WW2

Question 1

What is Blitzkrieg?

Answer 1

A military tactic used by Nazi Germany in World War II to quickly defeat enemies using tanks, planes, and surprise attacks.

The term translates to ‘lightning war’ in German.

Question 2

What was the principle behind Blitzkrieg?

Answer 2

To cut the enemy off from all supplies and communication through swift, massive strikes from the air and rapid tank invasions on the ground.

Question 3

What was the Atlantic Wall?

Answer 3

A massive system of coastal defenses and fortifications built by Nazi Germany during World War II to protect occupied Western Europe from an Allied invasion.

Question 4

Which part of the Atlantic Wall was the most fortified?

Answer 4

Pas-de-Calais.

Question 5

What significant event occurred in 1939 related to World War II?

Answer 5

Nazis invade Poland and the Battle of the Atlantic begins.

Question 6

What was the Phoney War?

Answer 6

A period after the declaration of war when little fighting occurred in Western Europe following Germany’s invasion of Poland.

Question 7

What led to the Fall of France in June 1940?

Answer 7

The rapid German invasion and evacuation of French and British troops to Britain.

Question 8

What was the significance of the Dunkirk evacuation?

Answer 8

Around 500,000 French and British troops were evacuated to England, a significant morale boost despite leaving machinery and resources behind.

Question 9

What was Vichy France?

Answer 9

The French government that remained in control of the unoccupied part of France, dependent on Nazi Germany.

Question 10

What was the Battle of the Atlantic?

Answer 10

The longest continuous battle of World War II, fought between Allied shipping and German U-boats, aiming to starve Britain out of the war.

Question 11

What was the outcome of the Battle of Britain?

Answer 11

The Royal Air Force successfully defended against the German Luftwaffe, preventing a German invasion of Britain.

Question 12

What was Operation Barbarossa?

Answer 12

The code name for the German invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941.

Question 13

What was the significance of the Battle of Stalingrad?

Answer 13

Marked Germany’s first major defeat in World War II and turned the tide of the war on the Eastern Front.

Question 14

What was the result of the Pearl Harbor attack?

Answer 14

The US declared war on Japan, marking its entry into World War II.

Question 15

Fill in the blank: The Battle of Midway was a _______ point in the Pacific for the Americans.

Answer 15

turning

Question 16

What were the goals of Operation Husky?

Answer 16

To invade Sicily, drive out Axis forces, and open a path to mainland Italy.

Question 17

What was D-Day?

Answer 17

June 6, 1944, when Allied forces launched the invasion of Normandy, France.

Question 18

Which beach was known for its high casualties during D-Day?

Answer 18

Omaha Beach.

Question 19

What was the outcome of the D-Day invasion?

Answer 19

The Allies established a strong foothold in Normandy, leading to the liberation of France.

Question 20

What was the significance of the Yalta Conference?

Answer 20

A meeting of Allied leaders to discuss post-war plans and the reorganization of Europe.

Question 21

What did the Lend Lease Act do?

Answer 21

Allowed the US to supply Allied nations with military aid during World War II.

Question 22

What was the impact of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki?

Answer 22

Led to Japan’s surrender and the end of World War II.

Question 23

True or False: The German invasion of the Soviet Union was successful in achieving its objectives.

Answer 23

False.

Question 24

What was the primary technology used for fuel supplies under the ocean during WWII?

Answer 24

PLUTO (pipeline under the ocean)

PLUTO was crucial for sustaining Allied operations in Europe.

Question 25

What was the outcome of the bombing of Dresden in 1945?

Answer 25

More than 40,000 civilian deaths with little military strategic value ## Footnote The bombing raised moral questions about targeting cities with minimal military significance.

Question 26

What was the significance of the Normandy Landings (D-Day)?

Answer 26

Successful Allied invasion; Germany caught by surprise ## Footnote French resistance workers played a key role by disrupting German communications.

Question 27

What was Operation Christrose?

Answer 27

German counterattack in the Ardennes leading to the Battle of the Bulge ## Footnote This was a short-lived German advance that was ultimately rolled back by the Allies.

Question 28

What was the Manhattan Project?

Answer 28

US project to design and build the first atomic bombs ## Footnote It cost the US 2 billion dollars and involved collaboration with Britain and Canada.

Question 29

What was the US strategy of 'Island Hopping' during WWII?

Answer 29

Capturing strategically important islands while bypassing heavily fortified ones ## Footnote This strategy aimed to advance towards Japan and cut off their supply lines.

Question 30

Why were Hiroshima and Nagasaki chosen as targets for the atomic bomb?

Answer 30

Cities with large populations rather than military significance ## Footnote Hiroshima was selected for its population density and geographical features that would amplify destruction.

Question 31

What was the first step in Hitler's 'Final Solution'?

Answer 31

Legislation for legal and economic isolation of Jews ## Footnote This step aimed to remove Jews from Germany's economic life.

Question 32

What were the Soviet POWs subjected to during WWII?

Answer 32

Inhumane treatment including starvation and forced labor ## Footnote 2.5 million Soviet POWs died by the end of the war.

Question 33

What was the Atlantic Charter?

Answer 33

Agreement between the US and Britain on postwar aims ## Footnote It laid the groundwork for the United Nations.

Question 34

What was agreed upon at the Yalta Conference?

Answer 34

Occupation zones for Germany and establishment of a war criminal tribunal ## Footnote The Polish Question remained unresolved at this conference.

Question 35

What did the Potsdam Declaration call for?

Answer 35

Unconditional surrender of Japan with threats of destruction if refused ## Footnote This declaration led to the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Question 36

What are the two main parts of the United Nations?

Answer 36

General Assembly and Security Council ## Footnote The General Assembly includes all member states, while the Security Council holds real power.

Question 37

Fill in the blank: The Allied bombing of Dresden in 1945 resulted in _______ civilian deaths.

Answer 37

more than 40,000

Question 38

True or False: The Allies used the Mulberries to create portable harbors during WWII.

Answer 38

True

Question 39

What were the two types of rockets launched by Germany on England?

Answer 39

V1 and V2 rockets ## Footnote These rockets had limited impact but demonstrated Germany's continued military capabilities.

Question 40

What was the main purpose of the Lend-Lease Act?

Answer 40

To allow the US to lend or lease arms to nations deemed necessary for American security ## Footnote This act enabled the US to support Allies without direct involvement in the war.

Question 41

What was the significance of the Battle of Midway?

Answer 41

A huge American victory that turned the tide in the Pacific ## Footnote This battle was a critical point in the naval war against Japan.