Origins of WWII

What form of government did European countries like Italy and Germany turn into before WWII?

• Communism

• Fascism

• Representative Democracy

• Anarchy

Answer explanation

The Soviet Union became a communist dictatorship, but Germany and Italy both became Fascist dictatorships under Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini.

What are 3 reasons for the building up of tension before WWII?

• Stalin replacing Lenin as dictator in Russia

• Building up of military power

• Nationalism and the blaming of other countries

• Ineffective treaties and a weak League of Nations

Which of these dictators was the leader of Italy's fascist movement?

• Hideki Tōjō

• Adolf Hitler

• Joseph Stalin

• Benito Mussolini

What did Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini have in common?

• Both were Fascists

• Both supported the free speech of their people

• Both hated the Allies and communists

• Both really wanted to fight the US

Who took control of Japanese government in the lead up to WWII?

• Militarists - military leaders led by Hideki Tōjō

• Progressives - advocates for social change

• Emperor Hirohito - taking over from military leaders

• Chinese Military - invading Japan and overthrowing their government

What did the British and French do to try to avoid war with Germany?

• Threaten to go to war with Germany if Hitler remained in power

• Prevent Germany from taking over Austria and Czechoslovakia

• Force Germany to stop producing military equipment

• Give in to Hitler's demands and hope that was the end of it

Answer explanation

The British and French tried to give in to Hitler's demands, hoping he would remain peaceful and follow their peace agreements. This policy was known as appeasement.

This military tactic was used by Germany to dominate opposing militaries:

• Belagerung, or "siege"

• Artillery strikes

• Blitzkrieg, or "lightning war"

• Psychological warfare

Answer explanation

Blitzkrieg was the tactic used by German forces to dominate the early WWII battlefields. The tactic used the full might of the German military, including tanks, paratroopers, bomber aircrafts, and fast paced advances.

Which parts of Europe did Nazi Germany take over before and at the start of WWII? (Choose all that apply)

• Poland

• Austria

• The Rhineland in Western Germany

• Parts of Czechoslovakia

Answer explanation

All of the above are correct answers!

The Nazi invasion of which country marks the beginning of WWII?

• Russia

• Poland

• Germany

• France

Which country did Nazi Germany make an unlikely treaty with to avoid war?

• The United States

• Austria

• The Soviet Union

• Belgium

Answer explanation

The Soviet Union and Germany signed a non-aggression pact before WWII because Hitler feared fighting both France and Britain to the West and Russia to the East. The two agreed to split Poland between them.