Chapter 26 Section 2 Quiz: The Course Of World War II

Explanation
Blitzkrieg, also known as "lightning war", was a military strategy used by Hitler that involved rapid and overwhelming force, using tanks, aircraft, and infantry, to quickly defeat the enemy. This strategy caught Europe by surprise at the beginning of the war because it was a new and highly effective approach, allowing German forces to swiftly conquer large territories. Blitzkrieg emphasized speed, coordination, and surprise, enabling Hitler to quickly gain control over many European countries.

Explanation
Germany's offensive capabilities during World War II heavily relied on their panzer tank divisions. The term "panzer" refers to the armored tanks used by the German military. These divisions played a crucial role in Germany's military strategy, allowing them to swiftly and effectively carry out offensive operations. The panzer tanks were known for their advanced technology, firepower, and mobility, making them a formidable force on the battlefield.

Explanation
France was forced to sign an armistice with Germany on June 22, 1940. This was a result of the German invasion and occupation of France during World War II. The armistice effectively ended the fighting between the two countries and allowed Germany to establish control over a large part of France. The terms of the armistice were heavily in favor of Germany, with France being required to cede territory and pay reparations. This event marked a significant turning point in the war and led to the establishment of the collaborationist Vichy government in France.

Explanation
During the start of the war, the United States followed a policy of isolationism. This means that they chose to stay out of the conflict and avoid getting involved in the affairs of other nations. Despite Germany being criticized, the United States maintained a stance of neutrality and non-intervention, focusing on their own domestic issues and avoiding entanglement in foreign conflicts.

Explanation
During World War II, the Battle of Britain took place between Germany and Britain. This battle primarily involved German bombing attacks on various strategic targets in Britain, including air and naval bases, harbors, communication centers, and war industries. The purpose of these attacks was to weaken Britain's military capabilities and infrastructure, as well as to demoralize the British population. The Battle of Britain was a crucial turning point in the war, as the successful defense by the Royal Air Force against the German Luftwaffe prevented Germany from gaining air superiority and ultimately halted their plans for invasion.

Explanation
The correct answer is "Luftwaffe." The Luftwaffe was the air force of Nazi Germany during World War II. It played a significant role in the early successes of the German military, particularly in the Blitzkrieg tactics used during the invasion of Poland and France. The Luftwaffe was responsible for strategic bombing campaigns, air superiority, and supporting ground forces. It was led by Hermann Göring and had a substantial impact on the outcome of the war.

Explanation
Hitler believed that the Soviet Union was weak and vulnerable, and saw an opportunity to expand German territory and resources. Despite initially signing a non-aggression pact with the Soviet Union, he eventually decided to break it and launch an invasion. Hitler's ambition for Lebensraum (living space) and his ideological belief in the superiority of the Aryan race also played a significant role in his decision to attack the Soviet Union.

Explanation
The first major setback for Germany in the Soviet Union occurred at the Battle of Stalingrad. This battle was a turning point in World War II as it marked a significant defeat for the German army. Stalingrad was a strategically important city, and the German forces were determined to capture it. However, they faced fierce resistance from the Soviet Union, and after months of intense fighting, the German army was ultimately surrounded and forced to surrender. The defeat at Stalingrad was a major blow to Germany's military capabilities and morale, and it marked the beginning of a series of losses for the German forces in the Eastern Front.

Explanation
During World War II, Japan sought to establish dominance over Southeast Asia and the western Pacific. To legitimize their control, they created the concept of the Greater East-Asia Coprosperity Sphere. This term was used to describe their vision of a united and prosperous community under Japanese influence. The phrase "Greater East-Asia" refers to the geographical region that Japan aimed to encompass, while "Coprosperity Sphere" suggests a shared prosperity and economic cooperation within this sphere of influence.

