World War II History Exam Review: Key Events, Battles, and Treaties
History Exam Review/Questions: World War II
Early Events and Causes
1. Italian Invasion of Albania (1939)
Italy, under Benito Mussolini, invaded Albania in 1939 as part of its expansionist ambitions.
2. Polish Corridor
The Polish Corridor was a strip of land that provided Poland with access to the Baltic Sea, separating East Prussia from the rest of Germany. It was a point of contention between the two countries.
3. Rome-Berlin Axis Secret
Adolf Hitler kept his plans to invade Poland a secret from his allies, Italy and Japan, highlighting the opportunistic nature of their alliance.
4. Mussolini and the Paris Peace Conference
Hitler, not Mussolini, was invited to be a moderator at the Paris Peace Conference after World War I. Mussolini felt that Italy was not given its due share of the spoils of war, fueling his resentment and expansionist goals.
5. Britain and France Declare War on Germany
Following Germany’s invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, Britain and France declared war on Germany on September 3, 1939, marking the official start of World War II.
Global Impact and Key Figures
6. Civilian Casualties in World War II
A staggering 50% of the total casualties in World War II were civilians, highlighting the devastating impact of the war on non-combatants.
7. China’s Diplomat at the Paris Peace Conference
Wellington Koo represented China at the Paris Peace Conference, advocating for China’s interests and highlighting the country’s growing role in international affairs.
8. Prominent British General
Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery was a prominent British general known for his leadership in several key battles, including El Alamein and D-Day.
9. Significance of the Boxer Protocol
The Boxer Protocol, signed in 1901, imposed harsh penalties on China after the Boxer Rebellion, including the payment of indemnities and the stationing of foreign troops on Chinese soil. It further weakened China and increased foreign influence.
10. Surrender of Japan
General Douglas MacArthur accepted Japan’s surrender on September 2, 1945, officially ending World War II.
Major Battles and Turning Points
11. Last Major Battle on the Western Front
The Normandy landings, also known as D-Day, on June 6, 1944, marked the beginning of the liberation of Western Europe and was a turning point in the war.
12. US President During Hiroshima Bombing
Harry S. Truman was the President of the United States when the atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945.
13. Leader of Soviet Troops During Stalingrad
Joseph Stalin, the leader of the Soviet Union, played a crucial role in the defense of Stalingrad, a major turning point on the Eastern Front.
14. Leader of Japanese Forces During Midway
Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto led the Japanese forces during the Battle of Midway, a decisive defeat for Japan that marked a turning point in the Pacific War.
Mussolini and Italian Fascism
15. Mussolini’s View on Manhood
Mussolini believed that the truest test of manhood was to sacrifice oneself in war for one’s country, reflecting the militaristic and nationalistic ideology of fascism.
16. Mussolini and the Paris Peace Conference
Mussolini felt that Italy was denied its rightful territorial gains at the Paris Peace Conference, despite its contribution to the Allied victory in World War I. This fueled his resentment and contributed to his expansionist policies.
17. Italy’s Response to Dolfuss Assassination
Following the assassination of Austrian Chancellor Engelbert Dolfuss in 1934, Mussolini sent troops to the Austrian border to prevent a potential German annexation of Austria.
18. Italy’s Defeat in Abyssinia
Italy’s first attempt to conquer Abyssinia (Ethiopia) ended in defeat in 1896 at the Battle of Adwa.
19. Italian Invasion of Abyssinia (1935)
In 1935, Mussolini successfully invaded and occupied Abyssinia, using modern military technology and tactics against the poorly equipped Ethiopian forces.
Additional Topics and Questions
20. Emperor of West African Territories
This question requires further context to provide a specific answer.
21. King Zog of Albania
King Zog I ruled Albania from 1928 until his exile in 1939 following the Italian invasion.
22. The May Fourth Movement in China
The May Fourth Movement was a significant cultural and political movement in China that began on May 4, 1919, as a response to the Treaty of Versailles and its perceived unfair treatment of China.
23-24. Significance of the Russo-Japanese War
The Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) was significant as it marked the first major victory of an Asian power over a European power in modern times. It also highlighted the imperial ambitions of both Russia and Japan in Manchuria and Korea.
25. Italian Invasion of Abyssinia (1931)
The year should be 1935, not 1931, as this was when Italy invaded and occupied Abyssinia.
26. Pan-Asianism
Pan-Asianism is an ideology that promotes the unity and cooperation of Asian nations, often in opposition to Western influence.
27. East Prussia After the Treaty of Versailles
East Prussia, a region of Germany, was separated from the rest of the country by the Polish Corridor after the Treaty of Versailles.
28. Problems with Article 231 of the Treaty of Versailles
Article 231 of the Treaty of Versailles, known as the “War Guilt Clause,” placed sole responsibility for the war on Germany and its allies. This caused resentment in Germany and contributed to the rise of nationalism and ultimately, the Nazi Party.
Major Treaties of World War I
Treaty of Neuilly-sur-Seine (1919)
This treaty with Bulgaria imposed territorial losses, disarmament, and reparations.
Treaty of St. Germain (1919)
This treaty dissolved the Austro-Hungarian Empire, imposed territorial losses on Austria, and forbade unification with Germany.
Treaty of Trianon (1920)
This treaty with Hungary imposed significant territorial losses and other restrictions.
Treaty of Versailles (1919)
This treaty with Germany imposed harsh penalties, including territorial losses, disarmament, reparations, and the War Guilt Clause.
Treaty of Sèvres/Lausanne (1920/1923)
These treaties dissolved the Ottoman Empire and established the modern Republic of Turkey.
Key Battles of World War II
Battle of Midway (1942)
A decisive naval battle in the Pacific that marked a turning point in favor of the Allies.
Battle of Stalingrad (1942-1943)
A brutal and pivotal battle on the Eastern Front that resulted in a Soviet victory and heavy losses for Germany.
Second Battle of El Alamein (1942)
A significant Allied victory in North Africa that halted the Axis advance into Egypt.
Criticisms of the Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles was criticized for its harshness towards Germany, particularly the War Guilt Clause, disarmament provisions, and reparations demands. These factors contributed to economic hardship, political instability, and resentment in Germany, creating conditions that ultimately led to the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party.