Home
Get updates
Wiki Answers > Categories > History Politics and Society > History > War and Military History > World War 2 Questions
World War 2
The second great war that began in 1938 and ended in 1945 that engaged most of Europe and Asia into combat between the Allies and the Axis powers.
Total questions 83800
How did World War 2 begin?
The question "How did World War 2 start?" or "What started World War 2?" can be considered distinct from "What caused World War...
Popularity: 982 • Tools: Recategorize
What were the causes of World War 2?
The war in Europe was caused by the German invasion of Poland and the war in Asia was triggered by the Japanese invasion of...
Popularity: 936 • Tools: Recategorize
When did World War 2 start?
However, one can make out a case for other dates for the start of WW2. One can say that the war started at different times for...
Popularity: 880 • Tools: Recategorize
What were the effects of World War 2?
WWII was unusual in that for the first time in modern history (perhaps 500 years?), civilians were killed in greater numbers than...
Popularity: 748 • Tools: Recategorize
What countries were involved in World War 2?
By the end of World War 2 there were few sovereign nations who were not involved in the war in some way. Most everyone played a...
Popularity: 631 • Tools: Recategorize
What was life like in World War 2 in fashion music culture art etc?
In japan: women had long knife and practise fighting against whites. In the battle for okinawa 80 000 women fought with sticks...
Popularity: 517 • Tools: Recategorize
How did World War 2 affect the US economy?
From what I understand in my history classes, the war was one of the reasons the Great Depression ended. World War Two gave jobs...
Popularity: 496 • Tools: Recategorize
Why did the US become involved in World War 2?
Part of the reason for going to war against the Germany, Japan and Italy. In March 1940: the Lend-Lease act was passed stating...
Popularity: 490 • Tools: Recategorize
How many Allied casualties were there during the occupation of Germany after World War 2?
The exact numbers are hard to come by. I have read as high as 700. I don't know for sure. It took 7 years to eliminate all Nazi...
Popularity: 462 • Tools: Recategorize
Why was Australia involved in World War 2?
Australia was an independent Dominion within the British Empire. When Britain went to war so did they without question. As...
Popularity: 458 • Tools: Recategorize
How can you find information on a World War 2 veteran?
Try the National Archives. This link will take you right to the page where you can either download or order the appropriate...
Popularity: 395 • Tools: Recategorize
What does the 'D' in D-Day stand for?
D-Day and H-Hour are general terms used for the day and hour to mark the beginning of an important event. By far the most...
Popularity: 384 • Tools: Recategorize
How many soldiers died in World War 2?
Soviet 16,400,000 Germany 2,800,000 Britain 400,000 France 212,000 dead Italy 330,000 dead Japan 1,900,000 dead China...
Popularity: 381 • Tools: Recategorize
What are arguments for and against the atomic bombings of Japan being justified?
Here are summaries of opinions from FAQ Farmers on the moral or immoral nature of the decision to bomb Japan with nuclear...
Popularity: 374 • Tools: Recategorize
Why did Hitler and the Nazis hate the Jews?
For a short answer please go straight to the Related Questions listed at the bottom. Many of the 'theories' about Hitler's...
Popularity: 357 • Tools: Recategorize
How did the policy of appeasement affect World War 2?
Here are opinions: Appeasement allowed the British and French to ignore an imminent threat and produced a fake peace which led...
Popularity: 352 • Tools: Recategorize
Is there a list of World War 2 POW camps in USA?
There were about 665 POW Camps in the U.S. during WWII, 21 in Canada. I respectfully suggest you contact the NPS site in...
Popularity: 338 • Tools: Recategorize
Why didn't America build better tanks in World War 2?
We did build a fine tank that was a match for the Tiger or Panther one on one. It was called the M26 Pershing. It came out in the...
Popularity: 332 • Tools: Recategorize
What are similarities and differences between World War 1 and 2?
The two sides were almost the same in both wars. Russia/Britain and the US against Germany. The good guys won. Italy was on the...
Popularity: 327 • Tools: Recategorize
What was life like for a US soldier in World War 2?
