1When did Germany surrender? When did Japan surrender?

Germany surrendered to the Allies on May 7, 1945 and Japan surrendered on August 14, 1945.

2. How did the Maginot Line attempt to stop German and why did it fail?

The Maginot Line was created to stop Germany with concrete and steel fortifications. It was built along the border of Germany and France. The line failed because Germany went around it and attacked France from the Belgium side.

3. Isolationism, a policy of the United States, was based on neutrality. What is neutrality and how was it practiced?

Neutrality was practiced by a series of neutrality acts passed in the 1930s preventing the US from taking sides in any European wars. Eventually the acts were repealed and the US supplied food, ships, planes and weapons to Britain.

4. How did Germany attempt to initially defeat Britain? After effective resistance, how did Germany attempt to change its fortunes in the Battle for Britain and why was it not successful?

Germany tried to defeat Britain by gaining control of the air the German air force called the Luftwaffe launched planes and bombed British air and naval bases, harbors, communication centers and war industries. The British had effective radar and he gave them early warning of German attacks. Hitler tried to break the British morale by bombing British cities. Because military targets were not being hit the British were able to rebuild their Air Force quickly.

5. When did Hitler invade the Soviet Union?

Hitler invaded the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941.

 

6. What natural factor led to the failure of the German army in the Soviet Union?

An early winner stopped the Germans because the Germans had no winter uniforms. The Soviets fought back and in December 1941 the German army had been stopped for the first time.

7. Who were the members of the Grand Alliance and what did they agree to do in 1943?

The members of the grand alliance were Great Britain, United States and Soviet Union. In 1943 they agreed to fight until the access powers of Germany, Italy and Japan surrendered unconditionally.

8. Instead of following his General’s suggestions, Hitler decided to take Stalingrad. When did this battle take place? Why was this unsuccessful and what was the outcome for the German Sixth Army?

Between November 1942 and February 2, 1943 the Soviets launched attacks and German troops were stopped. German troops were surrounded and supply lines were cut off in the frigid winter and the Germans were forced to surrender at Stalingrad. The entire German sixth Army was lost. By February 1943 German forces in Russia had been pushed back to their positions of 1942 by the spring of 1943 even Hitler knew the Germans couldn't beat the Soviet Union.

9. When was D-Day and where did allied troops land? What critical error did the German Army make in regards to its perception of the attack?

D-Day was June 6, 1944. The United States and the white D Eisenhower landed on Normandy beaches and France. Germany thought the battle was a diversion and not the real battle and that the real invasion would happen someplace else so the Germans responded slowly and the allied forces won the beachhead.

10. Answer the Geography Skills questions on page 637.

1) Why did Calais’ location make it a likely place for the invasion?

It was a likely place because it was the closest location to England.

2) How did allied leaders adapt their invasion strategy to the coastal area chosen for the Normandy invasion?

The allies used special boats and landing craft to carry troops and equipment. Planes flew overhead and provided cover fire for the troops. Parachutes landed troops, and artificial harbors were set up.