Msg77 US History Ch 16-17
Rise of Dictators/WWII
- 1.
At the end of World War I, many new democracies were established in Europe. In the years between the two world wars, what happened to most of these democracies?
- A.
They thrived
- B.
They became communist
- C.
They were torn apart by civil wars
- D.
They were replaced by dictators
Correct Answer
D. They were replaced by dictatorsExplanation
In the years between the two world wars, most of the new democracies established in Europe were replaced by dictators. This was a result of various factors such as economic instability, political polarization, and the rise of authoritarian ideologies. These dictators seized power through force or manipulated democratic systems to consolidate their control. The instability and challenges faced by these young democracies made them vulnerable to the appeal of strong leaders who promised stability and order.Rate this question:
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- 2.
How were Britain and France drawn into war with Germany?
- A.
Hitler had taken power in Germany
- B.
Germany had attacked Poland
- C.
Germany had attacked Czechoslovakia
- D.
Germany had pulled out of the League of Nations
Correct Answer
B. Germany had attacked PolandExplanation
Germany's attack on Poland was the event that directly led to Britain and France entering into war with Germany. This act of aggression by Germany violated international agreements and demonstrated their willingness to use military force to achieve their goals. Britain and France had previously pledged to defend Poland in the event of an attack, and thus felt compelled to declare war on Germany in order to uphold their commitment and protect Poland's sovereignty.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What happened during the Battle of Britain?
- A.
Germany joined the Axis powers
- B.
Germany engaged in a three-front war
- C.
Germany bombed Britain for two months
- D.
Germany entered into a nonaggression pact with Britain
Correct Answer
C. Germany bombed Britain for two monthsExplanation
During the Battle of Britain, Germany launched a sustained bombing campaign against Britain for a period of two months. This was a significant event during World War II, as it marked Germany's attempt to gain air superiority over Britain and pave the way for a potential invasion. The bombing raids targeted cities, infrastructure, and military installations, causing significant damage and loss of life. The Battle of Britain ultimately ended in a strategic victory for the Allies, as the Royal Air Force successfully defended against the German onslaught and prevented an invasion.Rate this question:
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- 4.
On which of the following did Joseph Stalin and Benito Mussolini disagree?
- A.
Nationalism
- B.
Centralized government
- C.
Militaristic expansionism
- D.
Ownership of property
Correct Answer
D. Ownership of propertyExplanation
Joseph Stalin and Benito Mussolini disagreed on the issue of ownership of property. While Stalin advocated for the complete nationalization of all industries and the elimination of private property, Mussolini supported a system of state control and regulation of the economy, but did not advocate for its complete nationalization. This fundamental difference in their economic ideologies led to their disagreement on the issue of ownership of property.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which of the following statements most accurately reflects Roosevelt's feelings toward joining the war?
- A.
He agreed with the isolationists and promoted an isolationist policy.
- B.
He wanted to help the Allies but had to appease U.S. citizens who opposed entering the war.
- C.
He wanted to avoid the war because he did not see it as a threat to the United States.
- D.
He did not understand the position of isolationists and was eager to join the war.
Correct Answer
B. He wanted to help the Allies but had to appease U.S. citizens who opposed entering the war.Explanation
Roosevelt's feelings toward joining the war can be inferred from the statement that he wanted to help the Allies but had to appease U.S. citizens who opposed entering the war. This suggests that Roosevelt recognized the importance of supporting the Allies but also had to consider the opinions and concerns of American citizens who were against getting involved in the war. It implies that he faced a delicate balancing act between supporting the Allies and respecting the wishes of the American public.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What was the Lend-Lease Act?
- A.
A statement of war aims compiled by Roosevelt and Churchill
- B.
A nonaggression pact between Germany and the Soviet Union
- C.
A policy allowing the president to provide arms to certain foreign countries
- D.
