Chapter 35: America in World War 2 Study Guide
Chapter #35: IDENTIFICATIONS
A. Philip Randolph
Leader of movement advocating Africa American civil rights, organized a black labor union
George S. Patton
General that commanded 3rd and 7th US Army during WWII
Albert Einstein
Genius, formulated general theory of relativity, helped uncover modern physics
Office of Price Administration
Controlled prices and rents after World War II began
Fair Employment Practice Commission
Made sure companies did not show racial or religious bias
D-Day
Invasion of Normandy, turning point of WWII
V-E Day
Official day when Germans surrendered during WWII
Manhattan Project
Created first atomic bombs, led by US
Braceros
Laborer from Mexico, came to US to find jobs (i.e. planting and cultivating crops)
Chapter #35: Guided Reading Questions
The Allies Trade Space for Time
Know: Germany First
1. "America's task was far more complex and back-breaking [in World War II] than in World War I." Explain.
The plan was to absolutely not let Britain fall to Germany and meanwhile send just enough effort to hold Japan at bay for the time being. The problem was preparedness and to execute the plan, the U.S needed time to gear up for war. The task was monumental, to change industry for a total war, organize a massive military, ship everything in two directions across the war, and feed the Allies.
The Shock of War
Know: Axis Powers, Internment Camps, Korematsu v. U.S.
2. How did the war affect liberal ideals and goals at home?
National unity was strong after the Pearl Harbor attack. They put Japanese- Americans into internment camps. The official reasoning was that it was to protect them from rogues on the streets who may want to take out their Pearl Harbor frustrations out on them. The Supreme Court upheld the internment camps in the Korematsu c. U.S. case. All jobs were also war jobs.
Building the War Machine
Know: War Production Board, War Labor Board
3. What effects did the war have on manufacturing, agriculture and labor?
The Great Depression ended when huge orders for the war effort came in. More than $100 billion was ordered in 1942.The War Production Board took control of the industry and halted production of non essential items such as passenger cars. Agricultural production was incredible. The War Labor Board set ceilings on wages and the labor unions promised not to strike during the war, although some did.
Makers of America: The Japanese
Know: Matthew Perry, Meiji Government, Picture Brides, Gentleman's Agreement, Issei, Nissei
4. In what way can it be said that the reasons for Japanese immigrants' success also caused them trouble?
The Japanese immigrants were more educated and literate than those from Europe. The Japanese immigrants became very successful and the white workers and farmers were jealous of their success. They pushed for immigration restrictions and bowing to pressure, FDR negotiated the Gentleman’s Agreement.
Manpower and Womanpower
Know: WAACS, WAVES, SPARS, GI, Braceros, Rosie the Riveter
5. What opportunities were opened to women as a result of the war?
There were 15 million men and 216,000 women in the military. Women also stepped up and took war jobs. For many women, this was their first job outside of their homes. Women worked in industry and built planes, artillery shells, tanks, and everything. Women proved themselves and gained respect. However, after the war, most women returned home.
Wartime Migrations
Know: A. Philip Randolph, Fair Employment Practices Commission, Double V, CORE, Code Talkers, Zoot Suit Riots
6. What effect did the war have on the nation's minorities?
As during the depression, the war forced people to move around the country. FDR was determined to help the economically hurting south. African Americans moved out of the South in large numbers, usually heading to northern cities but also the west. Fair Employment Practices Commission was set up by FDR to serve as a watchdog over the discrimination ban. Blacks served in segregated units in the military and black organizations increased in membership. Native Americans also fought in the war in large numbers.
Holding the Homefront
7. What economic effects resulted from American participation in the war?
The United States went into the war still in Depression but came out very prosperous. The Gross National Product had doubled and corporate profits doubled too. Disposable income also doubled.
The Rising Sun in the Pacific
Know: Douglas MacArthur, Bataan Death March
8. Describe Japanese victories in the Pacific in the months following Pearl Harbor.
Japan took island after island, including: Guam, Wake Island, the Philippines, Hong Kong, British Malaya, Burma, the Dutch East Indies, and much of Coastal China.
Japan's High Tide at Midway
Know: Battle of the Coral Sea, Midway, Chester Nimitz
9. Why was Midway an important battle?
Midway was a significant battle in that it was a critical victory for the US. America’s sense of nationalism and zeal against the Japanese gradually increased with the Battle of the Coral Sea. At Midway, Chester Nimitz supervised a proficient carrier force to deter the Japanese fleet raid. US temporarily hindered Japan’s powerful fleet.
American Leapfrogging Toward Tokyo
Know: Guadalcanal, Island Hopping, Guam
10. What strategy did the United States use to defeat the Japanese?
The US utilized the leapfrogging method to conquer the Japanese. Americans first obtained a triumph at Guadalcanal Island in order to secure the lifeline from America to Australia. In the northern coast of New Guinea, General MacArthur sought a victory. The American troops cut down the number of Japanese forts and settlements by island hopping, as they passed through to reach Tokyo. They hoped to devastate Japan by demolishing their supplies. In 1944, the Guam and Marianas were eventually defeated.
