WWII

Question 1

What was the Treaty that led to WWII?

Answer 1

The Treaty of Versailles ended WWI but placed harsh penalties on Germany, causing economic hardship and resentment

Question 2

Define Anti-Semitism

Answer 2

Anti-Semitism is the hatred or discrimination against Jewish people, which fueled Nazi ideology and led to the Holocaust.

Question 3

What was the Rome-Berlin Pact?

Answer 3

A 1936 non-aggression and alliance pact between Italy and Germany, marking the beginning of formal cooperation between fascist powers.

Question 4

Sudetenland

Describe the Munich Agreement, when was it created?

Answer 4

In 1938, Britain and France allowed Hitler to take the Sudetenland from Czechoslovakia. It was meant to avoid war but encouraged Hitler because even if he violated it, Britain and France would avoid war.

Question 5

Define the Blitzkrieg and its significance

Answer 5

“Blitzkrieg” means “lightning war,” a fast, surprise attack using tanks, planes, and infantry. Germany used it effectively to conquer Poland and other countries in WWII.

Question 6

How was Canada involved after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor?

Answer 6

Canada sent troops to defend the British colony of Hong Kong, facing devastating defeat in December 1941.

Question 7

What was Canada’s least successful campaign and why?

Answer 7

The Battle of Dieppe was Canada’s least successful campaign because they underestimated the enemy’s strength and were unable to retreat effectively, resulting in high casualties.

Question 8

How was Germany able to benefit from Canada’s weakness in the Battle of Dieppe?

Answer 8

Germany used the failed raid to strengthen its coastal defenses, learning how the Allies might launch future invasions.

Question 9

What were Canada’s protection convoy ships?

Answer 9

Corvettes protected merchant convoys from German U-boats by escorting them across the Atlantic. They were small, fast, and vital in the Battle of the Atlantic.

Question 10

Describe the significance of Canadian Corvette ships?

Answer 10

Protected merchant convoys by escorting them across the Atlantic and using sonar to detect German U-boats. They dropped depth charges to attack submarines and guarded supply routes across the Atlantic. Their presence kept vital supply lines open.

Question 11

Begun on 7/10/43, mainland 10/3/43

Define the Italian Campaign, why was it created?

Answer 11

Was the Allied invasion of Italy, aiming to weaken Axis forces in Europe. It was created after Joseph Stalin’s plea for help after Germany invaded the Soviet Union.

Question 12

Intercept

What was the key technology used in the Battle of Britain?

Answer 12

Radar was a key technology that helped Britain detect and intercept German planes, preventing a successful German invasion.

Question 13

Describe the significance of May 7, 1945.

Answer 13

V-E Day marks when the Germans surrendered in the Netherlands as a result of the hardships and sacrifices the Allied troops faced.

Question 14

Started WWII

Who were the original Allies in 1939, who were the leaders?

Answer 14

United Kingdom - Neville Chamberlain
France - Edouard Daladier
Poland - Jozef Beck
They declared war on Germany on September 3rd after the invasion of Poland on September 1st, 1939.

Question 15

Who were the Axis Powers and who were their leaders?

Answer 15

Germany - Adolf Hitler
Italy - Benito Mussolini
Japan - Emperor Hirohito
They wanted to expand their empires through military aggression.

Question 16

When did WWII began and when did Canada enter?

Answer 16

WWII began on September 1, 1939, when Germany invaded Poland. Canada joined independently on September 10, 1939, led by PM Mackenzie King, supporting its allies.

Question 17

Who was the Soviet leader during WWII?

Answer 17

Joseph Stalin who led the USSR in fighting against Nazi Germany after Hitler broke their non-aggression pact.

Question 18

Define Hitler’s rise to power and his impact on WWII.

Answer 18

Hitler rose to power by exploiting economic hardship, promoting nationalism, and gaining support through the Nazi Party.
He became Chancellor in 1933, leading to aggressive expansion that triggered WWII.

