Chapter 6 – The second world war and its aftermath

The Second World War and Its Aftermath is an important chapter in WBBSE Class 9 History. Here, you will find The Second World War and Its Aftermath questions and answers arranged clearly to help you revise quickly and prepare better for your exams.

Content Structure

1. Multiple choice questions and answers (MCQs)
2. Very short-type questions and answers
- 2A. Fill in the blanks
- 2B. True or false
- 2C. Match the column
- 2D. Single word questions and answers
3. Short-type questions and answers
4. Long-type questions and answers

1. Multiple choice questions and answers (MCQs)

1. Which country was ruled by Mussolini?
a) Germany
b) Italy
c) Japan
d) Russia

Ans: b) Italy

2. When did the Second World War begin?
a) 1914
b) 1918
c) 1939
d) 1945

Ans: c) 1939

3. Who was the leader of Nazi Germany?
a) Mussolini
b) Hitler
c) Stalin
d) Churchill

Ans: b) Hitler

4. Which country did Germany invade in 1939?
a) France
b) Russia
c) Poland
d) Britain

Ans: c) Poland

5. In which year did Japan attack Pearl Harbour?
a) 1939
b) 1940
c) 1941
d) 1942

Ans: c) 1941

6. Who was the dictator of Italy?
a) Hitler
b) Stalin
c) Mussolini
d) Roosevelt

Ans: c) Mussolini

7. Which country joined the war after the Pearl Harbour attack?
a) France
b) Italy
c) USA
d) China

Ans: c) USA

8. Which alliance included Germany, Italy, and Japan?
a) Allied Powers
b) Axis Powers
c) NATO
d) League of Nations

Ans: b) Axis Powers

9. Which treaty humiliated Germany after World War I?
a) Treaty of Paris
b) Treaty of Versailles
c) Treaty of London
d) Treaty of Vienna

Ans: b) Treaty of Versailles

10. Which city was badly affected by atomic bomb in 1945?
a) Berlin
b) Tokyo
c) Hiroshima
d) Moscow

Ans: c) Hiroshima

11. Which country attacked Pearl Harbour?
a) Germany
b) Italy
c) Japan
d) Russia

Ans: c) Japan

12. Who was the Prime Minister of Britain during World War II?
a) Chamberlain
b) Churchill
c) Attlee
d) Eden

Ans: b) Churchill

13. What was the title taken by Hitler?
a) Kaiser
b) Führer
c) President
d) King

Ans: b) Führer

14. Which country built the Maginot Line?
a) Germany
b) France
c) Italy
d) Russia

Ans: b) France

15. Which city was the capital of Nazi Germany?
a) Berlin
b) Munich
c) Hamburg
d) Vienna

Ans: a) Berlin

2. Very short-type questions and answers

2A. Fill in the blanks [1 marks each]

1. The Treaty of Versailles was imposed on _____________. (Germany)
2. General Eisenhower was appointed the supreme commander of the Allied invasion ______________. (Normandy)
3. In 1935 Mussolini attacked _______________. (Ethiopia)
4. Japan attacked Manchuria in _____________. (1931)
5. Haile Selassie was the emperor of _______________. (Ethiopia)
6. The dictator of Italy who installed a fascist regime was ______________. (Benito Mussolini)
7. The Nazi-Soviet Non-aggression pact was signed in _____________. (1939)
8. Hitler invaded Poland on ____________ 1939. (1st September)
9. The title Adolf Hitler took in 1934 that meant leader was ____________. (Führer)
10. Pearl Harbour was attacked by Japan in ______________. (1941)

2B. True or false [1 marks each]

1. The Treaty of Versailles was humiliating for France. (False)
2. Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. (True)
3. The Red Army of the Soviet Union followed the ‘Scorched Earth Policy’. (True)
4. Germany attacked France in 1939. (False)
5. Russia was attacked by the German Nazis in 1942. (False)
6. Germany abandoned her membership of the League of Nations in 1944. (False)
7. Leningrad was besieged by the German army. (True)
8. Japan attacked Pearl Harbour in 1941. (True)
9. Hitler committed suicide in 1945. (True)
10. Mussolini was the dictator of Germany. (False)

2C. Very short-type questions and answers [1 marks each]

1. Which part of poland was demanded by hitler?
Ans: Hitler demanded the Polish Corridor and the city of Danzig from Poland.

2. On which date did the second world war begin?
Ans: The Second World War began on 1st September, 1939, when Germany attacked Poland.