An order to shoot German U-boats on sight
Correct Answer
C. A policy allowing the president to provide arms to certain foreign countriesExplanation
The Lend-Lease Act was a policy that allowed the president to provide arms to certain foreign countries. This act was passed by the United States in 1941, during World War II, to provide military aid to countries fighting against the Axis powers, primarily Great Britain and the Soviet Union. It allowed the US to lend or lease weapons, supplies, and other materials to these countries without requiring immediate payment. This act played a crucial role in supporting the Allied powers and strengthening their war efforts.Rate this question:
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- 7.
To combat wartime inflation, the U.S. government did all of the following except
- A.
Raise and extend the income tax.
- B.
Impose wage and price controls.
- C.
Encourage the purchase of war bonds.
- D.
Increase production of consumer goods.
Correct Answer
A. Raise and extend the income tax.Explanation
During wartime, governments often implement measures to control inflation. The U.S. government did the following to combat wartime inflation: impose wage and price controls to regulate the cost of goods and services, encourage the purchase of war bonds to reduce the circulation of money, and increase production of consumer goods to meet the demands of the population. However, the government did not raise and extend the income tax, which would have been a measure to generate more revenue for the government but could potentially exacerbate inflation by reducing disposable income.Rate this question:
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- 8.
During the war, women in the WAACs served as
- A.
Fighter pilots and foot soldiers.
- B.
Shipbuilders and waitresses.
- C.
Scientists and factory workers.
- D.
Nurses and radio operators.
Correct Answer
D. Nurses and radio operators.Explanation
During the war, women in the WAACs served as nurses and radio operators. This is because nursing and operating radios were crucial roles during wartime. Nurses provided medical care and support to injured soldiers, while radio operators played a vital role in communication and transmitting important information. These roles allowed women to contribute to the war effort in essential ways, providing medical aid and maintaining effective communication channels.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Germany's goal in the Battle of the Atlantic was to
- A.
Invade the coast of Great Britain and then take over the entire country.
- B.
Keep food and war supplies from reaching Great Britain and the Soviet Union.
- C.
Prevent Allied forces from landing in Normandy and liberating France.
- D.
Prevent the invasion of North Africa.
Correct Answer
B. Keep food and war supplies from reaching Great Britain and the Soviet Union.Explanation
Germany's goal in the Battle of the Atlantic was to keep food and war supplies from reaching Great Britain and the Soviet Union. This was a strategic objective for Germany as it aimed to cut off the supply lines to these countries, weakening their ability to sustain their war efforts. By disrupting the flow of resources, Germany hoped to force these countries into surrender or submission, thereby gaining a significant advantage in the overall conflict.Rate this question:
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- 10.
In the Battle of Stalingrad, all of the following contributed to the Soviet victory except
- A.
A brutal winter.
- B.
A massive Allied invasion.
- C.
A massive Soviet counterattack.
- D.
Hitler's refusal to order a German retreat.
Correct Answer
B. A massive Allied invasion.Explanation
The Battle of Stalingrad was a turning point in World War II, and the Soviet Union's victory can be attributed to several factors. The brutal winter played a significant role, as it caught the German forces unprepared and weakened their morale and supplies. The massive Soviet counterattack, led by General Zhukov, was also crucial in pushing back the German forces and eventually encircling them. Hitler's refusal to order a German retreat, despite the deteriorating situation, trapped his troops in a hopeless situation. However, there was no mention of a massive Allied invasion in the context of the Battle of Stalingrad, making it the exception among the given options.Rate this question:
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- 11.
In deciding to use the atomic bomb against Japan, President Truman's main goal was to
- A.
End the war quickly.
- B.
Weaken Japan for a long time.
- C.
Get revenge for Pearl Harbor.
- D.
Save Japanese lives.
Correct Answer
A. End the war quickly.Explanation
President Truman's main goal in deciding to use the atomic bomb against Japan was to end the war quickly. By using the atomic bomb, Truman hoped to bring a swift and decisive end to the conflict, avoiding the need for a prolonged and costly invasion of Japan. The use of the atomic bomb was seen as a way to force Japan's surrender and bring about a swift resolution to the war.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The GI Bill of Rights made it possible for
- A.
