WWII - Chapter 16

The German blitzkrieg was a military strategy that relied on the element of surprise and overwhelming force. This strategy involved swift and coordinated attacks using combined arms, such as tanks, artillery, and aircraft, to quickly overcome the enemy's defenses. By catching the enemy off guard and utilizing superior firepower, the Germans aimed to achieve rapid victories and break through enemy lines. This approach allowed them to bypass heavily fortified areas and swiftly advance deep into enemy territory, ultimately leading to their success in the early stages of World War II.

Germany invaded Poland

The Atlantic Charter was a declaration of the right to trade. This document, signed by Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill in 1941, outlined the principles for a post-World War II world. It emphasized the importance of economic cooperation and the promotion of free trade among nations. The charter aimed to ensure that countries would have equal access to markets and resources, fostering economic growth and stability. By including trade as one of its key principles, the Atlantic Charter recognized the significance of international commerce in promoting peace and prosperity.

Allied prisoners of war went on the Bataan Death March because they were forced to by the Japanese. The Bataan Death March was a brutal forced march of approximately 60,000-80,000 Filipino and American prisoners of war after the Battle of Bataan during World War II. The Japanese subjected the prisoners to extreme physical abuse, starvation, and harsh conditions during the march, resulting in the deaths of thousands of individuals.

After the US's entry into WWII, American and British leaders prioritized invading Europe and defeating Germany as their highest priority. This decision was based on the understanding that Germany posed a significant threat to both the US and Britain, and that defeating Germany would weaken the Axis powers and allow for the liberation of occupied countries in Europe. Additionally, it was believed that by defeating Germany, the Allies could secure a strategic advantage and pave the way for a successful invasion of Japan in the future.

The Atlantic Charter was significant both during and after the war because it upheld the rights of free trade and choice of government. It served as a plan for postwar peace, outlining the principles that would guide the Allies in rebuilding and establishing a new world order. The Charter emphasized the importance of self-determination and the right of nations to freely choose their own governments. It also advocated for economic cooperation and the elimination of trade barriers, promoting free trade as a means to foster peace and prosperity.

The Allies' strategy of "island-hopping" in the Pacific involved attacking only on islands that were not well-defended. This strategy allowed the Allies to bypass heavily fortified Japanese strongholds and instead focus on capturing strategically located islands that were less fortified. By capturing these islands, the Allies could establish airfields and naval bases, which would then serve as stepping stones for further advances towards Japan. This approach helped to conserve resources and minimize casualties, while gradually weakening Japanese defenses and bringing the Allies closer to the Japanese mainland.

The Battle of the Bulge marked the final German offensive because it was a major offensive campaign launched by the Germans in December 1944 during World War II. It was their last attempt to push back the Allied forces and regain control of the Western Front. The battle took place in the Ardennes region of Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany, and it resulted in heavy casualties for both sides. However, the German offensive ultimately failed, and it marked a turning point in the war, as the Allied forces were able to push back the Germans and ultimately secure victory.

Stalin repeatedly urged Churchill and Roosevelt to invade France in order to relieve German pressure on Soviet armies. This would divert German forces away from the Eastern Front and create a second front in Western Europe, splitting German resources and potentially weakening their position. By invading France, it would also provide additional support and assistance to the Soviet Union in their fight against Germany.

After World War II, Japan faced significant economic challenges and needed to rebuild its economy. The country decided to focus on developing industry and an export economy as a means of recovery. This involved investing in manufacturing and industrial sectors, such as electronics and automobiles, and promoting exports to generate foreign exchange and boost economic growth. This strategy proved successful, as Japan experienced a period of rapid industrialization and became known for its high-quality and technologically advanced products, leading to its emergence as a major global economic power.

The Japanese tried to build a Pacific empire by convincing native peoples to save "Asia for the Asians." This suggests that they sought to gain support from indigenous populations in order to establish their dominance in the region. By appealing to the idea of Asian unity and liberation from Western colonial powers, the Japanese aimed to rally support and expand their influence in the Pacific.