the direct sale of military armaments to Great Britain and China to support their wars against **fascist** countries.
In a later extension to the **Lend-Lease Act**, United States ships would escort British cargo ships holding **lend-lease** materials up to Iceland.
62
President Roosevelt and Winston Churchill constructed the ________ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_, which agreed that the peace objectives most critical to enforce after the war were self-determination for all people, no territorial expansion, and free trade.
Atlantic Charter
The meeting took place on a ship off the coast of Newfoundland (a British territory).
63
What allowed Roosevelt to authorize a "Shoot on Sight" policy towards Germany?
In 1941, a United States ship, *The Greer*, was sunk by German submarines while escorting British **lend-lease** armaments.
In reaction, **Roosevelt** ordered a "Shoot on Sight" policy which instructed U.S. ships to open fire at German naval vessels.
64
What did Roosevelt's "Shoot on Sight" policy indicate regarding the United States position in World War II?
In consequence to the "Shoot on Sight" strategy, the United States had effectively entered an undeclared naval war with Germany.
Though the United States did not officially join the **Allied Powers**, they could no longer be considered internationally **neutral**.
65
How did the attention focused on Germany benefit Japan?
Because Germany was the unequivocal center of attention of the world, Japan had an opportunity to take over parts of Southeast Asia which were still territories of various European nations (such as the Dutch East indies, British Burma, and French Indochina).
66
What advantage did the United States have to slow Japanese expansion?
The United States had ceased exports of steel and iron to all countries except Great Britain and countries of the Western Hemisphere (in congruence with the **Good Neighbor Policy**). In addition, the oil supply Japan had depended on from the United States was cut off, effectively shutting down the Japanese navy and air force.
67
What attempts to negotiate were made between the United States and Japan?
In September 1941, negotiations from Japan for oil were constant yet, no agreements were reached.
The United States wanted to keep focus on Germany and to delay extended conflict with Japan. Japan, however, felt it needed to attack before their resources were completely depleted.
68
What underlying causes led to Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor?
Japan's resources were exhausting rapidly, thus they aspired for a hasty attack.
The United States wanted to respect the **Open Door Policy** and remove Japan from their annexed territories, but, felt Germany was a more immediate threat, leaving their guard down to Japanese assault.
69
Describe the attack on Pearl Harbor.
On December 7, 1941, Japanese **Kamikaze** pilots flew over and bombed the United States naval base stationed in **Pearl Harbor**, Hawaii. The surprise attack killed nearly 2,500 American soldiers, sunk 20 warships, and destroyed 150 fighter planes.
The United States believed a Japanese attack was imminent, however, they had the impression that the attack would be on United States territory in East Asia, not on the American homeland.
70
What immediate action did President Roosevelt take after the bombing of Pearly Harbor?
One day later, **Roosevelt** addressed the nation stating the attacks on **Pearl Harbor** will be "a date that will live in infamy.”
On the same day, congress declared war on the Japanese Empire and the **Axis Powers** and officially joined the **Allied Powers**. As a result, the **Axis Powers** stayed true to their promise and as a whole, declared war on the United States.
71
At what point in during World War II did the Axis Powers reach the height of their conquest and dominance?
The height of the **Axis Powers** ascendency came at the beginning of 1942.
* Germany had pushed the Soviet Union as far east as Stalingrad and the French as far west as **Normandy**.
* The Japanese had taken control over much of the South Pacific, including the American Philippines.
* Italy had mobilized their armed forces into Northern Africa.
72
What two objectives were outline in the military strategy that the Allied Powers developed and executed in the Spring of 1942?
The "**Big Three**" believed they needed to take forceful action on two major fronts of the war:
1. Eliminate the German naval presence in the Atlantic in order to re-open safe shipping lanes.
2. Begin air raid attacks on German cities.
This military strategy was named, "Defense at Sea, Attacks by Air."
73
Why was Germany, by the Winter of 1942, occupying most of Italy and its territories?
**Mussolini's** Italian military was not as strong as it had seemed from their conquests in Africa. Italy was heavily reliant on **Hitler's** aid, however, when the Germany began to hasten their attacks and intensify their military strategy, **Mussolini** was left alone, incapable of handling his empire. He struggled to sustain the front in North Africa and by 1943, most of Italy was occupied by German forces in order to hold what **Mussolini** could not.
74
How did Mussolini's military shortcomings effect Hitler's army?
**Mussolini's** army was not as strong as it had once appeared. He struggled to maintain dominion over his empire and needed an abundance of military aid from Germany. Because **Hitler** had to send a portion of his army to help sustain Italy (south), it consequently took focus away from the German fronts in France (west) and the Soviet Union (east).
Although **Mussolini** was a clear disappointment, **Hitler**, still, let **Mussolini** control Italy's Northern province.
(Contingency: Had **Mussolini** been able to hold the Italian front by himself, German surrender could have been set back a number of years.)
75
What did this meeting between Roosevelt and Churchill accomplish?
In 1943, in the meeting known as Casablanca, an agreement was made by **Roosevelt** and **Churchill** to invade Sicily and demand “unconditional surrender” from the **Axis powers**.