African Americans to serve in combat positions.
- B.
Soldiers to take short leaves from fighting
- C.
Veterans to attend college for free.
- D.
Enlisted men to receive officer training.
Correct Answer
C. Veterans to attend college for free.Explanation
The GI Bill of Rights, also known as the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, provided a range of benefits to World War II veterans. One of the key provisions of the bill was the opportunity for veterans to attend college for free. This allowed returning soldiers to further their education and acquire new skills, ultimately aiding in their reintegration into civilian life. The GI Bill played a significant role in expanding access to higher education and contributed to the growth of the middle class in the United States.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Roosevelt's decision to remove people of Japanese ancestry to internment camps was a response to
- A.
Strong anti-Japanese sentiment.
- B.
Verified reports of Japanese Americans acting as spies.
- C.
The lack of Japanese Americans serving in the armed forces.
- D.
Rumors that the Japanese were developing an atomic bomb.
Correct Answer
A. Strong anti-Japanese sentiment.Explanation
Roosevelt's decision to remove people of Japanese ancestry to internment camps was a response to strong anti-Japanese sentiment. This sentiment was fueled by fear and prejudice following the attack on Pearl Harbor by Japan in 1941. Many Americans viewed all people of Japanese descent as potential threats and believed that they could be spies or aid the enemy. As a result, Roosevelt made the decision to relocate Japanese Americans to internment camps as a precautionary measure, despite the lack of evidence or verified reports of Japanese Americans acting as spies.Rate this question:
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- 14.
An example of racial tensions during the war years is
- A.
Sit-ins in the South staged by CORE
- B.
The actions of the Tuskegee Airmen.
- C.
Anti-Mexican demonstrations in Detroit.
- D.
The zoot suit riots in LA
Correct Answer
D. The zoot suit riots in LAExplanation
The zoot suit riots in LA serve as an example of racial tensions during the war years. These riots occurred in 1943 and were fueled by racial discrimination against Mexican-American youth who wore zoot suits. The riots involved attacks by white servicemen against Mexican-American youths, leading to violence and property damage. The tensions were further exacerbated by the media's portrayal of Mexican-Americans as unpatriotic and criminal. These riots highlight the racial tensions and discrimination faced by minority groups during this time period.Rate this question:
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- 15.
What did the United States do after Japan surrendered at the end of World War II?
- A.
Severely punished Japan for its role in the war
- B.
Allowed Japan to keep its government, as long as different people were in control
- C.
Refused to help rebuild Japan's economy
- D.
Occupied Japan and helped it to establish a constitution and democratic government
Correct Answer
D. Occupied Japan and helped it to establish a constitution and democratic governmentExplanation
After Japan surrendered at the end of World War II, the United States occupied Japan and assisted in the establishment of a constitution and democratic government. This was part of the broader effort to rebuild Japan's economy and society after the devastating war.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Which description accurately defines the Nuremberg Trials?
- A.
A series of trials to sentence U.S. military deserters from World War II
- B.
A series of trials in which Americans were accused of being communists
- C.
An international tribunal to try Nazi officials for crimes against humanity
- D.
The lawsuits brought by German Americans against the United States over internment
Correct Answer
C. An international tribunal to try Nazi officials for crimes against humanityExplanation
The Nuremberg Trials were an international tribunal held after World War II to prosecute Nazi officials for their involvement in crimes against humanity. The trials aimed to hold individuals accountable for their actions during the Holocaust and other war crimes committed by the Nazis. The trials were significant in establishing the principle of individual responsibility for war crimes and laid the foundation for future international criminal law.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Which statement best describes women workers during World War II?
- A.
They were paid much less than men for the same jobs.
- B.
They were paid as much as men for the same jobs.
- C.
They worked mainly in secretarial and office jobs.
- D.
They showed that they couldn't perform many of the jobs men normally did.