According to my American Military History professor it consisted of about 90% boredom and maximum discomfort with 10% sheer...
Popularity: 318 • Tools: Recategorize
What were the requirements for being awarded a Silver Star?
Bring up this website and scroll down to the Silver Star, it will give you the...
Popularity: 316 • Tools: Recategorize
What were the major consequences of World War 2?
After of course the massive number casualities inflicted and the physical ravaging of the nations, the biggest consequence of WW2...
Popularity: 315 • Tools: Recategorize
Why did the Holocaust happen?
The Nazis' first target were the Communists, Social Democrats, trade unionists and liberals. The Jews followed later, though they...
Popularity: 313 • Tools: Recategorize • New Update
What important role did women play during the world war 2?
Wifes Gun making bayonets Building Ships Working in factories (Making bombs and Aircraft parts) Air Raid Wardens Driving Fire...
Popularity: 300 • Tools: Recategorize
Where was Easy Company 101st Airborne Division based out of in the UK during World War 2?
E/506th P.I.R, 101st A.B. Div. was stationed in Aldbourne, England, from Sept. 17, 1943 to May 31, 1944. On May 31 E Co. was...
Popularity: 283 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you find information on the Battle of Hurtgen Forest?
Here are suggestions from FAQ Farmers: You might try reading this web site, BATTLE OF HURTGEN FOREST, then after that go to...
Popularity: 279 • Tools: Recategorize
How many ships were damaged or sunk by Kamikazes in World War 2?
Here are opinions and answers from FAQ Farmers: Kamikaze aircraft sank 26 US naval vessels and damaged 164 others during WW2. ...
Popularity: 276 • Tools: Recategorize
Why did the US drop the atomic bombs on Japan?
Here are explanations: To put an immediate end to the war The USA was facing the prospect of invading Japan to subdue it. The...
Popularity: 275 • Tools: Recategorize
Why did Sweden remain neutral during World War 2?
Do you mean, "Why did they not join the Axis?" If so, the answer is that their political system was not compatible. They had...
Popularity: 275 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you find information on a relative who served in World War 2?
Go to the web site "Dad's War: Finding and Telling Your Father's World War II Story" -- it will tell you every thing you need to...
Popularity: 269 • Tools: Recategorize
What new technology was used in World War 2?
There were many: The Blitzkrieg tactical warfare (lighting war) Radar, and it's underwater cousin, sonar, had a significant...
Popularity: 269 • Tools: Recategorize
What was the Axis?
It was a military and political alliance between Germany, Italy and Japan. Its goals were to achieve vast expansion through...
Popularity: 268 • Tools: Recategorize
How many people died on D-Day?
The number of Allied combat casualties on D-Day is approximated at 10,000, of whom 2,500 died. Here is the breakdown of the...
Popularity: 264 • Tools: Recategorize
Where was World War 2 fought?
WWII was fought all over the Pacific, North Africa, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Norway/Finland, the Middle East, South East...
Popularity: 261 • Tools: Recategorize
What do Bronze Stars on a World War 2 theater ribbon mean?
Each bronze star on the ribbon of a campaign medal or ribbon bar represents a campaign that the wearer served in. When the wearer...
Popularity: 259 • Tools: Recategorize
What were some of the Navy hand signals of World War 2?
Some soldiers used a certain number of fingers to describe how many. they would make a flat hand and point it to show in what...
Popularity: 258 • Tools: Recategorize
What countries were neutral in World War 2?
These countries were officially neutral during the Second World War: Sweden Switzerland Spain Afghanistan Portugal Also you...
Popularity: 256 • Tools: Recategorize
What is the history of a General McAuliffe World War 2 plaque or trivet?
My father was in 101st in Bastogne and was givin a plaque with the same description (Germans on one side, parratrooper on other...
Popularity: 253 • Tools: Recategorize
What events after World War 1 led to US entry into World War 2?
Pearl Harbor mostly. The Americans had adopted a policy of isolationism. Italy didn't get land for fighting in WW1, Japan...
Popularity: 241 • Tools: Recategorize
How did World War 2 end?
