Unit 8 World War II Lesson 2

Explain why Hitler's blitzkrieg tactics were successful at the beginning of the war.

Hitler's blitzkrieg was successful because it used advanced technology to overwhelm enemy forces. First, airplanes bombed a region, then fast-moving ground troops moved in to surround enemy forces. In the beginning, it happened too quickly before enemy forces could counteract.

What role did Japanese imperialism play in igniting World War II?

Japan wanted to expand its empire by taking over most of Asia and countries in the Pacific. Japanese leaders felt threatened by the United States after it banned the sale of war materials to Japan. As a result, Japan attacked the United States in hopes of stopping American interference with Japan's desire to expand.

What event brought the United States into the war, and why?

The bombing of Pearl Harbor by the Japanese brought the United States into the war, because it forced the United States to respond militarily. Germany then declared war on the United States because of its alliance with Japan.

Which strategy allowed Germany to have immense success at the beginning of World War II?

blitzkrieg

What was one result of Hitler's invasion of the Soviet Union?

Churchill and Stalin became allies.

What halted the Nazis' rapid advance into Russia?

poor weather conditions

For Germany, why would the most efficient form of attack on Britain be by air?

The English Channel and North Sea served as barriers to advancing German ground troops.

What was the effect of the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union?

The German army couldn't sustain a two-front war, and this contributed to their downfall.

What caused Italy and Germany to declare war on the United States?

The U.S. declared war on Japan after it attacked Pearl Harbor.