When was the German-Soviet Pact signed?
The German-Soviet Nonaggression Pact, signed just before the onset of World War II, ensured that the two nations would not engage in military action against each other for a period of ten years. The pact had a clause for automatic extension for an additional five years, unless one of the countries gave a one-year notice of termination before the pact's expiration.
Which country was invaded by the Germans in 1939?
In 1939, Germany invaded Poland, triggering World War II. Great Britain and France declared war on Nazi Germany in response. The Polish conflict lasted one month, with Germany emerging victorious. This invasion marked the start of a global war that lasted nearly six years.
What Army Was Known For Being One Of The Biggest In The World?
In 1939, the French Army was among the largest armies globally, boasting 900,000 soldiers. Additionally, the French had 5 million men trained and available for mobilization in case of war. At the outbreak of the war, 100 divisions were positioned on the German frontier.
What was the number of French, Dutch, and Belgian refugees created in 1940?
On May 10, 1940, the Germans initiated their attack in Western Europe. Soon after, nearly 2 million Belgians, along with Dutch and Luxembourgers, congregated at the French border. In response, French citizens fled their homes in the northern and eastern regions of the country. The result was an estimated 8 million refugees fleeing to evade the German army.
What was the subject of one of Churchill's most famous speeches?
On August 20, 1940, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill delivered a memorable speech during the Battle of Britain. He famously declared, "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few," referring to the valiant efforts of the Royal Air Force and allied fighter pilots.
What was the date of the RAF's Fighter Command's worst day during the Battle?
The RAF's Fighter Command experienced significant losses during a two-week period, from August 23 to September 6, during the Battle. The worst day was August 31, with the loss of 295 aircraft and 103 pilots, and 128 others injured. August 31 is considered the worst day the Fighter Command faced during the battle.
For how many consecutive nights was London bombed in 1940?
On September 7, 1940, London was bombed by German planes, marking the start of 57 consecutive nights of bombing. The bombings resulted in the death of over 43,500 civilians and extensive damage in London. Other towns and cities in the UK also suffered from the raids.
What was the death toll in World War 2?
World War II saw the highest number of casualties in any military conflict, with an estimated 60 to 80 million deaths. Approximately 20 million military personnel and 40 million civilians lost their lives, primarily due to mass killings, bombing raids, intentional genocide, disease outbreaks, and famine.
Was there a death rate of 80% among Soviet males born in 1923 during World War 2?
Approximately 66% of male births in 1923 did not survive World War II, with half of those deaths occurring before the war even started. These individuals were born during a difficult period in a country lacking access to modern healthcare and plagued by poverty and violence. Many of the surviving males turned 18 when the war began.
Who initiated the use of women in the military during World War II?
The British military was the first to incorporate numerous women into important anti-aircraft units, with the intention of releasing men for combat. The Nazi German forces later followed suit. According to a Gunnery Assistant, "We performed the same duties as the men. When they stood guard all night with a rifle, we stood guard with a broom handle."
Who was the head of the Allied forces?
During World War II, the United States, the Soviet Union, and Great Britain formed a tripartite alliance. The British were imperialistic, the Americans were isolationist, and the Soviets were Communist. Franklin D. Roosevelt, Joseph Stalin, and Winston Churchill realized that the only way to defeat Nazism was to set aside their political and personal differences for the sake of world security and signed the Declaration by the United Nations.
At what age did Japanese children begin training for war?
In 1945, Japan required children 9 and older to fully participate in the war effort. Formal education was discontinued, and the Imperial Army and Navy recruited children as young as 14. Posters promoting the Youth Air Corps were displayed in schools and on street corners. The children received limited training before being sent to the front lines.
How many German Generals were executed by Hitler?
Hitler's wrath extended to those who served under him. He executed 84 German Generals who he suspected of being disloyal to him or unaligned with his objectives. He believed that by eliminating the top leaders, he could instill fear among the rest of the population.
Who experienced the highest number of casualties?
All countries involved in World War II suffered immense losses, but the Soviet Union had the largest number of casualties with approximately 27 million, both civilian and military. The Russian Ministry of Defense reports 8,668,400 military deaths among the total casualties.
What led to the death of approximately 6 million European Jews during World War II?
The Holocaust was a systematic, state-sponsored genocide carried out by Nazi Germany that resulted in the murder of approximately 6 million European Jews, as well as 5 million Romany, prisoners of war, homosexuals, Jehovah's Witnesses, and others considered undeserving of life by the Nazis.
What symbol represented Nazi Germany?
