World War II Key Events and Concepts

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What was the pact between Stalin and Hitler?

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A non-aggression pact that Stalin trusted, leading to surprise when Germany invaded the Soviet Union.

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How did the Soviet Union respond to the German invasion?

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Despite initial losses, the Soviets rallied, showed resilience, and eventually surrounded and cut off German troops.

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What was Mussolini's objective in invading Egypt?

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To capture the Suez Canal and access oil fields in the Middle East.

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Who did Hitler send to assist Mussolini in North Africa?

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General Erwin Rommel and his Afrika Korps.

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What was the outcome of the Axis powers in North Africa by May 1943?

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The last German resistance ended, and North Africa was secured by the Allies.

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What was decided at the Casablanca Conference in January 1943?

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To increase bombings of Germany and invade Sicily, rather than immediately invading France.

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What was Operation Avalanche?

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An Allied operation in September 1943 to land at Salerno, Italy, leading to Italy's formal surrender.

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What was the significance of the Tehran Conference in 1943?

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The Big Three agreed on military strategies, including Stalin's offensive against Germany and post-war plans for Germany.

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What was Operation Overlord?

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The Allied invasion of France, also known as D-Day, on June 6, 1944.

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What was the Battle of the Bulge?

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A surprise German attack on Allied forces in Belgium, creating a 'bulge' in the Allied lines.