Question 19

What were some of the pacts that Hitler broke?

Answer 19

Hitler broke the Treaty of Versailles by rearming Germany and invading territories.
He also broke the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact by invading the USSR in 1941.

Question 20

Who was the British leader during the Battle of Britain?

Answer 20

Winston Churchill.

Question 21

What was the battle that pushed troops to the French Coast?

Answer 21

The Battle of Dunkirk forced Allied troops to retreat to the coast of France in 1940. Over 300,000 soldiers were evacuated in a massive sea rescue.

Question 22

Describe Conscription during WWII

Answer 22

1942 - Canada used conscription reluctantly after a plebiscite due to soldier shortages

Result - The plebiscite showed national support for conscription, except in Quebec

1944 - Conscription was enacted to address troop shortages.

Question 23

Define Plebiscite

Answer 23

A direct vote by citizens on a specific issue.

Question 24

Define and describe the RCAF

Answer 24

The Royal Canadian Air Force was Canada’s air force during WWII, playing a major role in bombing campaigns and defending Britain.

Question 25

Discuss Internment & Concentration camps.

Answer 25

Concentration - Nazi Germany imprisoned Jews and minorities under brutal conditions. Internment - Held Japanese Canadians, who were forcibly removed from their homes due to fear of espionage.

Question 26

Describe Women's role in WWII

Answer 26

Women worked in factories, served as nurses, and joined military units like the CWAC and RCAF Women’s Division.

Question 27

Define and describe Spitfires and Messerschmitts

Answer 27

Spitfires - fast British fighter planes used to defend Britain Messerschmitts - German fighters that clashed with Spitfires during the Battle of Britain

Question 28

Describe the effects of WWII on Canada

Answer 28

Socially - Advanced women and minority rights Economically - Ended the Great Depression and grew industry Internationally - Canada gained more independence and respect as a middle power

Question 29

Describe Canadian Forces in the Italian Campaign

Answer 29

Canadians fought in battles like Ortona and pushed through tough terrain,. They helped liberate Italy from German control, showing strong bravery and skill

Question 30

Define the Battle of Dunkirk

Answer 30

Saw Allied troops trapped by German forces in 1940. It was a massive evacuation, aided by civilian boats.

Question 31

Describe Japanese Canadian & Chinese soldiers

Answer 31

Chinese and Japanese Canadians were initially opposed from enlisting due to racism. They were later needed for their language skills in the Pacific.

Question 32

Describe the effects of Atomic bombs on WWII and Japan

Answer 32

The atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki forced Japan to surrender, ending WWII. This caused massive civilian deaths and long-term radiation effects.

Question 33

Define the Japanese Property Claims Commission

Answer 33

A Canadian commission established in 1947 which aimed to assess and compensate for confiscated or lost property of Japanese Canadians

Question 34

Define Middle Power in WWII

Answer 34

Canada was considered a "middle power", meaning it was not a superpower but still had significant influence in international affairs. Canada contributed notably to Allied military efforts and postwar diplomacy.

Question 35

Describe Canada's Wartime Industrial Accomplishments

Answer 35

Transformed its industries to produce war materials, contributing nearly $10 billion worth of supplies through The Department of Munitions and Supply.

Question 36

Describe the English vs. French Canadian views on Conscription.

Answer 36

English - supported conscription to aid the war effort French - opposed it, feeling disconnected from Britain's war This division highlighted Canada's linguistic and cultural tensions.

Question 37

Describe the Battle of Hong Kong

Answer 37

In December 1941, Japanese forces attacked the British colony of Hong Kong. Canadian troops defended but were overwhelmed, leading to surrender after 17 days. Many Canadians were killed or became prisoners of war.

Question 38

Describe the Battle of Britain

Answer 38

From July to October 1940, the UK defended against German air assaults. The Royal Air Force's victory prevented a German invasion. It was the first major defeat for Hitler's military forces.