It ended with the unconditional surrender of the Axis powers. Germany surrendered on May 7, and 8, 1945, about a week after Adolf...
Popularity: 240 • Tools: Recategorize
What happened in Thailand during World War 2?
During WW2, the Japanese demaned for access through Thailand for it's forces to invade countries such as Burma and Malaya. Under...
Popularity: 231 • Tools: Recategorize
What was an average meal for Americans during World War 2?
That's not a easy question. If you were behind the lines it could have been any type of normal meal. Navy guys got hot chow...
Popularity: 225 • Tools: Recategorize
What happened with Sweden during World War 2?
Sweden remained neutral, it did not participate in the war and was not attacked. Sometimes allied bombers which could not make it...
Popularity: 224 • Tools: Recategorize
Can you get copies of World War 2 medals awarded to your late relative?
You need to fill out a form furnished bt the National Archives in St.Louis. It usually takes about 6 months. Here is the website:...
Popularity: 217 • Tools: Recategorize
What information do you have on the Battle of Leyte?
I assume you are talking about the battle of Leyte in the Phillipine Islands. The purpose of the attack was to get air...
Popularity: 217 • Tools: Recategorize
What were the most important battles of World War 2?
The Battle of Britain turned the war. No other battle was so pivotal. If the British had lost then the war was over as Hitler...
Popularity: 210 • Tools: Recategorize
Why was the Battle of Midway a turning point for the war in the Pacific?
the battle of midway was the last offensive japan ever made in the battle for the pacific. If America had lost the battle it was...
Popularity: 208 • Tools: Recategorize
How can you find out why a relative was awarded a medal?
This would be listed in their discharge papers. If you don't have that you can PROBABLY get a copy by going to the National...
Popularity: 207 • Tools: Recategorize
What countries did Germany occupy in World War 2?
Every country in Europe except Britain, Ireland, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Finland, Turkey in Europe and Bulgaria was...
Popularity: 206 • Tools: Recategorize
What does the ace of spades represent on the infantry helmets?
A Spade, as in a deck of cards, represents the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. Richard V....
Popularity: 199 • Tools: Recategorize
What were some experiences of Australians as a result of their involvement in World War 2?
The Australians experienced harsh conditions, especially on the kokoda trail. Their uniforms rotted and were subject to Malaria...
Popularity: 199 • Tools: Recategorize
What countries were part of the Allies and Axis in World War 2?
On the "Allies" side : Great Britain and the British Commonwealth (including the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South...
Popularity: 199 • Tools: Recategorize
Why didn't the US enter World War 2 sooner?
The U.S. government had no mandate from the American people before Pearl Harbor. Americans have always been wary of "entangling...
Popularity: 196 • Tools: Recategorize
Who won World War 2?
The Allies - Britain, France, the U.S, the Soviet Union, China, Canada, Australia and others were the winners of World War 2. By...
Popularity: 193 • Tools: Recategorize
How and why did Japan start World War 2 in the Pacific?
The cause of the Japanese starting the war in the pacific has many causes. Firstly, Japan was an aristocrat country, meaning that...
Popularity: 192 • Tools: Recategorize
What was the role of service women in World War 2?
nurses Women in service had many jobs. Many women even joined to fight in the war. In Canada more than 45,000 women signed...
Popularity: 192 • Tools: Recategorize
On which side did Ireland fight during World War 2?
Neither side. Ireland under Taoiseach Eamon DeValera was studiously neutral. He tried to talk to Churchill et al to see what...
Popularity: 190 • Tools: Recategorize
Why did the Allies win World War 2?
In short, because the Axis powers did not have the manpower or industrial capacity to defeat the Western Allies. The allies...
Popularity: 190 • Tools: Recategorize
What was the Marshall Plan and its goal?
The Marshall plan was an American program of economic aid and reconstruction in Europe after World War Two. It was called that...
Popularity: 190 • Tools: Recategorize
Why did Japan attack the US in December 1941?
nova net : Many U.S. and British bases throughtout the Pacific.