Correct Answer
B. They were paid as much as men for the same jobs.Explanation
During World War II, women workers were paid as much as men for the same jobs. This was mainly due to the increased demand for labor in industries that were traditionally dominated by men. With many men serving in the military, women were able to fill these roles and were compensated equally for their work. This was a significant shift in gender equality and recognition of the valuable contribution women made to the war effort.Rate this question:
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- 18.
World War II changed U.S. industries because U.S. industry
- A.
Began to export more products to South America than to Europe.
- B.
Most assembly jobs to Mexico.
- C.
Began to manufacture more products in Japan rather than in the United States.
- D.
Spread to the South and West, historically dominated by ranching and mining.
Correct Answer
D. Spread to the South and West, historically dominated by ranching and mining. -
- 19.
World War II sparked many technological developments. After the war, the world was changed the most by
- A.
The start of the motion picture industry.
- B.
Faster and more powerful trains.
- C.
The invention of the atomic bomb.
- D.
The start of the automobile industry.
Correct Answer
C. The invention of the atomic bomb.Explanation
During World War II, the invention of the atomic bomb had a profound impact on the world. It not only brought an end to the war but also ushered in the nuclear age, changing the dynamics of international relations and warfare. The atomic bomb led to the development of nuclear weapons and the subsequent arms race between nations. It also had far-reaching consequences on science, technology, and society, including advancements in nuclear power and the establishment of the Cold War. The invention of the atomic bomb revolutionized warfare and had a lasting impact on the world.Rate this question:
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- 20.
People who argued against using the atomic bomb maintained that
- A.
The United States should wait until the USSR had developed one before using it.
- B.
Its power was greater than needed to defeat the Japanese.
- C.
It should be kept a secret for several more years.
- D.
The Japanese would retaliate against U.S. cities.
Correct Answer
B. Its power was greater than needed to defeat the Japanese.Explanation
The argument against using the atomic bomb was that its power was greater than needed to defeat the Japanese. This suggests that the people believed that the use of such a destructive weapon was unnecessary and disproportionate to the goal of defeating Japan. They may have believed that alternative methods could have been used to achieve victory without causing such extensive damage and loss of life.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Stalin did not keep the promises he had made to Roosevelt and Churchill before the end of World War II. One promise was to
- A.
Limit the aid the USSR would give Turkey and Greece.
- B.
Allow free elections in Eastern Europe.
- C.
Allow Italy to retain its previous form of government.
- D.
Allow capitalism in Poland and Austria.
Correct Answer
B. Allow free elections in Eastern Europe.Explanation
Stalin did not keep the promise he made to Roosevelt and Churchill to allow free elections in Eastern Europe after World War II. This means that instead of allowing the countries in Eastern Europe to have democratic elections and choose their own leaders, Stalin imposed communist governments in these countries, effectively denying them their right to self-determination. This broken promise showed Stalin's disregard for the principles of democracy and his desire to exert control over Eastern Europe.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Which statement best describes the relationship between the United States and Japan at the time of the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941?
- A.
Their ships had engaged in several naval battles in the Pacific.
- B.
They did not have diplomatic relations and had not formally talked for several years.
- C.
They shared control of military bases on the island of Midway.
- D.
Diplomats on both sides had agreed to talk to avoid a showdown.
Correct Answer
D. Diplomats on both sides had agreed to talk to avoid a showdown. -
- 23.
After the Allies won the hard-fought battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa, they realized
- A.
How strong the Japanese military could be if the Allies did not have USSR support.
- B.
That an invasion of Japan might involve too many Allied casualties.
- C.
That the Allies should do most of their fighting by air, without risking ground troops.
- D.
How weak Japanese resistance would be to an invasion of the mainland.
Correct Answer
B. That an invasion of Japan might involve too many Allied casualties.Explanation
After the Allies won the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa, they realized that an invasion of Japan might involve too many Allied casualties. This suggests that the Allies recognized the high level of resistance and strength of the Japanese military, which would make a direct invasion of Japan a costly endeavor in terms of human lives. This realization highlights the strategic considerations and concerns for minimizing casualties in the planning of future military operations.Rate this question:
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- 24.
