Toughest World War II Trivia Quiz

Reviewed by Andrea Glass
Andrea Glass, MA (Medieval History) |
Academic Researcher
Review Board Member
Andrae Glass holds a Master's degree in medieval history from the University of Leicester. With over a decade of experience in academic writing, research, and instruction, Andrae has cultivated a broad knowledge base, particularly in archaeology. Her professional background includes freelance essayist, scriptwriter, and instructor roles, all with a historical emphasis.
 , MA (Medieval History)
By Drakhl
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Drakhl
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Quizzes Created: 4 | Total Attempts: 486,064
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  • 1/22 Questions

    The prime minister of England prior to Winston Churchill (1940-1945) was

    • Neville Chamberlain
    • Clement Attlee
    • Margaret Thatcher
    • Anthony Eden
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About This Quiz

How much do you know about World War II? Would you like to try out this World War II hard quiz to test your knowledge? World War II is considered by far the most brutal and deadliest conflict in history. Starting in 1939 and ending in 1945, it shook the world and changed the destiny of various countries. Though there is too much to know about World War II, we will test you with some tough questions. Let's see how well you perform. All the best!

Toughest World War II Trivia Quiz - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    During the Battle of France, the Germans bypassed the Maginot Line by attacking through

    • Norway

    • Belgium

    • Switzerland

    • Italy

    Correct Answer
    A. Belgium
    Explanation
    During the Battle of France, the Germans bypassed the Maginot Line by attacking through Belgium. This is because the Maginot Line was a heavily fortified defensive barrier along the French-German border, but it did not extend into Belgium. By attacking through Belgium, the Germans were able to flank the French defenses and launch a surprise offensive. This strategy allowed them to quickly advance and outmaneuver the French forces, leading to their eventual victory in the Battle of France.

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  • 3. 

    The Japanese Zero was superior to American fighter aircraft at the beginning of the war in the Pacific.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    During the early stages of the war in the Pacific, the Japanese Zero was indeed superior to American fighter aircraft. The Zero had several advantages such as superior maneuverability, longer range, and better climbing ability. It also had a lightweight design and was armed with machine guns and cannons. The American fighters at that time, such as the Wildcat, were outperformed by the Zero in terms of speed and agility. It was only later in the war that the Americans were able to develop and deploy more advanced aircraft like the Hellcat, which eventually surpassed the Zero in terms of performance.

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  • 4. 

    Joachim Von Ribbentrop signed the Non-Aggression Pact in 1939 between

    • Germany and Italy

    • Germany and the Soviet Union

    • Germany and Japan

    • Austria and Hungary

    Correct Answer
    A. Germany and the Soviet Union
    Explanation
    Von Ribbentrop signed the Non-Aggression Pact in 1939 between Germany and the Soviet Union. This agreement was significant because it allowed both countries to avoid conflict and divide up territories in Eastern Europe. It provided a strategic advantage for Germany by ensuring that the Soviet Union would not interfere with its plans for expansion, while the Soviet Union gained time to prepare for a potential war. However, the pact was short-lived, as Germany eventually broke it and invaded the Soviet Union in 1941.

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  • 5. 

    Operation Barbarossa was

    • The Plans for the Invasion of England

    • The invasion of the Soviet Union by Nazi Germany

    • The Battle of the Bulge

    • The German rescue of Benito Mussolini

    Correct Answer
    A. The invasion of the Soviet Union by Nazi Germany
    Explanation
    Operation Barbarossa was the code name for the German invasion of the Soviet Union during World War II. It was launched on June 22, 1941, and was the largest military operation in history. The invasion aimed to conquer Soviet territories, destroy the Soviet Union, and secure resources for Germany. However, despite initial success, the invasion ultimately failed, leading to a turning point in the war and the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany.

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  • 6. 

    Which of the following countries was NOT a member of the Axis powers during World War II?

    • Germany 

    • Italy 

    • Japan 

    • Soviet Union

    Correct Answer
    A. Soviet Union
    Explanation
    The Soviet Union was a member of the Allied powers during World War II, fighting against the Axis powers. The Axis powers were led by Germany, Italy, and Japan. The Soviet Union joined the Allies after Germany broke the non-aggression pact and invaded the Soviet Union in 1941. The Soviet Union played a crucial role in the Allied victory, suffering heavy losses but ultimately pushing back the German forces on the Eastern Front.

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  • 7. 

    The most famous British general of the war was

    • Hugh Dowding

    • George Patton

    • Bernard Montgomery

    • Harold Alexander

    Correct Answer
    A. Bernard Montgomery
    Explanation
    Bernard Montgomery is the correct answer because he was indeed the most famous British general of the war. Montgomery played a crucial role in several significant battles, including the Battle of El Alamein, where he successfully halted the German advance in North Africa. He later commanded the British forces during the D-Day invasion and the subsequent Battle of Normandy. Montgomery's strategic brilliance and leadership skills made him a highly respected and well-known figure in the British military during World War II.

