Turning Points
What battle was considered to be the "turning point" of the war in Europe?
The Battle of Stalingrad
What was Hitler's "Atlantic Wall?"
Fortifications on the beaches and coasts of France to defend against an attack
How did the US government mistreat Japanese-American citizens during the war?
Sent them to internment camps, many lost houses and businesses that were never restored
DAILY DOUBLE!!!
What was the code name for the US project to develop the atomic bomb?
What brutal man was the dictator of the Soviet Union during World War II?
Joseph Stalin
Provide one reason why the Germans lost the Battle of Stalingrad, despite the Russians losing over 1 Million men.
Russian winter (many froze to death), lack of supplies, eventually surrounded by the Russian army
What were the two phases of the Allied invasion of Normandy, France? (who went in first/second how did they get there?)
1. Paratroopers - dropped in behind German lines
2. Infantry landing on the beaches, arriving by boat
What cultural approach did the Japanese take towards surrender, and how did it impact their fighting?
They viewed it as cowardly - they tortured/killed those who surrendered, they fought to the death instead of surrendering, or committed suicide
What president made the decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japan?
What general oversaw D-Day operations, as well as being the Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in Europe?
Dwight D. Eisenhower
What was the "turning point" battle in the Pacific Theater?
The Battle of Midway
On which of the five beaches did Americans see horrific resistance when they landed, resulting in the loss of nearly 5,000 men?
Omaha Beach
What was the American strategy of "Island Hopping?"
Skipping less significant occupied islands and capturing larger ones that could be used as air bases, etc.
Which two cities the US drop atomic bombs on (they must be listed in order)
Hiroshima, then Nagasaki
What general oversaw the American campaign of "Island Hopping" in the Pacific?
Douglas MacArthur
What made the turning point battle in the Pacific such a significant victory for the Allies?
The Japanese lost four aircraft carriers
Germany surrendered shortly after Hitler committed suicide. The surrender, or VE Day, took place on May 8, 19__. What does VE stand for, and in what year?
Victory in Europe, 1945
On what island did US Marines raise the iconic flag after brutal resistance by the Japanese?
Iwo Jima
Why did the president and his military advisors believe the use of atomic bombs was the best option available?
Japan's refusal to surrender so far, in the face of staggering amounts of deaths
(140,000 on Okinawa, 1 million soldiers defending the home island, civilians being trained to fight too)
What man was head of Hitler's Gestapo (secret police), as well as in charge of the "Final Solution" to kill all the Jews?
DAILY DOUBLE!!!
In what order did the Allies open up "second fronts" against Germany? (Italy, France, Africa - place them in the correct order)
What was the codename for the operation of the invasion of Normandy?
Operation Overlord
In what battle did the Japanese employ kamikazes, and what WAS a kamikaze?
Approximately how many Japanese were killed by the atomic bombs?
200,000
What man was the leading scientist, directing the Manhattan Project?
Robert Oppenheimer