The Allied Halting of Hitler
Know: Wolf Packs, Enigma, Erwin Rommel, Bernard Montgomery, El Alamein, Battle of Stalingrad
11. "The war against Hitler looked much better at the end of 1942 than it had in the beginning." Explain.
In the beginning, people such as Chamberlain were letting Hitler do what he wanted and just stood by. However, now, people were taking action. Also, Hitler was never defeated and always won. However, at the end of 1942, he started to become weaker and tired.
A Second Front from North Africa to Rome
Know: Soft Underbelly of Europe, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Casablanca, Sicily
12. Describe the purpose and outcome of the Invasion of North Africa.
As the war dragged on, Soviets realized that they needed to open a second front in order distract Germany’s forces. However, since America went after the soft underbelly of Europe, their plans were continuously diverted. The “compromised” subsequent front was the attack on North Africa, which was French property. With the leadership of General Eisenhower, the Allies made the German-Italian army admit defeat. In Casablanca, Roosevelt and Churchill consented to invade Sicily and pressure Italy into capitulating.
D-Day: June 6, 1944
Know: Teheran, D-Day, Normandy, George Patton
13. Why could June 6, 1944 be considered THE turning point of the war?
On June 6, 1944, American troops invaded the Normandy coast. It could be considered the turning point of the war because the second front was created at last. At Teheran, Churchill, Roosevelt, and Stalin all cooperated to begin attacks from the East and West. On D-Day, almost five thousand ships anchored to Normandy’s shore.
FDR: The Fourth-Termite of 1944
Know: Thomas Dewey, Henry Wallace, Harry S Truman
14. Why was the choice of a vice-presidential candidate important and difficult for the democrats in 1944?
The choice of a vice president for the Democrats was vital because Roosevelt was aging, and his health may have been deteriorating. They needed someone reliable to take his place if he died, so they chose Harry S. Truman. Roosevelt and Truman ran against the Republican nominees Thomas Dewey and his VP Henry Wallace.
Roosevelt Defeats Dewey
Know: Fala
15. What factors led to Roosevelt's victory over Dewey?
Roosevelt mainly won over Dewey because of the WWII successes. He won despite the slandering of the Republicans during the election. For example, FDR was condemned for dispatching a US Navy destroyer to rescue/ take back his pet dog Fala. Even though the Republicans persistently attempted to insult Roosevelt and lessen his popular appeal, they could not put down a hero and an already winning candidate.
The Last Days of Hitler
Know: Battle of the Bulge, "Nuts," Elbe River, Holocaust, V-E Day
16. Describe the last six months of war in Europe.
By December 1944, Germany was slowly crumbling down. During the Battle of the Bulge, Commander McAuliffe pronounced the German troops’ plea for submission as “Nuts.” The Germans were more and more discouraged as an endless amount of troops arrived at Antwerp in support of the Allies. In 1945, General Eisenhower’s army arrived at Elbe River and made public the cruel Holocaust. V-E Day was decreed on May 7, 1945.
Japan Dies Hard
Know: Iwo Jima, Okinawa, Kamikazes
17. Explain the meaning of the title of this section.
Japan suffered countless casualties since it resisted with great determination in battle and became America’s guinea pig for experimentation with nuclear weapons. Americans found the Japanese too stubborn and attacked until they collapsed. At Iwo Jima and Okinawa, Americans rooted the Japanese and caused 50,000 casualties. Japanese kamikazes even went on suicide missions to land on and bomb American decks.
The Atomic Bombs
Know: Potsdam, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Hirohito
18. What was the military impact of the atomic bomb?
The Potsdam conference marked a warning to the Japanese. When atomic bombs were ignited in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Japanese were forced to surrender unconditionally. After the heavy demolition, Stalin hurried in hopes of gaining a part of Japanese territory. Ultimately, the Japanese saved their ruler Hirohito.
The Allies Triumphant
Know: George Marshall
19. "This complex conflict was the best fought war in America's history." Explain
Even before WWII began, America was all set since they had been preparing in advance for the worst scenario. Prior to Pearl Harbor, America was forced to battle German submarines out in the Atlantic. Adept military chiefs such as Eisenhower, Nimitz, Spruance, MacArthur, and George Marshall helped America win their battles.
Varying Viewpoints: The Atomic Bombs: Were They Justified?
20. What questions concerning WWII have historians attempted to answer?
They answered if the atomic bombs were justified or not. Americans wanted to end the war as soon as possible so they dropped the bomb. The deaths caused by the bombs brings doubt and remorse and has plagued the American conscience ever since. However, it was a unanimous, automatic, and unquestioned agreement.