Popularity: 184 • Tools: Recategorize
What were the political conditions in Europe in 1940 and what countries were at war?
German attempts to win over important groups in occupied countries; the reaction to, and effect of, the German occupation; the...
Popularity: 183 • Tools: Recategorize
How many World War 2 films did John Wayne appear in from 1942-1966?
14
Popularity: 176 • Tools: Recategorize
Who was Joseph Stalin?
Joseph Stalin (Ioseb Jughashvili 1878-1953) was the leader of the USSR (Russia) from 1924 to 1953. After World War 2, he wanted...
Popularity: 174 • Tools: Recategorize
What were the changes in warfare and weapons between World War 1 and World War 2?
World War I was dominated by the machine gun and the artillery piece. Machine guns made it possible for men in trenches to defend...
Popularity: 169 • Tools: Recategorize
What task force was the USS Makassar Strait CVE 91 part of on the Invasion of Okinawa?
I just finished printing a report on Makassar Strait CVE-91 From the time her keel was laid at Kaiser Ship Yard until she was...
Popularity: 168 • Tools: Recategorize
What are the after effects of war on a country people and the environment?
If the battle occured on their land then they've got no farming land as it's mainly strewn with decomposing bodies, unexploded...
Popularity: 160 • Tools: Recategorize
Where were the religious leaders during World War 2?
Jesus said or warned unfortunately Matthew 24.6 6And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for...
Popularity: 159 • Tools: Recategorize
Why did Italy get involved in World War 2?
italy invaded Etiopia mostly becuase of border problems and then later allied with germany At that time Benito Mussolini...
Popularity: 156 • Tools: Recategorize
Did the Maine coast need to be defended against German U-Boats?
Yes, equipment on Cadillac Mt. was set up to search for German subs off the coast. The Portland Harbor was certainly a...
Popularity: 155 • Tools: Recategorize
What was Winston Churchill's role in World War 2?
On 3 September 1939 Neville Chamberlain declared war on Germany following the German invasion of Poland. Contrary to a widespread...
Popularity: 155 • Tools: Recategorize
How did World War 2 help end the Great Depression?
According to my parents, who lived through the depression, it was already pretty much over by the time the war started. But I...
Popularity: 155 • Tools: Recategorize
How much did the US contribute to winning World War 2?
I assume you're asking how much the US contributed to the Allied victory in WWII. In a short simple statement, you could say that...
Popularity: 154 • Tools: Recategorize
Why did the US get involved in the Korean War?
At the moment my understanding of it is that the US was feeling pretty confident after they won the Berlin Blockade over the...
Popularity: 152 • Tools: Recategorize
Who invented the atomic bomb?
During World War II, the United States, with the assistance (collaboration) of physicists, mathematicians, and engineers from the...
Popularity: 152 • Tools: Recategorize
What was the role of Germany in World War 2?
Germany was the aggressor. It launched one unprovoked attack after another against it all neighbors except Switzerland and always...
Popularity: 150 • Tools: Recategorize
Were the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki absolutely necessary to ensure the capitulation of Japan?
The Japanese are a very proud people. Because of this they were fanatical fighters and would almost certainly fight until the...
Popularity: 149 • Tools: Recategorize
What jobs did African-Americans do in the US military during World War 2?
They usually were cooks but in emergencies they also could be gunners, blood doners, and helpers in the hospitals. Well, there...
Popularity: 149 • Tools: Recategorize
Why did Nazi Germany have concentration camps?
The Nazi concentration camps were originally established to terrorize opponents of the Nazi regime, especially Communists,...
Popularity: 148 • Tools: Recategorize
Where can you find information on the Blue Devils of World War 2?
The "Blue Devils" were the 88th Infantry Division. Here is the website address: http://www.88infdiv.org/ I was unable to come...
Popularity: 147 • Tools: Recategorize
What was the hand signal system used by US troops in World War 2 called?
Unfortunately, the hand signals used extensively in Band of Brothers and SPR are from the Vietnam era, not WW2. Dale Dye, the...
Popularity: 146 • Tools: Recategorize
Why did Germany not invade Sweden in World War 2?
