World War II: Key Dates and Figures Quiz

Answer: 1 September 1939

There had been earlier acts of aggression by Nazi Germany, in particular the seizure of the 'rump' of Bohemia and Moravia on 15 March 1939. However, from 1 September 1939 till the unconditional surrenders on 7 and 8 May 1945 Germany was at war continuously.

Answer: 3 September 1939

Britain and France had made a pact with Poland that if any country invaded its lands, they would come to the aid of Poland. In practical terms, however, they gave Poland no assistance at all.

Answer: Spain

The Spanish dictator, Franco, though very sympathetic to Germany and Italy, refused to be drawn into World War II, beyond sending volunteers to fight against the Soviet Union and sending some supplies to Germany. Hungary and Romania were part of the Axis, though Romania changed sides in 1944. Portugal was neutral.

Answer: Neville Chamberlain

Neville Chamberlain was a British Conservative politician and was the prime minister who actually declared war on Germany. However, he is also the man most closely associated with appeasement, though the policy had started earlier.

Answer: 18 September 1931

Japanese troops invaded Manchuria on 13 September 1931. This is not generally regarded as the start of World War 2 for two reasons: (1) Lack of continuity with the rest of the war. (2) It wasn't until December 1941 that the wars in the Far East and Europe combined into one war.

Answer: Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill is known as one of the greatest wartime leaders. He was a politician, historian, writer and artist. He was the only British minister to receive a Nobel Prize. Also his experience in World War I as First Lord of the Admiralty helped him in World War II.

Answer: 7 December 1941

This was date in which Japanese bombers attacked the American naval base in Hawaii. As a result, the Americans joined the war. Moreover, on 11 December 1941 Germany declared war on the USA.

Answer: 6 June 1944

D-Day was the biggest offensive of the Allied troops in western Europe against Nazi Germany. Nearly every Allied country provided troops for this offensive. Despite the difficulties involved, the operation was successful and the Allied troops pushed further towards Germany from the West.

Answer: 9 August 1945

"Fat Man" and "Little Boy" were the two atomic bombs, which were dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima, respectively. Some historians say that Germany was as well working on their own atomic bomb and some even believed that Germany just needed an extra four months to complete their own.

Answer: Harry S Truman

Harry S Truman took over the place of Franklin Delano Roosevelt when the latter died on April 12 1945. Article II, Section 1, Clause 6 of the American Constitution allows the Vice President to be in the line of succession of presidency, if the President dies while in Office.