A. Philip Randolph
Leader of movement advocating Africa American civil rights, organized a black labor union
George S. Patton
General that commanded 3rd and 7th US Army during WWII
Albert Einstein
Genius, formulated general theory of relativity, helped uncover modern physics
Office of Price Administration
Controlled prices and rents after World War II began
Fair Employment Practice Commission
Made sure companies did not show racial or religious bias
D-Day
Invasion of Normandy, turning point of WWII
V-E Day
Official day when Germans surrendered during WWII
Manhattan Project
Created first atomic bombs, led by US
Braceros
Laborer from Mexico, came to US to find jobs (i.e. planting and cultivating crops)
Chapter #35: Guided Reading Questions
The Allies Trade Space for Time
Know: Germany First
1. "America's task was far more complex and back-breaking [in World War II] than in World War I." Explain.
The plan was to absolutely not let Britain fall to Germany and meanwhile send just enough effort to hold Japan at bay for the time being. The problem was preparedness and to execute the plan, the U.S needed time to gear up for war. The task was monumental, to change industry for a total war, organize a massive military, ship everything in two directions across the war, and feed the Allies.
The Shock of War
Know: Axis Powers, Internment Camps, Korematsu v. U.S.
2. How did the war affect liberal ideals and goals at home?
National unity was strong after the Pearl Harbor attack. They put Japanese- Americans into internment camps. The official reasoning was that it was to protect them from rogues on the streets who may want to take out their Pearl Harbor frustrations out on them. The Supreme Court upheld the internment camps in the Korematsu c. U.S. case. All jobs were also war jobs.
Building the War Machine
Know: War Production Board, War Labor Board
3. What effects did the war have on manufacturing, agriculture and labor?
The Great Depression ended when huge orders for the war effort came in. More than $100 billion was ordered in 1942.The War Production Board took control of the industry and halted production of non essential items such as passenger cars. Agricultural production was incredible. The War Labor Board set ceilings on wages and the labor unions promised not to strike during the war, although some did.
Makers of America: The Japanese
Know: Matthew Perry, Meiji Government, Picture Brides, Gentleman's Agreement, Issei, Nissei
4. In what way can it be said that the reasons for Japanese immigrants' success also caused them trouble?
The Japanese immigrants were more educated and literate than those from Europe. The Japanese immigrants became very successful and the white workers and farmers were jealous of their success. They pushed for immigration restrictions and bowing to pressure, FDR negotiated the Gentleman’s Agreement.
Manpower and Womanpower
Know: WAACS, WAVES, SPARS, GI, Braceros, Rosie the Riveter
5. What opportunities were opened to women as a result of the war?
There were 15 million men and 216,000 women in the military. Women also stepped up and took war jobs. For many women, this was their first job outside of their homes. Women worked in industry and built planes, artillery shells, tanks, and everything. Women proved themselves and gained respect. However, after the war, most women returned home.
Wartime Migrations
Know: A. Philip Randolph, Fair Employment Practices Commission, Double V, CORE, Code Talkers, Zoot Suit Riots
6. What effect did the war have on the nation's minorities?
As during the depression, the war forced people to move around the country. FDR was determined to help the economically hurting south. African Americans moved out of the South in large numbers, usually heading to northern cities but also the west. Fair Employment Practices Commission was set up by FDR to serve as a watchdog over the discrimination ban. Blacks served in segregated units in the military and black organizations increased in membership. Native Americans also fought in the war in large numbers.
Holding the Homefront
7. What economic effects resulted from American participation in the war?
The United States went into the war still in Depression but came out very prosperous. The Gross National Product had doubled and corporate profits doubled too. Disposable income also doubled.
The Rising Sun in the Pacific
Know: Douglas MacArthur, Bataan Death March
8. Describe Japanese victories in the Pacific in the months following Pearl Harbor.
Japan took island after island, including: Guam, Wake Island, the Philippines, Hong Kong, British Malaya, Burma, the Dutch East Indies, and much of Coastal China.
Japan's High Tide at Midway
Know: Battle of the Coral Sea, Midway, Chester Nimitz
9. Why was Midway an important battle?
Midway was a significant battle in that it was a critical victory for the US. America’s sense of nationalism and zeal against the Japanese gradually increased with the Battle of the Coral Sea. At Midway, Chester Nimitz supervised a proficient carrier force to deter the Japanese fleet raid. US temporarily hindered Japan’s powerful fleet.
American Leapfrogging Toward Tokyo
Know: Guadalcanal, Island Hopping, Guam
10. What strategy did the United States use to defeat the Japanese?
The US utilized the leapfrogging method to conquer the Japanese. Americans first obtained a triumph at Guadalcanal Island in order to secure the lifeline from America to Australia. In the northern coast of New Guinea, General MacArthur sought a victory. The American troops cut down the number of Japanese forts and settlements by island hopping, as they passed through to reach Tokyo. They hoped to devastate Japan by demolishing their supplies. In 1944, the Guam and Marianas were eventually defeated.