3. Who was the prime minister of England when the second world war started?
Ans: Neville Chamberlain was the Prime Minister of England when the Second World War started.

4. What is the name of the republic that was established after 1918 in Germany?
Ans: The republic established in Germany after 1918 was called the Weimar Republic.

5. Which country was first attacked by hitler during the second world war?
Ans: Poland was the first country attacked by Hitler during the Second World War.

6. Who was the founder of the Nazi party?
Ans: Adolf Hitler was the founder and leader of the Nazi Party in Germany.

7. When did Germany withdraw from the league of nations?
Ans: Germany withdrew from the League of Nations in the year 1933.

8. Who was hindenburg?
Ans: Paul von Hindenburg was the President of Germany who appointed Hitler as Chancellor in 1933.

9. Which American naval base in the pacific ocean was attacked by japan?
Ans: Pearl Harbour was the American naval base attacked by Japan.

10. Which country other than germany and italy was part of the axis group of nations?
Ans: Japan was the third country that was part of the Axis group of nations along with Germany and Italy.

11. In which year did hitler attack russia?
Ans: Hitler attacked Russia in the year 1941 under Operation Barbarossa.

12. When did japan attack manchuria?
Ans: Japan attacked Manchuria in the year 1931.

13. When did the second world war come to an end?
Ans: The Second World War came to an end on 2nd September, 1945.

14. Which british warships were drowed by german U-boats?
Ans: The British warship Royal Oak was sunk by German U-boats.

15. In which year was pearl harbour attacked by japan?
Ans: Pearl Harbour was attacked by Japan in the year 1941.

3. Short-type questions and answers [2 marks each]

1. Write a note on bombing by USA at Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Ans: In August 1945, the USA dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The bomb dropped on Hiroshima on 6th August was called “Little Boy,” and the bomb dropped on Nagasaki on 9th August was called “Fat Man.” These bombs caused massive destruction and killed thousands of people instantly. Japan was unable to continue the war after this destruction and surrendered on 15th August, 1945.

2. Write a short note on the Battle of Leningrad.
Ans: The Battle of Leningrad was one of the longest and most terrible battles of the Second World War. It began in 1941 when German forces surrounded the Soviet city of Leningrad. The city was under siege for about 900 days, and the people suffered greatly due to hunger, cold, and continuous attacks. However, the Soviet army and civilians showed great courage and resisted the Germans. Finally, in 1944, the siege was lifted, and it became a major defeat for Germany.

3. What was the Vichy Government?
Ans: The Vichy Government was the government established in France after its defeat by Germany in 1940. It was led by Marshal Philippe Pétain and worked under the control of Nazi Germany. This government supported Germany and ruled over the southern part of France.

4. Why was the Munich Pact signed in 1938?
Ans: Hitler signed the Munich Pact in September 1938 to gain control of the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia, which had a large German-speaking population. He used the excuse of protecting German people to justify his demand. Britain and France agreed to his demand to avoid war, as they followed the policy of appeasement. This agreement encouraged Hitler to continue his aggressive expansion.

5. Why is the Second World War called a struggle between fascism and democracy?
Ans: The Second World War was a struggle between fascist and Nazi countries and democratic countries. Germany under Hitler and Italy under Mussolini believed in dictatorship, military power, and expansion. They wanted to control other nations and destroy democracy. On the other hand, countries like Britain, France, and the USA believed in democracy, freedom, and equality. Therefore, the war was fought to protect democratic ideals and to stop the spread of fascism and Nazism.

4. Analytical questions and answers [4 marks each]

1. How far was Hitler responsible for the outbreak of the Second World War?
Ans: Hitler was mainly responsible for the outbreak of the Second World War. He believed in aggressive nationalism and wanted to expand German territory. He violated the Treaty of Versailles by rearming Germany and occupying neighbouring territories. He annexed Austria and Czechoslovakia and later attacked Poland. His aggressive foreign policy and military expansion disturbed world peace. His actions forced Britain and France to declare war on Germany. Thus, Hitler’s ambitions and policies were the main cause of the Second World War.

2. What were the main theatres of the Second World War?
Ans: The main theatres of the Second World War were the European theatre, the African theatre, and the Pacific theatre. In the European theatre, Germany fought against Britain, France, and the Soviet Union. In the African theatre, fighting took place between Axis and Allied forces in North Africa. In the Pacific theatre, Japan fought against the USA and its allies. These theatres showed that the war was fought in many parts of the world.

3. What is meant by the policy of appeasement? Who followed the policy of appeasement and why?
Ans: The policy of appeasement means giving concessions to an aggressive country in order to avoid war and maintain peace. Britain and France followed the policy of appeasement towards Germany.