During the invasion of Scandinavia, Sweden kept neutral, but because much of their income was generated by exporting iron, they...
Popularity: 145 • Tools: Recategorize
What escort carrier was with the USS Yorktown at the battle of Midway?
There were no escort carriers at the Battle of Midway. The American carriers at Midway were the USS Yorktown, CV-5; USS...
Popularity: 143 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you find information on the 44th Cavalry Recon in World War 2?
The 44th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized) was activated at Camp Young, Calif., Dec. 23, 1943. From the N.Y. Port of...
Popularity: 141 • Tools: Recategorize
What impact did the Japanese submarine attack on Sydney have on Australians?
Check the Sydney newspaper archives of the time. Also, find and interview some Sydney residents who were alive at that time. ...
Popularity: 141 • Tools: Recategorize
What is AW107 in military terms?
AW 107 refers to the Articles of War number 107. It was under this authority that a service man was honorably discharged from the...
Popularity: 141 • Tools: Recategorize
How did the Allied strategies help them to win World War 2?
The allies had no strategy after France fell in the Mid 1940. England knew they were next so they just planned to defend. They...
Popularity: 139 • Tools: Recategorize
Which US unit saw the most combat in the Pacific in World War 2?
the u.s. army's 24th infantry division saw the most combat in the pacific theater. they have a silver campaign star on their...
Popularity: 138 • Tools: Recategorize
When did World War 2 end?
Fighting on the different fronts ended at different times. Perhaps the last victims of the war for the US were three Marines...
Popularity: 138 • Tools: Recategorize
Who was the first baseball player killed in World War 2?
No Major League baseball players were killed in World War II. The only major league baseball player killed in warfare was Eddie...
Popularity: 137 • Tools: Recategorize
What were the basic war strategies of the US in World War 2?
I can supply the basic strategy for the Pacific Theatre for you. It was to eventually obtain air bases close enough to Japan to...
Popularity: 137 • Tools: Recategorize
What does a World War 2 pin that says 'Celer Et Audax' mean?
it literally means sharp and bold/brave It's also the motto of the 6th Field...
Popularity: 136 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you find information about the 472nd QM Truck Co in CBI during World War 2?
Hello Becky, My Dad (Arthur E. Metzler) was in the 472nd QM Truck Company "C" in India during World War II. If you want, you...
Popularity: 135 • Tools: Recategorize
Why did war break out in Europe in 1939?
World War Two in Europe began on 3rd September 1939, when the Prime Minister of Britain, Neville Chamberlain, declared war on...
Popularity: 135 • Tools: Recategorize
What or Who ended World War 2?
The A-bomb. First Hiroshima, then Nagasaki were bombed. The Japanese fully intended to fight to the death. The decision to employ...
Popularity: 135 • Tools: Recategorize
In which war did America experience a direct military attack upon its own territory?
World War 2 - Japanese attack Pearl Harbour - Hawaii (A US territory at the time now a State) - 1941 Mexican-American war -...
Popularity: 135 • Tools: Recategorize
What is information on the 993rd Treadway Bridge Company?
Here is information submitted: My father was based in Wellesbourne, Warwickshire at the beginning of 1944. My father is...
Popularity: 134 • Tools: Recategorize
How many people died in the Battle of Midway?
There were about 3000American deaths. According to some sources, the Imperial Japanese Navy lost approximately 2,155 sailors &...
Popularity: 134 • Tools: Recategorize
What is the value of depression food ration stamps?
To the best of my knowledge there was no food rationing during the 1930's depression, at least not in the United States. The only...
Popularity: 133 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you find info on the Quartermaster Truck Company Aviation?
My Dad was in the Army in the 2476 Quartermaster Truck Company assigned to the Air Force. He was stationed in Burma and India.
Popularity: 133 • Tools: Recategorize
Were any Allied generals in World War 2 credited with a kill?
I know of two who shot Germans: Maj Gen Matthew Ridgeway, who knocked out several German tanks with his bazooka, and Maj Gen...
Popularity: 133 • Tools: Recategorize
