WWII Study Guide

Question 1

What battle in Belgium during the winter of 1944 ended Germany’s ability to wage war?

Answer 1

Battle of the Bulge

This battle involved German forces counterattacking American forces heading toward Germany.

Question 2

Which battle of WWII did U.S General Douglas MacArthur return to the Philippines?

Answer 2

Battle of Leyte Gulf

This was the biggest naval battle in history.

Question 3

What event brought America into WWII?

Answer 3

Attack on Pearl Harbor

This attack occurred on December 7, 1941.

Question 4

What was codenamed ‘Operation Overlord’?

Answer 4

The greatest amphibious invasion in history

This operation was aimed at liberating Europe from Nazi control.

Question 5

What was the purpose of the Office of Price Administration during WWII?

Answer 5

To install price controls on essential products and rents

This was done to limit inflation.

Question 6

What was the forcible relocation of approximately 110,000 Japanese Americans called?

Answer 6

Japanese Internment

This relocation occurred in the wake of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Question 7

What was the significance of the 1944 Supreme Court case regarding Japanese American internment?

Answer 7

It upheld the constitutionality of the relocation order

It was not until 1988 that Congress apologized and agreed to pay survivors.

Question 8

What organization was formed in 1945 to promote international peace and security?

Answer 8

United Nations

This organization was seen as a replacement for the League of Nations.

Question 9

What character symbolized female empowerment during WWII?

Answer 9

Rosie the Riveter

This character was designed to increase female workforce participation in wartime factories.

Question 10

What was the ‘Cash and Carry’ policy?

Answer 10

Allowed the U.S. to sell weapons to Allies for cash

Allies had to transport the goods on their own ships.

Question 11

What did the Lend-Lease Act allow the U.S. to do?

Answer 11

Lend or lease wartime goods to Allies

This act was considered an act of economic warfare by Hitler.

Question 12

What was the purpose of the cash-and-carry policy?

Answer 12

To allow Allies to purchase goods from the U.S. for cash

This policy limited the credit extended to the Allies.

Question 13

What was the first atomic bomb used in WWII called?

Answer 13

Little Boy

It was dropped on Hiroshima.

Question 14

How many atomic bombs were used in WWII?

Answer 14

Two

The bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Question 15

After what event did FDR give his famous ‘Day of Infamy’ speech?

Answer 15

Attack on Pearl Harbor

This speech was delivered on December 8, 1941.

Question 16

During World War II, American workers were more productive than German or Japanese workers. True or False?

Answer 16

True

Question 17

Did World War II put an end to the Great Depression? True or False?

Answer 17

True

Question 18

How did the cost-plus system speed up war production?

Answer 18

By ensuring companies were paid for the cost of production plus a profit

This incentivized rapid production of war materials.

Question 19

Why was Iwo Jima an important objective for the American military?

Answer 19

It provided a strategic base for operations in the Pacific

The island was crucial for air support.

Question 20

What did the ‘Double V’ campaign mean?

Answer 20

Victory over fascism abroad and victory over racism at home

This campaign was significant for African Americans.

Question 21

When did the Bataan Death March occur?

Answer 21

April 1942

This was a forced march of American and Filipino prisoners by the Japanese.

Question 22

What were the freedoms President Roosevelt spoke of during his ‘Four Freedoms’ speech?

Answer 22

• Freedom of speech
• Freedom of worship
• Freedom from want
• Freedom from fear

Question 23

Who were the Tuskegee Airmen?

Answer 23

African American pilots trained at the Tuskegee flying school

They were known for their bravery and success in combat.

Question 24

Why did Truman decide to drop the atomic bomb?

Answer 24

To bring a swift end to the war with Japan

It was believed to save lives in the long term.

Question 25

In the summer of 1943, tensions ran high between zoot-suiters and whom?

Answer 25

White marines ## Footnote This led to the Zoot Suit Riots in Los Angeles.

Question 26

How did affluent white people in California view Latino youth wearing zoot suits?

Answer 26

As unpatriotic ## Footnote This led to racial tensions and violence.

Question 27

Who created the official Rosie the Riveter cover page?

Answer 27

J. Howard Miller ## Footnote This character became a symbol of female empowerment.

Question 28

What did factories switch to producing during WWII?

Answer 28

War materials instead of consumer goods ## Footnote This shift was crucial for the war effort.

Question 29

How did Americans support the war effort at home?

Answer 29

By conserving resources and buying war bonds ## Footnote Other efforts included rationing and growing victory gardens.

Question 30

What were backyard gardens called during WWII?

