Chapter 15 - World War II (SSUSH19)

SSUSH 19d - Which of the following BEST describes the steps taken by President Franklin Roosevelt to mobilize for World War II?

• Increase in the production of consumer goods, a reduction of taxes, and the importation of laborers from Mexico

• Conscription of men, production of war goods, rationing of essential materials, and sale of war bonds

• Ending shipments across the Atlantic, keeping good in the United States, and refusing to supply the allies

• Permitting criticism of his policies during wartime, relying only on voluntary enlistment to raise troop levels, & depending on private donations to raise funds

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights key actions by FDR: conscription for military service, ramping up war production, rationing resources, and financing the war through bond sales, essential for effective mobilization during WWII.

SSUSH 19d: What new opportunities did World War II create for women?

• They were able to enlist in the army or navy for combat

• They were able to follow combat units as camp followers

• They were able to fill many jobs traditionally held by men

• They were able to receive benefits from moving to less populated areas

Answer explanation

World War II created new opportunities for women as they filled many jobs traditionally held by men, due to the labor shortage caused by men going to war. This shift marked a significant change in gender roles in the workforce.

SSUSH 19a: Examine the photograph to answer the question.

Which event caused this explosion?

• Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor

• aircraft bombing at the Battle of Midway

• sabotage by German spies in Honolulu

• an accident as the navy prepared to invade Japan

Answer explanation

The explosion depicted in the photograph was caused by the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, which led to significant damage and loss of life, marking the U.S. entry into World War II.

SSUSH 19a: Read the excerpt to answer the question.

What step did Japanese leaders take to deal with this problem?

• They attacked Pearl Harbor

• They invaded the Soviet Union

• They signed a treaty of alliance with Nazi Germany

• They sent submarines to the West Coast of the United States

Answer explanation

Japanese leaders attacked Pearl Harbor to address their need for resources and to assert dominance in the Pacific, which ultimately led to the United States entering World War II.

SSUSH 19d: Use the poster to answer the question.

What conclusion can be drawn from this World War II government poster?

• Women were needed by the US Navy during the war

• Women were conscripted for military service just like men

• Women were encouraged to serve in combat roles during the war

• Women were valued on the home front but not by armed forces

Answer explanation

The poster emphasizes the need for women in the US Navy during World War II, indicating their crucial role in supporting the war effort, which aligns with the conclusion that women were needed by the US Navy during the war.

SSUSH 19b: Examine the photograph to answer the question.

Which evidence BEST supports President Harry Truman's decision to use this weapon against two Japanese cities?

• After the defeat of Germany, Japanese leaders believed their situation was generally helpless

• Many Americans felt that the Japanese should have to pay for their surprise attack on Pearl Harbor

• Japan did not immediately surrender, even after the first bomb was dropped on Hiroshima

• After the surrender of Germany, the Soviet Union declared war on Japan

Answer explanation

The best evidence supporting Truman's decision is that Japan did not surrender after the first bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, indicating that more drastic measures were deemed necessary to compel their capitulation.

SSUSH 19c: Use the picture to answer the question.

On what day did these American troops land on the beaches of Normandy in the largest amphibious operation in history?

• D-Day

• V-E Day

• V-J Day

• French Liberation Day

Answer explanation

The American troops landed on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944, marking the largest amphibious operation in history. V-E Day and V-J Day refer to the end of the war in Europe and Japan, respectively.

SSUSH 19e: Examine the photograph to answer the question.

Caption: Japanese Americans in temporary housing during WWII.

Which statement BEST explains the relocation of these citizens?

• US Military leaders feared they might commit acts of sabotage

• Japanese Americans had published a declaration of loyalty

• Japanese leaders had threatened to bomb Japanese-Americans' homes

• Their homes on the West Coast were needed to shelter American troops

Answer explanation

US Military leaders feared that Japanese Americans might commit acts of sabotage during WWII, leading to their relocation to temporary housing despite their loyalty to the United States.

SSUSH 19d: Use the list to answer the question.

What inference can be made from the list about the domestic impact of World War II?

• There was little popular support for the war

• Many Americans were inspired by a sense of patriotism

• Most Americans became afraid of their own government

• Most Americans believed the Allies would lose the war

Answer explanation

The list suggests that many Americans were motivated by patriotism during World War II, as they rallied to support the war effort, contrasting with the other options that imply negativity or lack of support.

SSUSH 19e: Use the excerpt to answer the question.

Based on this excerpt, with which statement would Justice Black have agreed?

• Individual rights can be restricted in wartime if a "clear and present danger" exists

• Only the Supreme Court can legally deprive citizens of civil rights and liberties

• Individual rights must be maintained at all costs, even in national emergencies

• The Supreme Court lacks the power to block executive orders made during wartime

Answer explanation

Justice Black would have agreed that individual rights can be restricted in wartime if a 'clear and present danger' exists, as this reflects the balance between civil liberties and national security during emergencies.