WorksheetsWW2: The Road to War
Total questions: 11
Worksheet time: 16mins
Which of the following are characteristics of totalitarianism? (Choose 3 options)
emphasis on nationalism and the use of rituals and patriotic displays and rallies
use of secret police or paramilitary groups to repress individual freedoms
censorship
implementation of disarmament and isolationist policies
support for the formation and power of labor unions
President Franklin Roosevelt described the Lend-Lease Act, passed in 1941, as
"a waste of U.S. time and resources"
"necessary to ensure the victory of the Axis powers"
"an arsenal of democracy"
"a path to vengeance against Japan for Pearl Harbor"
Which countries were part of the Axis Powers in World War 2?
What factor(s) most impacted U.S. immigration policy (circa 1938) that prevented Jewish refugees from being granted asylum in America?
fear of spies and saboteurs on the U.S. mainland
The U.S. wanted to maintain positive military trade relations with Nazi Germany
Nazi propaganda against Pres. Roosevelt
the Great Depression and anti-immigrant sentiment in the U.S. at the time.
Reorder the following in chronological order (first event --> last event).
Japan invades Manchuria
Adolf Hitler is made chancellor of Germany
Nazi Germany invades Poland
The Tripartite Pact is signed
Japanese attack Pearl Harbor
Which event best relates to the cartoon?
Munich Agreement
the passing of the Lend-Lease Act
Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact
the Atlantic Charter
Match the WW2 leaders to their correct group.
Adolf Hitler
Benito Mussolini
Hideki Tojo
Franklin Roosevelt
Winston Churchill
Josef Stalin
Hitler's Rise and the Nazi Era
Adolf Hitler's rise to power in Germany was marked by his ability to exploit economic instability and national discontent following World War I. Through persuasive speeches and propaganda, he gained support for the Nazi Party, which promised to restore Germany's strength and pride. By 1933, Hitler was appointed Chancellor, and shortly after, he consolidated power, transforming Germany into a totalitarian state under his control.
One of the key elements of Nazi ideology was the implementation of the Nuremberg Laws in 1935. These laws institutionalized racial discrimination, targeting Jewish people and stripping them of their citizenship and rights. The laws also prohibited marriages and relationships between Jews and non-Jews, further isolating the Jewish community and laying the groundwork for more severe persecution.
The events of Kristallnacht in November 1938 marked a violent escalation of anti-Jewish policies. Known as the "Night of Broken Glass," this state-sponsored pogrom saw the destruction of Jewish businesses, synagogues, and homes across Germany and Austria. Thousands of Jewish men were arrested and sent to concentration camps, signaling the beginning of a more aggressive phase in the Nazi regime's campaign against Jewish people.
What was a key factor in Adolf Hitler's rise to power in Germany?
Economic instability and national discontent
Military victories in World War I
Support from neighboring countries
Germany's strong economy
What were the Nuremberg Laws of 1935 primarily designed to do?
Institutionalize racial discrimination against Jewish people
Promote economic growth in Germany to fight the Great Depression
Encourage immigration to Germany
Strengthen Germany's military with immigrants seeking citizenship
What event marked a violent escalation of anti-Jewish policies in Nazi Germany?
Kristallnacht
The Nuremberg Trials
The Treaty of Versailles
The Berlin Olympics
Identify the countries belonging to the Axis Powers of WW2 on the map.
"It is true that the moral consciousness of the world must recognize the importance of removing injustices and well-founded grievances; but at the same time it must be aroused to the cardinal necessity of honoring sanctity of treaties, of respecting the rights and liberties of others and of putting an end to acts of international aggression.
It seems to be unfortunately true that the epidemic of world lawlessness is spreading.
When an epidemic of physical disease starts to spread, the community approves and joins in a quarantine of the patients in order to protect the health of the community against the spread of the disease."
President Franklin Roosevelt
October 5, 1937
What best describes the analogy used by President Roosevelt in the speech?
Like fire, war can engulf many nations and result in global destruction.
Like a popular fad, the rise of totalitarianism has spread across Europe.
Like a disease, totalitarians should be quarantined or stopped in their actions.
Like thieves, European dictators are stealing territories and resources without consequence.
"Even though large tracts of Europe and many old and famous States have fallen or may fall into the grip of the Gestapo and all the odious apparatus of Nazi rule, we shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender..."
- P.M. Winston Churchill after the Dunkirk evacuation mission. June 4, 1940
The excerpt best represents British Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s ability to
predict the strategy of the enemy.
reach out to allies for assistance in the fight.
rally the hearts and spirits of the British people.
turn public opinion against the actions of appeasers.