76
How was Northern Africa and fascist Italy defended form the Allied Powers?
**Mussolini's** lack of authority and military presence meant the **Allied Powers** were fighting mostly German troops in Northern Africa and Italy.
From 1943-1945, the **Axis Powers** steadily retreated from the **Allied Powers'** attacks. The final stand was in Northern Italy where the Italian **fascist** government surrendered in May 1945.
77
What resulted from the first meeting of the "Big Three?"
**Roosevelt**, **Churchill**, and **Stalin** met for the first time in the city of Teheran. Their agreement at this meeting was to liberate France from German hold. The United States and Britain would attack from the west while the Soviet Union would perform a delayed attack from the east.
78
Describe the events at D-Day and its significance.
On June 6, 1944 a.k.a. D-Day, the **Allied Powers** attacked the German controlled beaches of **Normandy**, France. The bloody victory signified the beginning of the end for the **Nazi** Regime. After this battle, the **Allied Powers** steadily forced Germany to retreat back to Berlin.
\*\*Map of Normandy\*\*
79
In December 1944, the Battle of the \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_, fought in Belgium, was Nazi Germany's last attempt to make a stand against the Allied Powers. The successful counterattack, however, only delayed what was now the inevitable for Hitler's Nazi Regime.
Bulge
After the minor setback, the **Allied Powers** continued to dominate the German forces until their surrender in May 1945.
80
What final act, ultimately led to the official surrender of Germany in May 1945?
In April 1945, **Hitler** commit suicide after his realization that defeat to the **Allied Powers** was imminent. With no leader, the **Nazi** Regime was forced to surrender on May 8, 1945 a.k.a. V-E (Victory in Europe) Day.
81
What shocking discovery was exposed after the fall of Nazi Germany?
After the **Nazi** surrender, concentration camps all across German territories were found. These were products of **Hitler's** ruthless genocide against the Jewish people. The world was caught in disbelief that the total number of dead Jewish civilians was estimated at 6 million. This genocide was named the **Holocaust**.
Shockingly, three years later, the nation of Israel was declared an independent state belonging to the Jewish people.
82
How did the fighting against Germany and Italy differ from the fighting against Japan?
Europe: the primary focus of attack involved the Air Force or the Army.
Japan: the primary means of war was fought with the Navy.
In this sense, it was as if the United States was fighting two separate wars, utilizing different techniques and strategies.
83
Who was General Douglas MacArthur?
**General Douglas MacArthur** commanded the United States army in Southeast Asia. His ruthless tactics against Japan led him to Tokyo Harbor where the official Japanese surrender was submitted on September 2, 1945 aboard the *Battleship Missouri*.
84
# Define
Island-hopping.
Island-hopping was a strategy used by the United States, in Southeast Asia, to move a platoon from one island to another.
The Americans bypassed Japanese strongholds and captured the weaker islands surrounding it. From here, the American advantage was far too great for the Japanese to overcome, regardless of how mighty the enemy force was.
This effective military strategy allowed the United States to move swiftly through the islands towards Japan.
85
What two naval battles served as the turning point for the United States in the fight against Japan?
There were two battles that gave swung the momentum of the war into America's favor:
1. Battle of the Coral Sea: American ships prevented Japanese invasion of Australia.
2. **Battle of Midway**: The interception of Japanese messages enabled the United States to preemptively attack and destroy a major Japanese naval fleet.
86
What two naval battles opened the doors for the United States to access the mainland of Japan?
Two bloody yet, critical battles gave the United States an opportunity to invade the Japanese homeland:
1. Battle of Leyte Gulf: After this battle, Japan's navy was essentially obliterated.
2. Battle of **Okinawa**: An 82 day long marathon of fighting resulted in a record number of deaths. **Okinawa** was home to one of Japan's strongest fronts located 300 miles from the Japanese mainland.
\*\*Pic of soldiers raising flag.. you know what im talkin\*\*
87
What top secret initiative led to the Atomic bombing of two Japanese cities?
The Manhattan Project was a research initiative studying the practicality and construction of an **Atomic bomb**. It was headed by physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer and involved over 100,000 men.
88
Explain the enormity of President Roosevelt's untimely death.
**Franklin D. Roosevelt** died, unexpectedly, in April 1945, before World War II could come to a end. As a result, **Harry Truman** assumed the Presidency. While the **Axis Powers** were rapidly loosing strength and men, **Truman** had to claim authority as Commander in Chief and finish the war strong on both fronts.
\*One might say that Truman ended the war with a... bang!
89
What was unique about the conference in Potsdam and what was accomplished there?
The "**Big Three**" met again in Potsdam, Germany after the **Nazi** surrender. Unique about this meeting, two of the "**Big Three**" had changed (**Roosevelt** died, Attlee won the election for British Prime Minister) and now consisted of **Truman** (U.S.A.), Clement Attlee (U.K.), and **Stalin**.
90
What promises were made by the (new) "Big Three" at the conference in Potsdam?
The meeting yielded two promises:
1. The United States must offer Japan the option to "surrender unconditionally" before using the **Atomic Bomb** or face "utter destruction."