Question 39

Describe the Battle of Dieppe

Answer 39

On August 19, 1942, Allied forces, mainly Canadians, launched a raid on Dieppe, France. The operation failed, resulting in heavy casualties. Lessons learned influenced future assaults.

Question 40

Describe Operation Husky

Answer 40

In July 1943, Allied forces invaded Sicily to open a new front in Europe. The successful operation led to the downfall of Mussolini. It marked the beginning of the Italian Campaign.

Question 41

Describe the Battle of Ortona

Answer 41

In December 1943, Canadian troops engaged German forces in Ortona, Italy. The battle involved intense urban combat. Canada secured the town after a week of fighting.

Question 42

Describe the Battle of Dunkirk

Answer 42

In May 1940, Allied troops were trapped in Dunkirk, France. A massive evacuation rescued over 300,000 soldiers. The operation boosted Allied morale despite the setback.

Question 43

Describe D-Day

Answer 43

It occured on June 6 1944, Allied forces landed on Normandy beaches to liberate Western Europe. Canada's 3rd Infantry Division stormed Juno Beach. The invasion marked a turning point in the war.

Question 44

Describe Dieppe vs. D-Day Tactics

Answer 44

Dieppe lacked adequate planning and support, leading to failure. D-Day had better coordination (coordinated air bombardments) and deception (fake radio traffic) strategies. This contributed to the success of the Normandy landings.

Question 45

Describe German Attacks on Atlantic Merchant Ships

Answer 45

German U-boats targeted Allied merchant ships to disrupt supply lines. The Battle of the Atlantic was crucial for maintaining Britain's resources.

Question 46

Describe Holocaust and the St. Louis

Answer 46

The Holocaust was Nazi Germany's genocide of six million Jews. In 1939, the MS St. Louis carrying 907 Jewish refugees was denied entry in Cuba, U.S., and Canada. The ship returned to Europe, where many passengers perished.

Question 47

Define Fascism

Answer 47

Fascism is a far-right, authoritarian ideology emphasizing nationalism and dictatorial power. It suppresses opposition and controls society and the economy. Italy under Mussolini exemplified fascist governance.

Question 48

Did Hitler cause WWII?

Answer 48

Hitler's aggressive expansion and violations of international treaties directly led to WWII. His invasion of Poland in 1939 prompted Britain and France to declare war.

Question 49

Was Canada ready for WWII?

Answer 49

Prime Minister Mackenzie King initially pursued appeasement to avoid conflict. Canada was not fully prepared militarily but declared war on Germany on September 10, 1939. The country rapidly mobilized its forces thereafter.

Question 50

Did Fascism have appeal in Canada?

Answer 50

Fascism had limited appeal in Canada, with some fringe groups expressing support. The majority of Canadians opposed fascist ideologies.

Question 51

Describe Economic Turmoil In Germany and Hitler's rise to power.

Answer 51

Germany faced severe inflation and unemployment in the late 1920s and early 1930s. These conditions created public discontent, which Hitler exploited to gain support.

Question 52

Describe the National Socialist Party (Nazis)

Answer 52

The Nazi Party, led by Hitler, promoted Aryan supremacy and anti-Semitism. They established a totalitarian regime in Germany. Their policies led to WWII and the Holocaust.

Question 53

What were some actions Germany took against the Jews in 1933?

Answer 53

The boycott of Jewish stores, prohibiting Jewish lawyers and doctors from doing their work, and taking away their right to vote.

Question 54

Define the Final Solution

Answer 54

The Final Solution was the execution of all Jews in areas under German control after a Polish-Jewish student shot German diplomat Ernst von Rath. Hitler avenged von Rath's death by forcing Jews into labour camps

Question 55

Define and describe the Kristallnacht (night of broken glass?)

Answer 55

A violent anti-Jewish attack in Nazi Germany on November 9–10, 1938. Synagogues, Jewish businesses, and homes were destroyed, and around 30,000 Jewish men were arrested.