Which statement best describes what happened after the D-Day invasion of Normandy in France?
- A.
Within a few months, Germany surrendered to the Allies.
- B.
Germany turned its attention to controlling the Mediterranean Sea.
- C.
For several months, heavy Allied losses stopped Allied attacks.
- D.
Within a few months, the Allies had taken Paris and all of France.
Correct Answer
D. Within a few months, the Allies had taken Paris and all of France.Explanation
After the D-Day invasion of Normandy in France, the Allies were able to make significant progress and within a few months, they had successfully taken control of Paris and the entire country of France. This marked a major turning point in the war and showed the increasing strength and momentum of the Allied forces.Rate this question:
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- 25.
What caused militarist leaders to gain control of the Japanese government in the early 1930s?
- A.
A civil war in Japan
- B.
Hideki Tojo's appointment as prime minister
- C.
Their successful invasion of resource-rich Manchuria
- D.
U.S. shipments of arms and supplies to China
Correct Answer
C. Their successful invasion of resource-rich ManchuriaExplanation
Militarist leaders gained control of the Japanese government in the early 1930s due to their successful invasion of resource-rich Manchuria. This invasion allowed Japan to acquire valuable resources and establish control over a strategic region. The military leaders used this success to gain popularity and support, which ultimately led to their rise in power within the government.Rate this question:
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- 26.
Locate the Maginot Line on the map. What was the intended purpose of the Maginot Line?
- A.
To protect France from German attack
- B.
To protect Germany from Austrian invasion
- C.
To protect France from German invasion
- D.
To protect France from Italian invasion
Correct Answer
A. To protect France from German attackExplanation
The Maginot Line was a defensive fortification built by France after World War I to protect the country from potential German attacks. It consisted of a system of underground tunnels, bunkers, and fortresses along the French-German border. The line was intended to deter and delay any German invasion, giving the French army time to mobilize and counterattack. It was a symbol of French military strategy at the time, emphasizing static defense rather than offensive maneuvers. However, it ultimately proved ineffective during World War II when the German forces bypassed it by going through Belgium.Rate this question:
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- 27.
Locate Great Britain on the map. Why might it have been more difficult for Germany to occupy Britain than to occupy France?
- A.
France was larger
- B.
Britain was surrounded by water
- C.
Britainwas closer
- D.
Britain was protected by Ireland
Correct Answer
B. Britain was surrounded by waterExplanation
Germany would have found it more difficult to occupy Britain than France because Britain is surrounded by water. This geographical barrier would have made it challenging for Germany to launch a successful invasion and maintain control over the country. In contrast, France does not have the same level of natural protection, making it more accessible for potential occupation.Rate this question:
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- 28.
Write the letter of the description that does NOT match the name or term. Joseph Stalin
- A.
Nationalist
- B.
Communist
- C.
Launched a massive drive to collectivize agriculture
- D.
Entered into a pact or alliance with Germany in 1936
- E.
Responsible for the execution of millions as he restructured Soviet society
Correct Answer
B. CommunistExplanation
Joseph Stalin was a communist leader who implemented policies to transform the Soviet Union into a socialist state. He launched a massive drive to collectivize agriculture, which involved seizing private farms and creating large collective farms. He also entered into a pact or alliance with Germany in 1936, known as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. Stalin is responsible for the execution of millions of people as he restructured Soviet society through purges and forced labor camps.Rate this question:
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- 29.
Write the letter of the description that does NOT match the name or term. Adolph Hitler
- A.
Nationalist
- B.
Wrote Mein Kampf
- C.
Leader of the Nationalist Socialist German Workers' Party
- D.
Militaristic expansionist
- E.