2. All **Nazi** leaders would be tried in international court for their war crimes.
91
For what reasons did President Truman decide to use the Atomic Bomb on Japan?
Two reasons goaded Truman to use the Atomic Bomb on Japan:
1. After the United States captured **Okinawa**, they began to prepare for a fierce ground attack on the homeland (potentially causing immense casualty for both sides).
2. An offer of peaceful concession, at the expense of "utter destruction," was denied by Japan.
Consequently, the decision to drop the **Atomic bombs** were ordered.
92
What names were given to the Atomic Bombs and what cities were they dropped on?
Little Boy: On August 6, 1945, this **Atomic bomb** leveled the city of Hiroshima
Fat Man: On August 9, 1945, this **Atomic bomb** devastated the city of Nagasaki
The two explosions combined to kill an estimated 250,000 Japanese.
\*\*mushroom cloud pic\*\*
93
Under what conditions did Japan surrender to the United States?
Japan officially surrender one week after the second **Atomic bomb** hit Nagasaki. Japan's only request was for America to leave the Japanese Emperor on the throne strictly as a figurehead.
**General MacArthur**, aboard the *Battleship Missouri,* received a formal letter of surrender from Japan on September 2, 1945. Additionally, Japan's surrender ended the coalition of the **Axis Powers** and World War II all together.
94
Why did the U.S. come out of the war with a stronger economy than any other nation in the world?
Two main factors contributed to the stronger American economy:
1. With the exception of **Pearl Harbor**, the United States was lucky enough to evade any sort of military attack within the country, as opposed to Europe and Asia, where constant warfare had destroyed large parts of industry and infrastructure.
2. The government had spent vast amounts of money to gear up industry for the war, leading to easy retooling of these industries for consumer use after the war was over.
95
What were the terms consented on by the "Big Three" at Yalta and what were the terms appealing to?
The negotiations made at the Yalta conference (prior to the surrender of the **Axis Powers**) attended by the "**Big Three**" concerned post war treaty regulations:
* Germany would be divided into occupation zones.
* The liberated countries of Eastern Europe would become democracies.
* The formation and first conference of the **United Nations** was set to meet in San Francisco.
96
How did the United Nations form after the end of World War II?
The **United Nations**, similar to the **League of Nations**, was established for the prosperity of world peace. An initial meeting between the "**Big Three**" and China conceived the idea.
The assembly of fifty countries in San Francisco drafted a charter for the **United Nations** and was universally acknowledged by the end of 1945.
97
Why was the League of Nations ineffective at maintaining world peace?
The **League of Nations** failed in the sense that it was not given the necessary power to dissuade nations from committing acts of war. This became prevalent after the Japanese conquest of **Manchuria**, which elicited no action from the **League of Nations**, thus showing the world that the they held little power to enforce the rule of peace.
98
How and why did the United States remain neutral for sol long?
The United States was able to remain neutral because by passing a number of **Neutrality Acts** which banned involvement in foreign affairs. Additionally, America was physically distanced from the immediate fighting. The
United States stayed in a state of **neutrality** in order to focus their attention on internal improvements and the best way to ensure that was to avoid war or foreign conflict.
99
What were the underlying causes that led to World War II?
The underlying causes that led to World War II:
* The **Manchurian** Crisis
* A Lack of presence from the **League of Nations**
* World Depression
* Resentment left over from World War I
100
What aggressive attacks by the Axis Powers were granted appeasement?
The policy of **appeasement** was used as an excuse, by the **Allied Powers**, not to engage in warfare:
* Ethiopia, 1935 (Italy)
* **Rhineland**, 1936 (Germany)
* Sinking of U.S. naval ship, 1937 (Japan)
* Sudetenland, 1938 (Germany)
101
How did the United States aid Great Britain while remaining in a state of neutrality?
**Roosevelt** passed several pieces of legislation:
* "Cash and Carry" policy
* Selective Service Act of 1940
* Destroyers for Bases deal
102
How did the United States aid Great Britain and the Allied Powers after exiting out of neutrality?
**Roosevelt** passed even more legislation after their exit from **neutrality**:
* **Four Freedoms**
* **Lend-Lease Act**
* Atlantic Charter
* "Shoot on Sight" policy
103
Which conferences attended by the "Big Three" shaped the strategy and outcome of World War II?
There were four meetings of operative importance between the "**Big Three**:"
* Casablanca
* Teheran
* Yalta
* Potsdam
104
What organization, similar to the League of Nations, was formed immediately after World War II?
The **United Nations**.
105
What remains as the legacy of the United States after the conclusion of World War II?
The United States had transformed from an **isolated** nation in the 1930's to an integral and critical participant of World War II in the 1940's. They were the saving grace to the **Allied Powers** and helped beat down the **Axis Powers** and the rise of **fascist** government. Not only did the United States play a major military role in World War II but, also eased the transition from war to diplomacy with the establishment of the **United Nations** (which is still in existence). Bold leadership and a relentless passion for peace will forever be the affect the United States had on the Second World War.