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  • 8. 

    The Supreme Commander of the Western Allied forces was

    • Dwight D. Eisenhower

    • Winston Churchill

    • Franklin Roosevelt

    • Omar Bradley

    Correct Answer
    A. Dwight D. Eisenhower
    Explanation
    Dwight D. Eisenhower was the Supreme Commander of the Western Allied forces during World War II. He was appointed to this position in 1943 and played a crucial role in planning and executing the D-Day invasion of Normandy in 1944. Eisenhower's leadership and strategic decisions were instrumental in the success of the Allied forces in Europe. After the war, he went on to become the 34th President of the United States.

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  • 9. 

    The United States entered World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The United States entered World War II following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The next day, December 8, 1941, the United States declared war on Japan, officially entering the conflict.

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  • 10. 

    Jet fighters never flew in operational combat during World War II.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    During World War II, jet fighters were indeed flown in operational combat. Germany's Messerschmitt Me 262 and Britain's Gloster Meteor were two notable examples of jet fighters that saw action during the war. While jet technology was still relatively new and not as widespread as propeller-driven aircraft, these jets were used in combat missions towards the end of the war. Therefore, the statement that jet fighters never flew in operational combat during World War II is false.

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  • 11. 

    The Anschluss, or Union, occurred in 1938 between which two countries?

    • The Soviet Union and Finland

    • Germany and Czechoslovakia

    • Germany and Austria

    • Germany and Japan

    Correct Answer
    A. Germany and Austria
    Explanation
    The Anschluss refers to the annexation of Austria by Germany in 1938. This event marked the union between the two countries, as Austria became a part of Nazi Germany. This move was a significant step towards Adolf Hitler's goal of creating a greater German empire, and it violated the terms of the Treaty of Versailles. The Anschluss was met with little resistance from Austria, as many Austrians supported the idea of joining Germany.

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  • 12. 

    Monte Cassino was

    • An Italian General

    • An abbey in France

    • A former monastery in Italy

    • A German recreation town

    Correct Answer
    A. A former monastery in Italy
    Explanation
    Monte Cassino refers to a former monastery in Italy. It was founded by Saint Benedict in the 6th century and became one of the most important centers of Western monasticism. The monastery is located on a hilltop near the town of Cassino and has a rich history, including being destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. It is renowned for its architectural beauty and cultural significance, attracting visitors from around the world.

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  • 13. 

    Who was the most successful Soviet Commander during WW2?

    • Nikita Khrushchev

    • Nikolay Voronov

    • Mikhail Kalashnikov

    • Georgy Zhukov

    Correct Answer
    A. Georgy Zhukov
    Explanation
    Georgy Zhukov is considered the most famous Soviet commander due to his significant contributions during World War II. He played a crucial role in the defense of Moscow and the successful counteroffensive against the German forces. Zhukov also led the Soviet Union to victory in the Battle of Stalingrad, which was a turning point in the war. His strategic brilliance and leadership skills earned him widespread recognition and respect, making him an iconic figure in Soviet military history.

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  • 14. 

    The main battle rifle of the German Army during the war was known as

    • The K98

    • The M1 Garand

    • The Lebel

    • The Mosin-Nagant

    Correct Answer
    A. The K98
    Explanation
    The Karabiner 98k (K98) was the standard-issue rifle of the German Army during World War II. It was a bolt-action rifle known for its reliability, accuracy, and ruggedness. The other options listed were used by different nations: the M1 Garand by the United States, the Lebel by France, and the Mosin-Nagant by the Soviet Union.

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  • 15. 

    This man was a member of The Red Baron's fighter squadron and commander of the Luftwaffe during WWII.

    • Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen

    • Hermann Göring

    • Reinhard Heydrich

    • Erwin Rommel

    Correct Answer
    A. Hermann Göring
    Explanation
    Hermann Göring was a prominent figure in Nazi Germany, a top member of the Nazi Party, and serving as Commander in Chief of the Luftwaffe (German Air Force) during the Second World War. He was associated with the Red Baron Squadron, so named after Manfred von Richthofen, a German flying ace from World War I.

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  • 16. 

    The German submarine that attempted to strangle the supply lines to Britain was called the

    • Midget Sub

    • Seigelflugen

    • N-47s

    • Unterseeboot

    Correct Answer
    A. Unterseeboot
    Explanation
    Unterseeboot is the German term for a submarine. During World War II, Germany deployed a large number of submarines to disrupt the supply lines to Britain. These submarines were a significant threat to British shipping and played a crucial role in the Battle of the Atlantic.

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  • 17. 

