WWII Scavenger Hunt

...a crash course in the major events of WW2 

• What caused World war Two? Obviously there had to be some nasty aftermath of World War One or everyone would be done fighting, right? We know that Germany played a major part in WWI and caused major damage around the world. Some of us may even know that it was the Treat of Versailles that resolved WWI. If this peace treaty ended WWI, why do some experts say that the Treaty of Versailles caused WWII?

• Read the “Reactions and Thoughts of Revenge” section at the end of this page and write an answer in your own words on your worksheet.

• Most of us know who Hitler was and some of the things he did, but how did the Nazi party get started? Who did it consist of?

• Skim the information on this page, paying close attention to the German Worker’s Party.

• Territory issues as well as worldwide debts and economic pressures led to great unrest after WWI. As you learned from the last question, Hitler was gaining power and popularity in Germany, which became a major player in the war (WWII) that was brewing. What other countries were a part of the Axis powers? Who were the Allies?

• Click here and list the major countries that were a part of the Axis and Allied powers. 

• As Hitler gained power and numbers, he became a threat to Europe. Knowing how dangerous this rising power could be, the German Chancellor and British Prime Minister appeased Hitler, which basically means that they agreed to give him whatever he wanted as long as he didn't hurt anyone or start a war.  He hurried to rearm Germany, rounding up troops to see just how much freedom and power he now had or could get.  What country did Hitler invade that essentially "started WWII?" Why did he invade?

• Read the first  paragraph and skim the "blitzkrieg" section on this page.

• What's a blitzkrieg, anyway?

• Here's the answer.

• Hitler was virtually unstoppable in his quest for land, power and resources. After invading Poland and wreaking havoc on most of Europe, he still wanted more and looked East for what he wanted. East, of course, meaning Russia, which also had troops (Red Army) that some say Hitler feared. What happened when Hitler Invaded Russia? Who ultimately won?

• Check out this page for a clear answer, and please, PUT IT IN YOUR OWN WORDS!

• Up until now, we've been learning all about Hitler and the Axis and Allied powers, yet we know that the United States was involved in the war, too. What happened that forced the United States to join the war?

• Here's the answer, and some cool pictures, too.

• How does the US retaliate? 

• Watch this video. (segment entitled Atomic Bomb) and describe the weapon and it's consequences used against Japan. Be sure to include the weapon name, name of the location it was used on, and a description of the destruction it caused.

• Meanwhile, back in Europe, the Allied forces reach Germany, and Germany eventually surrenders. After the bombing, Japan also surrenders. The end of the war is in sight. What official act puts an end to WW2? What were some of its results?

• Here's the answer.

© Jill Gearhart, 2008, all rights reserved / Revised 9/17/2008