Explanation
On December 7, 1941, Japanese aircraft attacked the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor. This surprise attack marked the entry of the United States into World War II. The attack resulted in significant damage to the American Pacific Fleet, with several battleships being sunk or heavily damaged. The attack on Pearl Harbor was a turning point in the war, leading to a declaration of war against Japan by the United States and its allies. It remains a significant event in American history, symbolizing the start of America's involvement in World War II.

Explanation
After the United States entered the war, the three major Allies consisted of the U.S., Great Britain, and the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union was a key ally in World War II, forming an alliance with the U.S. and Great Britain to fight against the Axis powers. The Soviet Union played a crucial role in defeating Nazi Germany, with their military strength and strategic positioning. Their involvement in the war helped to shape the outcome and ultimately led to the Allied victory.

Explanation
The correct answer is Axis. The Axis powers were a group of countries during World War II that formed an alliance based on their common interests and goals. Germany, Italy, and Japan were the main members of the Axis powers. They collaborated and supported each other in their military campaigns and aggression towards other countries. This alliance aimed to expand their territories and establish dominance over other nations.

Explanation
The correct answer is Erwin Rommel. Erwin Rommel was the commander of Germany's Afrika Korps during World War II. He gained a reputation for his tactical skills and was known as the "Desert Fox" for his successful campaigns in North Africa. Rommel played a significant role in the early stages of the war in Africa, but ultimately, the Afrika Korps was defeated by the Allied forces. Rommel's leadership and strategic abilities made him a respected and formidable opponent during the conflict.

Explanation
The Battle of Midway was a crucial turning point in the Pacific War during World War II. It took place in June 1942 and was a decisive victory for the United States over Japan. The battle resulted in the sinking of four Japanese aircraft carriers and the loss of hundreds of aircraft, severely weakening Japan's naval power. This victory shifted the balance of power in the Pacific, allowing the United States to go on the offensive and gain momentum in the war.

Explanation
Island hopping was a strategy employed by the Allied forces during World War II in the Pacific. It involved selectively capturing certain Japanese-held islands while bypassing others, with the ultimate goal of reaching Japan. This strategy allowed the Allies to establish bases on strategically important islands, gradually moving closer to Japan and cutting off Japanese supply lines. By avoiding heavily fortified islands and focusing on capturing those that were less defended, the Allies were able to minimize casualties and effectively weaken Japanese control in the Pacific.

Explanation
During World War II, Winston Churchill referred to Italy as the "soft underbelly" of the Axis Powers. This term implies that Italy was the weakest link in the Axis Powers' military strategy and could be easily attacked or exploited. Churchill believed that Italy's military capabilities and leadership were lacking, making it vulnerable to Allied forces. By focusing on Italy, the Allies could weaken the Axis Powers and gain a strategic advantage in the war.

Explanation
June 6, 1944 is commonly referred to as D-day. On this day, the Allies launched a massive military operation known as Operation Overlord, which marked the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany in World War II. It was a pivotal moment as the Allies finally opened a new front in Western Europe, landing on the beaches of Normandy in France. The success of D-day allowed the Allies to gain a foothold and eventually liberate Europe from German control.

Explanation
Dwight D. Eisenhower, also known as Eisenhower, led the Allied forces in the Normandy invasion. This invasion, known as D-Day, was the largest amphibious assault in history and played a crucial role in the eventual Allied victory in World War II. Eisenhower's leadership and strategic planning were instrumental in the success of the invasion, making him the correct answer to the question.

Explanation
After the death of FDR, Harry Truman became President of the U.S. Truman was FDR's Vice President and assumed the presidency upon FDR's death in 1945. He served as the 33rd President of the United States until 1953.

Explanation
The United States ended the war in the Pacific by dropping the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The bombing of Nagasaki was the second and final use of the atomic bomb during World War II. The decision to drop the bombs was made to force Japan's surrender and bring an end to the war. The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki resulted in massive destruction and loss of life, and ultimately led to Japan's surrender, effectively ending the war in the Pacific.