The Allied Halting of Hitler
Know: Wolf Packs, Enigma, Erwin Rommel, Bernard Montgomery, El Alamein, Battle of Stalingrad
11. "The war against Hitler looked much better at the end of 1942 than it had in the beginning." Explain.
In the beginning, people such as Chamberlain were letting Hitler do what he wanted and just stood by. However, now, people were taking action. Also, Hitler was never defeated and always won. However, at the end of 1942, he started to become weaker and tired.
A Second Front from North Africa to Rome
Know: Soft Underbelly of Europe, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Casablanca, Sicily
12. Describe the purpose and outcome of the Invasion of North Africa.
As the war dragged on, Soviets realized that they needed to open a second front in order distract Germany’s forces. However, since America went after the soft underbelly of Europe, their plans were continuously diverted. The “compromised” subsequent front was the attack on North Africa, which was French property. With the leadership of General Eisenhower, the Allies made the German-Italian army admit defeat. In Casablanca, Roosevelt and Churchill consented to invade Sicily and pressure Italy into capitulating.
D-Day: June 6, 1944
Know: Teheran, D-Day, Normandy, George Patton
13. Why could June 6, 1944 be considered THE turning point of the war?
On June 6, 1944, American troops invaded the Normandy coast. It could be considered the turning point of the war because the second front was created at last. At Teheran, Churchill, Roosevelt, and Stalin all cooperated to begin attacks from the East and West. On D-Day, almost five thousand ships anchored to Normandy’s shore.
FDR: The Fourth-Termite of 1944
Know: Thomas Dewey, Henry Wallace, Harry S Truman
14. Why was the choice of a vice-presidential candidate important and difficult for the democrats in 1944?
The choice of a vice president for the Democrats was vital because Roosevelt was aging, and his health may have been deteriorating. They needed someone reliable to take his place if he died, so they chose Harry S. Truman. Roosevelt and Truman ran against the Republican nominees Thomas Dewey and his VP Henry Wallace.
Roosevelt Defeats Dewey
Know: Fala
15. What factors led to Roosevelt's victory over Dewey?
Roosevelt mainly won over Dewey because of the WWII successes. He won despite the slandering of the Republicans during the election. For example, FDR was condemned for dispatching a US Navy destroyer to rescue/ take back his pet dog Fala. Even though the Republicans persistently attempted to insult Roosevelt and lessen his popular appeal, they could not put down a hero and an already winning candidate.
The Last Days of Hitler
Know: Battle of the Bulge, "Nuts," Elbe River, Holocaust, V-E Day
16. Describe the last six months of war in Europe.
By December 1944, Germany was slowly crumbling down. During the Battle of the Bulge, Commander McAuliffe pronounced the German troops’ plea for submission as “Nuts.” The Germans were more and more discouraged as an endless amount of troops arrived at Antwerp in support of the Allies. In 1945, General Eisenhower’s army arrived at Elbe River and made public the cruel Holocaust. V-E Day was decreed on May 7, 1945.
Japan Dies Hard
Know: Iwo Jima, Okinawa, Kamikazes
17. Explain the meaning of the title of this section.
Japan suffered countless casualties since it resisted with great determination in battle and became America’s guinea pig for experimentation with nuclear weapons. Americans found the Japanese too stubborn and attacked until they collapsed. At Iwo Jima and Okinawa, Americans rooted the Japanese and caused 50,000 casualties. Japanese kamikazes even went on suicide missions to land on and bomb American decks.
The Atomic Bombs
Know: Potsdam, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Hirohito
18. What was the military impact of the atomic bomb?
The Potsdam conference marked a warning to the Japanese. When atomic bombs were ignited in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Japanese were forced to surrender unconditionally. After the heavy demolition, Stalin hurried in hopes of gaining a part of Japanese territory. Ultimately, the Japanese saved their ruler Hirohito.
The Allies Triumphant
Know: George Marshall
19. "This complex conflict was the best fought war in America's history." Explain
Even before WWII began, America was all set since they had been preparing in advance for the worst scenario. Prior to Pearl Harbor, America was forced to battle German submarines out in the Atlantic. Adept military chiefs such as Eisenhower, Nimitz, Spruance, MacArthur, and George Marshall helped America win their battles.
Varying Viewpoints: The Atomic Bombs: Were They Justified?
20. What questions concerning WWII have historians attempted to answer?
They answered if the atomic bombs were justified or not. Americans wanted to end the war as soon as possible so they dropped the bomb. The deaths caused by the bombs brings doubt and remorse and has plagued the American conscience ever since. However, it was a unanimous, automatic, and unquestioned agreement.