Question

Consider the following events in Second World War. Which of the following is/are correct?

(i) The term ‘Phoney war’ was coined by the American Press.

(ii) The German invasion of Poland was called Operation Barbarossa.

(iii) The battle of Britain proved that Germans were not invincible.

(iv) Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on 7th December, 1940.

• A. Only (i) and (ii)
• B. Only (iii) and (iv)
• C. Only (ii) and (iv)
• D. Only (i) and (iii)

Answer 1

Answer:

D. Only (i) and (iii)

The Phoney War

• The Phoney War was a period of relative inactivity on the Western Front at the beginning of World War II, from September 1939 to May 1940.
• Despite the official declaration of war between Germany and the Allies (France and Britain), there was minimal ground combat.
• This period of unexpected quiet led to the sarcastic term "Phoney War," coined by the American press.

Operation Barbarossa

• Operation Barbarossa was the code name for the German invasion of the Soviet Union, which began on June 22, 1941.
• It was a massive military operation involving millions of troops, and it marked a turning point in World War II.
• Despite initial victories, the German advance stalled due to the harsh Russian winter, the resilience of the Soviet people, and strategic errors.
• The Red Army eventually launched a counteroffensive, pushing the Germans back and ultimately leading to Germany's defeat.

Japan attacked Pearl Harbor

• Japan's surprise military attack on Pearl Harbor took place on December 7, 1941.
• The target of the attack was the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
• The attack was carried out by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service.
• The Japanese aimed to cripple the U.S. Pacific Fleet to facilitate their expansion in the Pacific.
• The attack resulted in significant damage to the U.S. naval fleet and the loss of numerous lives.
• This event prompted the United States to enter World War II.
• The attack on Pearl Harbor is often referred to as a "day of infamy" in American history.