Unit 9: World War II Test (Spring 2017)

On December 7, 1941, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, a naval base in Hawaii. This event marked the entry of the United States into World War II. The surprise attack resulted in significant damage to the US Pacific Fleet, including the sinking of several battleships and the loss of many lives. President Franklin D. Roosevelt referred to this day as "a date which will live in infamy" because it was a treacherous act of aggression that led to the loss of American lives and ultimately changed the course of history.

President Roosevelt was addressing Congress about the bombing of Pearl Harbor. This event took place on December 7, 1941, when the United States was attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. The attack on Pearl Harbor was a surprise military strike that led to the United States' entry into World War II. Roosevelt's speech was a call to action and a declaration of war against Japan.

The correct answer is "end racial segregation in the military." This can be inferred from the statement that "there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion or national origin." The purpose of Executive Order 9981 was to eliminate racial discrimination and promote equality within the military.

The scientists working on the Manhattan Project during World War II were responsible for developing the atomic bomb. The Manhattan Project was a research and development project that aimed to produce the first nuclear weapons. It involved many scientists, engineers, and other professionals who worked together to harness the power of nuclear fission and create a weapon of immense destructive capability. The successful development of the atomic bomb led to its use in the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, ultimately bringing an end to the war with Japan.

The key purpose of this World War II poster was to gain support for the war effort. The poster was likely designed to rally the public and encourage them to support the war through various means, such as buying war bonds, conserving resources, or volunteering for the military. It may have used persuasive imagery or slogans to evoke patriotism and a sense of duty among the population. The goal was to unite the country and ensure widespread support for the war in order to increase morale and ultimately achieve victory.

Stalingrad was indeed one of the turning points in the European Theater of World War II. The Battle of Stalingrad, which took place from August 1942 to February 1943, was a major confrontation between German and Soviet forces. The Soviet victory at Stalingrad marked a significant turning point in the war, as it halted the German advance into the Soviet Union and marked the first major defeat for the German army. The battle also boosted the morale of the Soviet Union and its allies, while weakening the German military and its allies. This shift in momentum ultimately contributed to the Allied victory in Europe.

During World War II, the federal government dealt with the problem shown in this cartoon by rationing gasoline used by American drivers. This was done to conserve resources and ensure that enough fuel was available for military use. Rationing was a common practice during the war to manage scarce resources and prioritize essential needs. By limiting the amount of gasoline available to civilians, the government could allocate more fuel for military vehicles and operations. This measure aimed to support the war effort and maintain a steady supply of fuel for essential purposes.

During World War II, the United States needed to allocate resources towards producing war materials. To ensure that enough resources were available for the war effort, the government implemented rationing of some consumer goods. This means that certain items, such as food, gasoline, and clothing, were limited in quantity and distributed fairly among the population. Rationing helped to conserve resources and ensure that essential supplies were available for the military. It also promoted a sense of shared sacrifice among the American people during the war.

During World War II, the federal government relocated Japanese Americans to internment camps. This action was a violation of their constitutional rights because it deprived them of their freedom and property without due process of law. The government justified this action by claiming that it was necessary for national security, but it was later recognized as a grave injustice. The internment camps were a result of racial prejudice and fear, rather than any legitimate threat posed by Japanese Americans.

The correct answer is "Contribution of women to wartime defense". This World War II poster recognizes the important role that women played in supporting the war effort and defending their country during the war. It highlights the contributions of women in various capacities, such as working in factories, joining auxiliary forces, and taking on other non-traditional roles to support the war. The poster aims to acknowledge and appreciate the significant contribution of women to the defense of their nation during the wartime period.

The correct answer is "The war led to improved economic conditions." This conclusion is supported by the information in the graph because it shows a steady increase in the Gross National Product (GNP) during the war years. An increase in GNP indicates that the overall economic output and productivity of the country improved during this time.

The internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II serves as evidence that civil liberties can be restricted during times of national crisis. This historical event involved the forced relocation and imprisonment of over 120,000 Japanese-Americans, most of whom were U.S. citizens, based solely on their ethnic background. The government justified this action as a necessary measure to protect national security. The internment camps were a clear violation of the civil liberties of Japanese-Americans, demonstrating that during times of crisis, the government may prioritize security over individual rights and freedoms.

Island Hopping was the Allied military strategy used in the Pacific Theater during World War II. It involved selectively capturing certain islands while bypassing others in order to establish forward bases and cut off Japanese supply lines. This strategy allowed the Allies to gradually move closer to Japan and weaken their defenses, ultimately leading to their defeat.

President Harry Truman's decision to use atomic bombs against Japan was primarily driven by the potential loss of American lives from an invasion of Japan. By dropping the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Truman aimed to force Japan's surrender and avoid the need for a costly and bloody invasion. The bombings were seen as a way to quickly end the war and save American lives that would have been lost in a ground invasion of Japan.

The Nuremberg War Crimes trials of 1945-1949 were significant in establishing the international precedent that individuals may be held accountable and tried for crimes against humanity. These trials were held to prosecute Nazi officials and military leaders for their roles in the Holocaust and other war crimes committed during World War II. The trials marked a shift from traditional notions of immunity for state actors and established the principle that individuals can be held responsible for their actions, even during times of war. This precedent has since been used to hold individuals accountable for war crimes and crimes against humanity in various international tribunals.