Answer 30

Victory gardens ## Footnote Americans grew their own vegetables to support the war effort.

Question 31

What was a War Bond?

Answer 31

Certificates sold by the U.S. government to finance the war ## Footnote These bonds helped cover two-thirds of the war's cost.

Question 32

What was a Ration Book?

Answer 32

A book used for rationing food and goods ## Footnote It limited the amount of certain items that individuals could buy.

Question 33

What was a major reason for wartime rationing?

Answer 33

To ensure sufficient supplies for the military ## Footnote This included items like coffee, butter, and gasoline.

Question 34

Which plane bombed Hiroshima?

Answer 34

Enola Gay ## Footnote This B-29 bomber dropped the atomic bomb on August 6, 1945.

Question 35

What type of bomb was dropped on Hiroshima?

Answer 35

Atomic bomb ## Footnote The bomb was nicknamed 'Little Boy.'

Question 36

What was the Neutrality Acts?

Answer 36

Laws aimed at keeping the U.S. out of foreign conflicts ## Footnote They restricted arms sales and loans to warring nations.

Question 37

What was the America First Committee?

Answer 37

A group advocating for U.S. isolationism before WWII ## Footnote They opposed American involvement in the war.

Question 38

What was the Lend-Lease Act?

Answer 38

Law that authorized the president to aid nations vital to American security ## Footnote This act marked a shift away from neutrality.

Question 39

What were the Four Freedoms articulated by FDR?

Answer 39

* Freedom of speech * Freedom of worship * Freedom from want * Freedom from fear

Question 40

What was the Bracero Program?

Answer 40

A labor agreement allowing Mexican workers to work in the U.S. ## Footnote This program was established during WWII due to labor shortages.

Question 41

What does the term 'Zoot Suit' refer to?

Answer 41

A style of clothing worn by Mexican American youth ## Footnote It became a symbol of cultural identity during WWII.

Question 42

What was the significance of Japanese Internment during WWII?

Answer 42

Forced relocation of Japanese Americans to internment camps ## Footnote This action was driven by wartime fears and prejudice.

Question 43

What were Victory Gardens?

Answer 43

Gardens planted by American citizens to grow vegetables during the war ## Footnote They aimed to reduce pressure on the public food supply.

Question 44

What was the Scrap Metal Drive?

Answer 44

A campaign to collect metal for war production ## Footnote It encouraged citizens to donate scrap metal.

Question 45

What was the purpose of rationing during WWII?

Answer 45

To conserve resources for the military ## Footnote This included limits on food, gasoline, and other goods.

Question 46

What does 'E bond' refer to?

Answer 46

A type of war bond sold to finance WWII ## Footnote These bonds were issued to raise money for the war effort.

Question 47

Who was Douglas MacArthur?

Answer 47

A U.S. General who played a significant role in the Pacific Theater ## Footnote He is known for his leadership during the Philippines campaign.

Question 48

What was the Battle of Midway?

Answer 48

A crucial naval battle in the Pacific Theater of WWII ## Footnote This battle marked a turning point in favor of the Allies.

Question 49

What was the convoy system?

Answer 49

A naval strategy to protect ships transporting goods ## Footnote This system reduced losses from submarine attacks.

Question 50

Who was Dwight D. Eisenhower?

Answer 50

The Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in Europe ## Footnote He led the D-Day invasion.

Question 51

What was Operation Overlord?

Answer 51

The code name for the D-Day invasion of Normandy ## Footnote This was a pivotal moment in liberating Western Europe.

Question 52

What does 'kamikaze' refer to?

Answer 52

Japanese suicide pilots during WWII ## Footnote They targeted Allied ships in the Pacific.

Question 53

What does V-E Day stand for?

Answer 53

Victory in Europe Day ## Footnote This day marks the official end of WWII in Europe.

Question 54

Who was Harry Truman?

Answer 54

The U.S. President who succeeded FDR ## Footnote He made the decision to drop the atomic bomb.

Question 55

What was the Manhattan Project?

Answer 55

The secret U.S. project to develop the atomic bomb ## Footnote This project culminated in the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Question 56

What is napalm?

Answer 56

A flammable liquid used in warfare ## Footnote It was used extensively during the Vietnam War.

Question 57

What were the names of the two atomic bombs dropped on Japan?

Answer 57

* Fat Man * Little Boy

Question 58

What cities were devastated by atomic bombs in 1945?

Answer 58

* Hiroshima * Nagasaki

Question 59

What does V-J Day stand for?

Answer 59

Victory over Japan Day ## Footnote This day marks the official end of WWII.