Year 9 - History
1941-2, a pivotal period of the Second World War
WW2: which events turned the tide in the story of the Second World War?
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils learn about the rise of fascism in Europe and how this helped to bring about the Second World War. They examine key turning points in the conflict, including the Battle of Britain, the siege of Stalingrad, the D-Day landings and the use of atomic weapons in 1945.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain why the period of 1941-2 was an important turning point of the Second World War.
Key Notes
- In June 1941 Hitler launched an invasion of the Soviet Union, seeking to increase German territory to its east.
- At first Nazi Germany was successful, taking control of much of the western parts of the Soviet Union.
- In December 1941 Japan attacked the USA at Pearl Harbour, leading to them declaring war on both Japan and Nazi Germany.
- The Nazis attempted to take Stalingrad in 1942 but were ultimately unsuccessful after 5 months of fighting.
- The period 1941-2 was a turning point as it weakened Nazi Germany and led to the entry of the USA into the war.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Lebensraum: the concept of 'living space' used by the Nazis to justify invading other countries
- siege: the surrounding of a place by an armed force, cutting off essential supplies, with the aim of compelling those inside to surrender
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- That the sole turning point of the Second World War was due to America being brought into the conflict.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
In June 1941 Hitler launched an invasion of the Soviet Union, seeking to increase German territory to its east. At first Nazi Germany was successful, taking control of much of the western parts of the Soviet Union.
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'Lebensraum'
the concept of 'living space' used by the Nazis to justify invading other countries.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: That the sole turning point of the Second World War was due to America being brought into the conflict. Correction: America's entry into the conflict was an important turning point, however, another significant turning point occurred with the first defeat of the Nazi army in the Soviet Union.
More Lessons In This Unit
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