Supported the Treaty of Versailles
Correct Answer
E. Supported the Treaty of VersaillesExplanation
The description "supported the Treaty of Versailles" does not match the name or term "Adolph Hitler" because Hitler strongly opposed the Treaty of Versailles. He believed that it was unfair and humiliating for Germany and was one of the main reasons for his rise to power. Hitler sought to undo the treaty's provisions and regain German territory and power.Rate this question:
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- 30.
Which was a characteristic of Germany under Adolf Hitler and the Soviet Union under Josef Stalin?
- A.
An official foreign policy of isolationism
- B.
Governmental control of the media
- C.
Public ownership of business and industry
- D.
The absence of a written constitution
Correct Answer
B. Governmental control of the mediaExplanation
Both Germany under Adolf Hitler and the Soviet Union under Josef Stalin had a characteristic of governmental control of the media. This means that the government had full control over the media outlets, allowing them to manipulate and control the information that was disseminated to the public. This control over the media was used as a tool for propaganda and to suppress any dissenting voices or information that went against the government's agenda. It helped both Hitler and Stalin to maintain their power and control over the population by shaping public opinion and limiting access to alternative viewpoints.Rate this question:
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- 31.
Which is one major reason the Holocaust is considered a unique event in modern European history?
- A.
Jews of Europe have seldom been victims of persecution.
- B.
Civilians rarely were killed during air raids on Great Britain.
- C.
Adolf Hitler concealed his anti-Jewish feelings until after he came to power.
- D.
The genocide was planned in great detail and required the cooperation of many people.
Correct Answer
D. The genocide was planned in great detail and required the cooperation of many people.Explanation
The Holocaust is considered a unique event in modern European history because it was a genocide that was meticulously planned and required the collaboration of numerous individuals. The systematic nature of the Holocaust, with the establishment of concentration camps, mass killings, and the implementation of the Final Solution, distinguishes it from other instances of persecution. The scale and organization of the Holocaust make it a distinct and unparalleled tragedy in European history.Rate this question:
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- 32.
What was the Manhattan Project?
- A.
The plan to crash Japanese suicide planes into Allied ships
- B.
The plan to develop the atomic bomb
- C.
The historic meeting of the
- D.
The training of the Navajo code talkers
Correct Answer
B. The plan to develop the atomic bombExplanation
The Manhattan Project refers to the plan to develop the atomic bomb. This project was a top-secret research and development initiative undertaken by the United States during World War II. Its goal was to create the first nuclear weapons, which would give the U.S. a significant advantage in the war. The project involved a large number of scientists, engineers, and military personnel working together to harness the power of nuclear fission. The successful development of the atomic bomb led to its use in the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.Rate this question:
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- 33.
Compare the ways in which Hitler, Churchill, and Roosevelt used their powers as gifted speakers to accomplish their political aims during World War II.
- 34.
“ In the future days, which we seek to make secure, we look forward to a world founded upon four essential human freedoms. The first is freedom of speech and expression. —everywhere in the world. The second is freedom of every person to worship God in his own way. —everywhere in the world. The third is freedom from want. . . . The fourth is freedom from fear.” —Franklin Roosevelt, Address to Congress, 1941 The “four freedoms” speech helped gain widespread support in the United States for —
- A.
Increasing aid to the Allies.
- B.
Decreasing immigration.
- C.
A military and arms buildup.
- D.
A presidential election.
Correct Answer
A. Increasing aid to the Allies.Explanation
The "four freedoms" speech by Franklin Roosevelt in 1941 helped gain widespread support in the United States for increasing aid to the Allies. The speech emphasized the importance of essential human freedoms, including freedom from fear, and highlighted the need to create a world based on these principles. By framing the war as a fight for these freedoms, Roosevelt was able to rally public support for providing aid to countries fighting against the Axis powers, ultimately leading to increased assistance to the Allies.Rate this question:
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- 35.
What is your interpretation of this political cartoon?
.jpg "Locate Great Britain on the map. Why might it have been more difficult for Germany to occupy Britain than to occupy France?")
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