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The wider Second World War and the Holocaust

Study note

The Second World War was a truly global conflict, fought on many fronts at once. A turning point came in December 1941, when Japan bombed the American naval base at Pearl Harbor. This attack brought the United States into the war. The same year, 1941, Hitler launched a massive invasion of the Soviet Union, opening a huge new front in the east.

The war also saw one of the greatest crimes in history. Across the lands they controlled in Europe, the Nazi regime systematically murdered millions of Jewish people, along with many others, in what became known as the Holocaust. So remember Pearl Harbor in December 1941 for the United States joining, and the Holocaust as the Nazi murder of millions.

Memory tip: USA joins after Pearl Harbor (Dec 1941); Hitler attacks the USSR; the Holocaust murders millions.

Practise this topic

Question 1 of 2

What event in December 1941 led the United States to enter the Second World War?

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Show all questions and answers for The wider Second World War and the Holocaust(2 questions with explanations)

The wider Second World War and the Holocaust: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. What event in December 1941 led the United States to enter the Second World War?

    • The Battle of Britain
    • The fall of France
    • D-Day
    • The Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor

    Correct answer: The Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor

    The United States entered the war after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor in December 1941.

  2. 2. In 1941, Hitler attempted a huge invasion of the Soviet Union.

    • True
    • False

    Correct answer: True

    True. In 1941 Hitler attacked the Soviet Union in a massive invasion.

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