The most likely explanation for the changes in income shown in the chart is that the conversion to a wartime economy created new jobs. This is supported by the fact that during World War II, many industries shifted their focus to producing goods and services for the war effort, leading to an increase in employment opportunities. As a result, more people were able to find jobs and earn income, which is reflected in the chart.

The correct answer is Individuals can be held personally responsible for war crimes. This is because the Nuremberg Trials established the principle that individuals, including military leaders, can be held accountable for their actions during times of war, even if they were following orders. This principle was a significant development in international law and has since been used as a basis for prosecuting war crimes and crimes against humanity.

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The major purpose of the Lend-Lease Act (1941) was to help Great Britain without going to war. The act allowed the United States to provide military aid, including weapons, equipment, and supplies, to countries fighting against the Axis powers, particularly Great Britain. This assistance was crucial in supporting the British war effort and strengthening their ability to resist German aggression. By providing aid without directly engaging in combat, the United States aimed to support its allies and maintain its neutrality for as long as possible.

The statement "Guadalcanal was the turning point of the Pacific Theater" is false. While the Battle of Guadalcanal was a significant event in World War II, it was not the turning point of the Pacific Theater. The turning point is often attributed to the Battle of Midway, which took place in June 1942. The American victory at Midway halted Japanese expansion and marked a turning point in the war in the Pacific. Guadalcanal, which occurred later in 1942, was an important step in the Allied campaign to push the Japanese out of the Solomon Islands, but it was not the decisive turning point.

During his rule, Benito Mussolini aimed to revive Italy's past glory by emulating the success and power of the Roman Empire. He sought to establish a fascist regime that would restore Italy's influence and dominance in the world. Mussolini's policies and propaganda often drew parallels between his leadership and the greatness of ancient Rome. He emphasized the importance of national unity, militarism, and expansionism, all of which were reminiscent of the Roman Empire's values. Therefore, the statement that Mussolini and Italy wanted to return the country to its glory days of the Roman Empire is true.

Joseph Stalin is not responsible for breaking the Non-Aggression Pact with Germany. The Non-Aggression Pact, also known as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, was signed between the Soviet Union and Germany in 1939. It was actually Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, that violated the pact by invading the Soviet Union in 1941. Stalin was taken by surprise by the German invasion and it marked the beginning of the Eastern Front in World War II. Therefore, the statement that Joseph Stalin is responsible for breaking the Non-Aggression Pact with Germany is false.

The Supreme Court upheld the military order excluding Japanese-Americans from the West Coast on the basis that it was a matter of national security. This suggests that the court believed the action was necessary to protect the country from potential threats during World War II. The court likely viewed the presence of Japanese-Americans on the West Coast as a potential risk, and therefore justified the exclusion as a means to safeguard national security.

The main difference between the Yalta Conference and the Potsdam Conference is that FDR died, so Harry Truman became the American president. This change in leadership had a significant impact on the dynamics and decision-making process of the conferences. Truman had a different approach and perspective compared to FDR, which influenced the discussions and outcomes of the Potsdam Conference.

The G.I. Bill provided World War II veterans with free education and loans to buy homes, farms, and small businesses. This legislation was passed in 1944 to support returning veterans in their transition to civilian life. It aimed to provide opportunities for further education and training, enabling veterans to pursue higher education without financial burden. Additionally, the bill offered low-interest loans to help veterans purchase homes, farms, and small businesses, allowing them to establish themselves economically after the war.

During World War II, many Americans rationed cigarettes, gas, coffee, food, and rubber. Rationing was a system implemented by the government to ensure that essential items were distributed fairly and to conserve resources for the war effort. Cigarettes were rationed to control tobacco consumption, gas was rationed to conserve fuel for military use, coffee was rationed due to limited availability, food was rationed to ensure everyone had access to necessary supplies, and rubber was rationed to support the production of military vehicles and equipment.

During WWII, African Americans played a significant role in aiding the war effort. The Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African American pilots, provided crucial air support and conducted missions against enemy forces. Additionally, many African Americans joined the Armed Forces and served in various capacities, contributing to the overall war effort. Some African Americans also completed special mission operations, demonstrating their dedication and bravery. However, there is no evidence to suggest that African Americans became spies during WWII.

After World War II, Germany was in need of assistance to rebuild and recover from the devastation caused by the war. The USA, France, Great Britain, and the Soviet Union were the countries that provided temporary aid to Germany. These countries recognized the importance of helping Germany recover in order to stabilize Europe and prevent the rise of another global conflict. Spain and Canada, although not mentioned in the question, did not provide temporary aid to Germany after World War II.

The decision to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki was least likely influenced by the hope for a quick victory in the Pacific that would hasten an Allied victory in Europe. The main factors that influenced the decision were the fear that the USSR would soon enter the war with Japan, the concern of massive American casualties in a land war in Japan, the awareness of the numerous and spread-out Japanese forces in Asia, and the desire to demonstrate the potency of America's new weapon to other world powers.