    The most famous German gun of the war was the

    • Flak30 20mm

    • 75mm L70

    • Flak36 88mm

    • Pak 36 37mm "Doorknocker"

    Correct Answer
    A. Flak36 88mm
    Explanation
    The Flak36 88mm was the most famous German gun of the war. It was a highly effective anti-aircraft and anti-tank weapon, known for its accuracy, range, and power. It was widely used by the German forces during World War II and was feared by Allied pilots and tank crews. The Flak36 88mm played a crucial role in the German defense, especially during the Battle of Britain and the North African campaign. Its versatility and effectiveness made it a symbol of German military strength during the war.

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  • 18. 

    The purpose of the Potsdam Conference was to

    • Establish the policy of unconditional surrender.

    • Plan the Arctic convoys to the Soviet Union.

    • Shape post-war Germany

    • Attempt to bring the war to a peaceful compromise.

    Correct Answer
    A. Shape post-war Germany
    Explanation
    The Potsdam Conference was held in 1945 with the aim of shaping post-war Germany. The conference was attended by the leaders of the Allied powers - the United States, the Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom - and they discussed various issues related to the restructuring of Germany after World War II. This included topics such as demilitarization, denazification, and the division of Germany into occupation zones. The conference played a significant role in determining the future of Germany and laying the groundwork for the Cold War division of the country.

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  • 19. 

    At the beginning of the war in the Pacific theatre, a contingent of U.S. troops under General MacArthur were forced to surrender at

    • Wake Island

    • Burma

    • Pearl Harbor

    • Bataan

    Correct Answer
    A. Bataan
    Explanation
    At the beginning of the war in the Pacific theatre, a contingent of U.S. troops under General MacArthur was forced to surrender at Bataan. Bataan was a strategic location in the Philippines, where the U.S. and Filipino forces were outnumbered and outgunned by the Japanese. After months of intense fighting and enduring harsh conditions, the Allied forces were eventually overwhelmed and forced to surrender. This event marked a significant setback for the Allies in the Pacific, but it also inspired a spirit of resistance and resilience among the soldiers, leading to the eventual liberation of the Philippines.

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  • 20. 

    What was the sister ship of the German Bismarck battleship?

    • Tirpitz

    • Scharnhorst

    • Prince Oigen

    • Graf Spee

    Correct Answer
    A. Tirpitz
    Explanation
    The sister ship of the German Bismarck battleship was the Tirpitz. The Bismarck and Tirpitz were both part of the German Navy's plan to build a fleet of powerful battleships during World War II. The Tirpitz was launched in 1939, a year after the Bismarck, and was the largest battleship in the German Navy. Both ships were intended to project German naval power and disrupt Allied shipping in the Atlantic. However, the Tirpitz was not as seasoned in combat as the Bismarck, spending much of the war in the Norwegian fjords acting as a deterrent to the Allies. On November 12th, 1944, British Lancaster bombers hit the Tirpitz and she capsized.

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  • 21. 

    Lord Beaverbrook was

    • Minister of Aircraft Production

    • Member of the House of Commons

    • Commanding General of the BEF

    • Political Opposition to Churchill

    Correct Answer
    A. Minister of Aircraft Production
    Explanation
    Lord Beaverbrook was the Minister of Aircraft Production during World War II. As the head of this department, he was responsible for overseeing the production and allocation of aircraft for the British military. This was a crucial role, as the air force played a significant role in the war effort. Beaverbrook's expertise and leadership in this position were instrumental in ensuring that the British forces had the necessary air power to defend against enemy attacks and support their own military operations.

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  • 22. 

    What fighter plane from WWII has become the most produced fighter in history?

    • The Spitfire

    • Ilyushin Il-2 

    • The Messerschmidt 109

    • The Mitsubishi Zero

    Correct Answer
    A. The Messerschmidt 109
    Explanation
    The Messerschmitt Bf 109, a German WWII fighter plane, holds the record as the most produced fighter aircraft in history, with over 33,000 units built. It was a versatile and powerful plane used by the Luftwaffe throughout the war. Though aircraft like the Spitfire and Mitsubishi Zero were also iconic, none matched the production volume of the Bf 109, making it a historic benchmark in aviation history.

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Andrea Glass |MA (Medieval History) |
Academic Researcher
Andrae Glass holds a Master's degree in medieval history from the University of Leicester. With over a decade of experience in academic writing, research, and instruction, Andrae has cultivated a broad knowledge base, particularly in archaeology. Her professional background includes freelance essayist, scriptwriter, and instructor roles, all with a historical emphasis.

Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Jun 24, 2025 +

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  • Current Version
  • Jun 24, 2025
    Quiz Edited by
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    Expert Reviewed by
    Andrea Glass
  • Feb 28, 2009
    Quiz Created by
    Drakhl
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