| A | B |
|---|
| What is a war of attrition? | Using numerical superiority of men and machines to wear down the enemy which cannot replace those resources. |
| Why was the Battle of Midway a turning point in the Pacific fighting? | It stopped Japan's eastward expansion and destroyed irreplaceable aircraft carriers. |
| What was America's MAIN justification for bombing Hiroshima and Nagasaki? | It saved countless American lives. |
| Who was responsible for the Japanese decision to surrender? | Emperor Hirohito |
| Who was in charge of the US occupation of Japan and oversaw Japan's transition to a democracy? | General Douglas MacArthur |
| Later in the war, how did pilot training in Japan change to reflect poorer training and aircraft? | Development of Kamikaze "divine wind" attacks |
| Where did the Japanese commanders sign surrender papers? | Aboard the U.S.S. Missouri |
| What American bomber dropped the first ever atomic bomb? | Enola Gay piloted by Paul Tibbets |
| What two superpowers remained after WW2? | US and USSR |
| What was the 45 year time of hostility between the US and USSR after WW2? | The Cold War |
| How did Westerners feel about human progress after WW2? | Their faith was shaken due to the Holocaust and the Atom Bomb |
| What was the Final Solution? | The Nazi plan to exterminate the Jews resulting from eastward expansion through Europe. |
| What was the result of the Holocaust? | Initial estimates were 6 million Jews dead and 6 million others. Current estimates total 30 million dead. |
| Why was WW2 a total war? | Civilian centers were destroyed and entire populations were mobilized for the war effort. |
| Why was WW2 a global war? | It was fought on every continent (except Antarctica). |
| What was American reason for heavily investing in the economic rebuilding of Japan and Europe after WW2? | A healthy environment and restored economic confidence would lessen the appeals of Communism. |
| What was the American Plan for rebuilding Europe after the war called? | The Marshall Plan |
| What naval technology was the key to success in fighting in the Pacific? | Aircraft carriers |
| What were the short term effects of atomic bombing on Japan? | Annihilation of two urban centers, immediate surrender. |
| What were the long term effects of atomic bombing on Japan? | Lingering radiation poisoning of people and the land; Japan's decision to renounce war constitutionally. |