They followed this policy because they feared another destructive war like the First World War. They also believed that Germany’s demands were reasonable. Moreover, they were not fully prepared for war and wanted to gain time to strengthen their military power. However, this policy failed because it encouraged Hitler to continue his aggressive actions.

4. What was NATO and Warsaw Pact?
Ans: NATO stands for North Atlantic Treaty Organization. It was formed in 1949 by the USA and its allies to protect themselves from the Soviet Union. It was a military alliance based on collective defence. The Warsaw Pact was formed in 1955 by the Soviet Union and its allies in Eastern Europe. It was created to counter NATO. These alliances increased tension during the Cold War.

5. How was the Rome–Berlin–Tokyo Axis formed?
Ans: The Rome–Berlin–Tokyo Axis was formed through a series of agreements between Germany, Italy, and Japan. In 1936, Germany and Italy signed an agreement known as the Rome–Berlin Axis. In the same year, Germany and Japan signed the Anti-Comintern Pact against the Soviet Union.

In 1940, all three countries signed the Tripartite Pact, forming the Rome–Berlin–Tokyo Axis. These countries agreed to support each other in war and to expand their territories. This alliance formed the Axis Powers during the Second World War.

6. Discuss the nature of the Second World War.
Ans: The Second World War was a total and global war fought between two major groups, the Allied Powers and the Axis Powers. It involved countries from Europe, Asia, Africa, and other parts of the world. It was a war between dictatorship and democracy. The war was fought on land, sea, and air. Modern weapons such as tanks, aircraft, and atomic bombs were used. Civilians also suffered greatly due to bombing and destruction. Thus, it was one of the most destructive wars in history.

7. What was the immediate cause of the Second World War?
Ans: The immediate cause of the Second World War was Germany’s invasion of Poland on 1st September, 1939. Hitler wanted to regain the Polish Corridor and expand German territory.

Britain and France had promised to protect Poland. Therefore, when Germany attacked Poland, Britain and France declared war on Germany on 3rd September, 1939. This marked the beginning of the Second World War.

8. What was the D-Day?
Ans: D-Day refers to 6th June, 1944, when Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy in France. It was one of the most important military operations of the Second World War. The Allied forces included soldiers from Britain, the USA, and Canada. This operation helped in freeing France from German control. It marked the beginning of the end of Nazi Germany.

5. Explanatory questions and answers [8 marks each]

1. How did the failure of the League of Nations constitute a cause of the Second World War?
Ans: The failure of the League of Nations was one of the major causes of the Second World War. Its weaknesses and inability to stop aggression encouraged powerful countries to violate international law.

Lack of military power: The League had no army of its own to enforce its decisions. It could not take strong action against aggressive countries.
Absence of major powers: Important countries like the USA did not join the League. This weakened its authority and effectiveness.
Failure to stop Japan (1931): Japan invaded Manchuria, but the League failed to take effective action. This encouraged Japan’s aggressive policy.
Failure to stop Italy (1935): Italy invaded Ethiopia, but the League could not prevent it. This showed the weakness of the League.
Failure to control Germany: Germany violated the Treaty of Versailles by rearming and expanding its territory. The League failed to stop Germany’s aggression.
Encouragement to aggressive nations: The League’s failure encouraged Germany, Italy, and Japan to continue their expansionist policies.
Loss of confidence in the League: Many countries lost faith in the League’s ability to maintain peace. This increased international tension.

2. What was the impact of the Second World War on contemporary history?
Ans: The Second World War had a great impact on contemporary history. It brought major political, economic, and social changes in the world.

Economic and political reconstruction: Many countries rebuilt their economies with the help of international cooperation.
Massive loss of life and property: Millions of people were killed, and many cities, industries, and homes were destroyed.
Fall of Axis Powers: Germany, Italy, and Japan were defeated, and their dictatorship came to an end.
Emergence of Superpowers: The USA and the Soviet Union emerged as the two most powerful nations in the world.
Beginning of the Cold War: Rivalry between the USA and the Soviet Union led to political tension known as the Cold War.
Establishment of the United Nations (UNO): The UNO was formed in 1945 to maintain peace and prevent future wars.
Decline of colonialism: Many countries in Asia and Africa gained independence after the war.
Advancement in science and technology: New technologies such as atomic energy, radar, and advanced weapons were developed.