The Swastika was a symbol that was used over five thousand years ago in many different cultures before Adolf Hitler used it. Hitler designed the Nazi flag in 1920 and combined the Swastika along with the three colors of the German Imperial flag. It became the most recognizable symbol of the Nazis, as it was on posters, medallions, armbands, and badges for military and other organizations.
What is the largest and deadliest battle for U.S. troops to date?
The Battle of the Bulge was a German offensive on the Western Front in World War II, lasting from December 16, 1944 to January 25, 1945. It was a significant battle in the war and marked the last major offensive attempted by the Axis Powers in the Western Front.
When did the war end?
On September 2, 1945, the official end of World War II was declared with the signing of surrender documents aboard the USS Missouri. This day, known as Victory over Japan Day (V-J Day), was announced by President Truman as marking the end of the war, which lasted for six years and one day. The conflict resulted in the loss of an estimated 3% of the world's population.
Who was the head of Japan during World War II?
Emperor Hirohito led Japan from 1926 to 1989. He was actively involved in World War II, but on August 15th, he made a significant break from tradition by speaking on national radio to announce Japan's surrender. In 1946, he made another historic speech on January 1st, renouncing the idea that Japanese emperors were divine.
Which country assisted Germany in invading Poland?
In 1939, the Soviet Union aided Germany in their invasion of Poland. Soviet forces encountered German troops and the Germans retreated, transferring Polish prisoners of war to the Soviets. As a result, the Soviet Union occupied roughly three-fifths of Poland, and the invasion became known as the Fourth Partition of Poland.
Who was the U.S. President when World War II began?
Franklin D. Roosevelt was at the helm of the presidency when World War II began. He successfully navigated the country through the conflict and formed a formidable alliance with Great Britain and the Soviet Union. He played a crucial role in the victory against Nazi Germany and laid the foundation for Harry Truman to end the war with Japan. It was under Roosevelt's leadership that the infamous December 7, 1941 was declared as "a date which will live in infamy."
What was the event that caused the U.S. to enter World War II?
The US was on the brink of global conflict for two years before the sudden attack on Pearl Harbor drew it into World War II. Although there were indications of imminent Japanese action in Southeast Asia from intelligence sources, the daring strike on Pearl Harbor was not anticipated.
Who led the Soviet Union during World War II?
Joseph Stalin was the Soviet Union leader and a Russian dictator during World War II. He was known for his harsh tactics and in the late 1930s, he carried out purges that eliminated many of the military's top officers. Despite meeting and collaborating with President Roosevelt and Winston Churchill, Stalin remained suspicious of them and continued to eliminate anyone he saw as a threat through purges.
Which country stayed neutral during the war?
During World War II, Spain maintained a neutral stance, although it wavered at times. After France fell in 1940, Spain's strict neutrality turned into non-belligerence. One of the reasons for Spain's hesitance to participate in the war was their reliance on imports from the US and their ongoing efforts to recover from the Civil War.
Which of the following was a member of the Allies?
China was among the first nations to enter World War II and was an ally of the United States and the British Empire. However, the West often overlooks this fact, which causes frustration among the Chinese people and neglects their significant contribution to the Allied victory.
During World War II, what actions did the U.S. take towards Japanese-American citizens?
During World War II, President Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066, which led to the establishment of Japanese internment camps. This policy mandated the incarceration of individuals of Japanese descent, and some Japanese American residents were arrested and sent to these camps.
What was the number of American prisoners of war captured during World War II?
Approximately 130,000 American soldiers were taken as prisoners of war during World War II, with 27,000 of them being held by Japan. Following the end of the war, the War Claims Act of 1948 was passed by Congress to address claims and distribute compensation from a War Claims Fund comprised of assets seized from Japan, Germany, and other Axis powers.
What was the name given to German submarines?
During WW2, German submarines were known as U-boats, meaning "undersea boats." Hitler gained permission to build U-boats, and their effectiveness took the British by surprise. The Germans established air and submarine bases in Norway and western France.
What food did the US military purchase over 150 million pounds of to feed the troops?
During WW2, the US purchased over 150 million pounds of Spam to feed its troops. Spam became a staple in their diet and its grease was used to lubricate firearms and waterproof boots. The soldiers also popularized the canned food by introducing it to locals wherever they were stationed.
What did "Jungle Fountains" provide for soldiers?
Robert Woodruff, founder of Coca-Cola, aimed to provide every serviceman with a bottle of Coca-Cola for 5 cents, regardless of their location. He ensured the drink was delivered to the front lines and nearby aid stations. Additionally, some of the 1,100 mobile units were stationed on army jeeps with portable factories that provided free Coca-Cola to soldiers.