Ch. 30.2 Guided Notes
What factors hindered Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union?
A combination of harsh winter weather and fierce Soviet resistance stopped the German armies. A counterattack by the Soviet army caused the Germans to suffer heavy casualties.
What victories lent optimism to German troops in early 1942?
General Rommel broke through British defenses in Egypt and advanced toward Alexandria. A renewed offensive in the Soviet Union led to the capture of the Crimea.
Why did Germany postpone its invasion of Britain?
Hitler began bombing British cities rather than military bases and communications centers in an effort to break morale. However, because military bases were not the focus of Hitler's attacks, the British air force had the chance to rebuild its air strength and effectively combat the Luftwaffe. This eventually forced Hitler to postpone his invasion of Britain indefinitely.
How did World War II progress in Europe and in the Pacific between 1939 and 1943?
Hitler invaded Poland and then France; he attempted to bombard England, but the policy of bombing cities rather than military bases allowed the British air force to effectively retaliate against Hitler's Luftwaffe; the Soviet Union repelled Hitler's invasion; in the Pacific, Japan drew the United States into the war by attacking the naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii; by 1943, the Grand Alliance of Great Britain, the United States, and the Soviet Union had won several important battles and the tide of war was turning against the Axis powers
How did Hitler win his early victories?
Hitler used blitzkrieg, or "lightning war." He invaded Poland, Denmark, Norway, Netherlands, and Luxembourg. He avoided France's Maginot Line of defense and invaded France through Belgium
What events caused the tide of war to turn against Germany?
In North Africa, British forces defeated Rommel at El Alamein. Then British and American troops invaded French North Africa and forced a German surrender. In the Soviet Union, a Soviet counterattack forced the Germans to surrender in Stalingrad.
How did Japan bring the United States into World War II?
Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in the hope that the United States would cede the Pacific to Japan. Instead, the United States declared war on Japan. Four days later, Germany declared war on the United States.
Who led Japan in its attack on the Pacific?
Japan was led by Prime Minister Tōjō, who became a virtual military dictator.
What events caused the tide of war to turn against Japan?
The United States defended Australia from attack in 1942. The United States also defeated the Japanese navy and established naval superiority in the Pacific at the Battle of Midway and in later battles on Japanese-held islands.