3. Describe the course of the Second World War.
Ans: The Second World War began on 1st September, 1939, when Germany invaded Poland. As Britain and France had promised to protect Poland, they declared war on Germany on 3rd September, 1939. In the early stage of the war, Germany achieved rapid success by defeating and occupying several European countries such as Denmark, Norway, Belgium, Holland, and France. In 1941, Hitler launched Operation Barbarossa and attacked the Soviet Union. In the same year, Japan attacked the American naval base at Pearl Harbour, which led to the entry of the USA into the war. As a result, the war spread to different regions including Europe, Africa, and Asia.

The turning point of the war came with the Battle of Stalingrad, where the Soviet Union defeated Germany. Another major event was the D-Day invasion on 6th June, 1944, when Allied forces landed in Normandy and began to liberate Europe from German control. Germany was finally defeated, and Hitler committed suicide in April 1945. Germany surrendered in May 1945. In Asia, the USA dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. This caused massive destruction and forced Japan to surrender on 15th August, 1945. Thus, the Second World War ended in 1945 with the defeat of the Axis Powers.

4. What were the causes of the Second World War?
Ans: The Second World War was caused by several political, economic, and military factors. The main causes are as follows:

Immediate Cause – German invasion of Poland (1939): Germany invaded Poland on 1st September, 1939. Britain and France declared war on Germany on 3rd September, 1939, which led to the outbreak of the Second World War.
Harsh Treaty of Versailles (1919): The treaty imposed harsh and humiliating terms on Germany. Germany lost territories, colonies, and was forced to pay heavy reparations. This created anger and a desire for revenge among the German people.
Rise of Dictatorships: Dictators like Adolf Hitler in Germany, Benito Mussolini in Italy, and military rulers in Japan followed aggressive policies. They believed in expansion and wanted to increase their territories and power.
Aggressive Nationalism and Expansion Policy: Germany, Italy, and Japan followed expansionist policies. Germany occupied Austria and Czechoslovakia, Italy attacked Ethiopia, and Japan invaded Manchuria.
Failure of the League of Nations: The League of Nations failed to stop aggression by powerful countries. It could not prevent Japan’s attack on Manchuria and Italy’s attack on Ethiopia. This encouraged further aggression.
Policy of Appeasement: Britain and France followed the policy of appeasement and allowed Hitler to occupy territories like Sudetenland. This encouraged Hitler to become more aggressive.
Formation of Military Alliances: Germany, Italy, and Japan formed the Axis Powers, while Britain, France, the Soviet Union, and the USA formed the Allied Powers. This increased tension and conflict.
Economic Crisis and Unemployment: The Great Depression of 1929 created economic problems in many countries. This helped dictators gain power by promising economic recovery.

5. How did the Treaty of Versailles lead to the Second World War?
Ans: The Treaty of Versailles was one of the fundamental causes of the Second World War because it imposed harsh and humiliating conditions on Germany.

Violation of the treaty by Hitler: Hitler rearmed Germany, occupied neighbouring territories, and followed an aggressive expansion policy.
Harsh and humiliating terms: Germany was forced to accept full responsibility for the First World War. This caused humiliation and anger among the German people.
Heavy war reparations: Germany was forced to pay huge compensation, which damaged its economy and created hardship.
Loss of territories: Germany lost important territories such as Alsace and Lorraine and its overseas colonies. This reduced its power and prestige.
Military restrictions: Germany’s army was limited, and it was not allowed to have tanks, submarines, or air force. This weakened its military strength.
Economic crisis and unemployment: The treaty created economic problems, unemployment, and poverty in Germany.
Rise of Hitler: Hitler used public anger against the treaty to gain support. He promised to cancel the treaty and restore Germany’s pride.

6. Discuss the role of USA in the Second World War.
Ans: At the beginning of the Second World War, the USA followed a policy of neutrality and did not directly participate in the conflict. However, it supported the Allied Powers by supplying weapons, food, and war materials through the Cash and Carry policy and the Lend-Lease Act. These measures helped Britain and other Allied countries continue their fight against the Axis Powers. The situation changed when Japan attacked the American naval base at Pearl Harbour on 7th December, 1941. This attack forced the USA to enter the war on the side of the Allied Powers.

After entering the war, the USA played a crucial role in defeating the Axis Powers. American forces fought against Germany in Europe and against Japan in the Pacific region. The USA also provided financial and military support to its allies. One of the most decisive actions taken by the USA was dropping atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, which forced Japan to surrender. The USA’s military strength, economic resources, and technological advancement helped the Allied Powers achieve victory. After the war, the USA emerged as one of the most powerful nations in the world.