The War in Europe and the Pacific - World War II - US History

For what two reasons did the United States invade North Africa?

• To give army experience without requiring a lot of troops and to gain control over the Mediterranean Sea routes.

• To establish a new government in North Africa and to spread democracy.

• To acquire natural resources and to expand territorial boundaries.

• To form alliances with local tribes and to promote cultural exchange.

Why was Egypt such a strategic location during WWII?

• Because of its oil reserves

• Due to its proximity to Europe

• It gave access to the Suez Canal- an important shipping route

• Due to its large military forces

Why did the U.S. citizens dim their lights and use special blackout curtains?

• To save electricity during a power shortage

• To protect American cargo ships from being spotted by German submarines

• To reduce light pollution for astronomical observations

• To comply with a government energy conservation initiative

What caused the United States to ration gasoline and fuel oil for American consumers?

• World War II and so many tanks had been sunk by Germany

• A major oil spill that reduced available resources

• A nationwide strike by oil refinery workers

• A natural disaster that destroyed oil reserves

What was the point of the convoy system?

• To protect merchant ships from enemy attacks

• To increase the speed of naval vessels

• To establish trade routes

• To train naval personnel

What new technology helped turn the Battle of the Atlantic in the Allies’ favor?

• Interrupting propellers & tanks

• Nuclear weapons and anti-ballistic weapons

• Radar, sonar and depth charges

• Hedgehogs, missiles and drones

Stalingrad was a strategic battle for Germany because:

• Because it was a major railroad junction, winning the city could cut off the Soviets from the resources they needed to stay in the war.

• It was the capital of the Soviet Union. This is where the government was headquartered including Stalin.

• It was the location of the Soviet Union's main military headquarters.

• It was a symbolic city with no strategic importance.

What percentage of the Soviet Union’s population would be killed by the end of WWII? How does that number compare to the United States’ percentage?

• The Soviet Union lost 3% of its population, while the United States lost 0.3%.

• The Soviet Union lost 15% of its population, while the United States lost 1%.

• The Soviet Union lost 14% of its population, while the United States lost 0.3%.

• The Soviet Union lost 25% of its population, while the United States lost 2%.

Which country was considered the “soft underbelly” of Europe?

• France

• Italy

• Germany

• Spain

Who arrested Mussolini and declared him the most hated man in Italy?

• The Einsatzgruppen

• The German Army

• The Allied Forces

• King Victor Emmanuel III