10 - History - Unit 6 - Second World War

Blitzkrieg refers to a military strategy characterized by quick and overwhelming attacks using a combination of air and ground forces. It involves the rapid movement and concentration of forces to surprise and overpower the enemy, aiming to achieve victory in a short period of time. This term became particularly associated with the German military tactics during World War II. Therefore, the correct answer "Lightning war" accurately describes the concept of Blitzkrieg.

Sir Winston Churchill was the British Prime Minister during the Second World War. He played a crucial role in leading the country through one of its most challenging periods. Churchill's strong leadership, determination, and inspirational speeches helped boost morale and unite the nation during the war. He made key decisions, such as forming alliances with other countries and implementing strategic military tactics, which ultimately contributed to the Allied victory. Churchill's leadership during this time has made him one of the most iconic figures in British history.

The correct answer is Saar. The coal mines given to France were located in Saar.

Hitler demanded the surrender of Danzig because it was a city located in the Free City of Danzig, which was a semi-autonomous state under the protection of the League of Nations. Hitler wanted to incorporate Danzig into Germany as it had a significant German population and was strategically important for his expansionist plans. By demanding its surrender, Hitler aimed to assert German control over the city and ultimately annex it into Nazi Germany.

The Treaty of Versailles is the correct answer because it is widely regarded as one of the main causes of the Second World War. The treaty, which was signed in 1919 after World War I, imposed harsh conditions on Germany, including massive reparations payments and territorial losses. These conditions led to economic instability and resentment within Germany, creating a fertile ground for the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party. The treaty's punitive measures and failure to address the underlying issues of the war ultimately contributed to the outbreak of the Second World War.

Japan emerged as a World Power after the first World War due to its successful military campaigns and territorial gains. During the war, Japan joined the Allied Powers and seized German territories in the Pacific, including several Pacific islands and German-controlled territories in China. This expansion allowed Japan to assert its dominance in the region and establish itself as a major player on the world stage. Additionally, Japan's industrial and economic growth during this time further solidified its status as a global power.

Hitler signed the Non-Aggression Pact with Stalin. This pact, also known as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, was signed between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union in 1939. It was a strategic move by Hitler to ensure that he would not have to fight a war on two fronts, allowing him to focus on his invasion of Poland. The pact included secret protocols that divided Eastern Europe into spheres of influence for both Germany and the Soviet Union. However, this alliance was short-lived as Hitler eventually broke the pact and invaded the Soviet Union in 1941.

Dictators are known for their authoritarian rule and their desire for power and conquest. They often glorify war and conquest as a means to expand their influence and control over territories. Unlike reformers, moderates, and extremists, who may have different goals and approaches to governance, dictators typically prioritize their own personal power and dominance, which is why they may glorify the principles of war and conquest.

In September 1938, Hitler threatened a war on Czechoslovakia. This was a significant event leading up to World War II as it demonstrated Hitler's expansionist ambitions and disregard for international agreements. Hitler demanded the annexation of the Sudetenland, a region in Czechoslovakia with a large German-speaking population. This ultimately led to the Munich Agreement, where Britain and France agreed to Hitler's demands in order to avoid war. However, this appeasement only emboldened Hitler and set the stage for further aggression in the future.