1. How did the status of women and African Americans in the armed forces change during the war?
A: In World War I, women were barred from combat. Many jobs available to women in the army were administrative or clerical. This all changed during World War II. Women were able to serve as officers in their own women's units in the army, the Coast Guard, the navy, and the marines. Circumstances for African Americans changed during the war as well. They were recruited by the army air. force, navy, and marines and put into combat. They were also promoted to general ranks and able to command African American units.
2. Why was the Battle of Midway considered a turning point?
A: The Battle of Midway was considered a turning point because during this battle, the Japanese Navy lost four of its largest carriers--the heart of its fleet. The battle also stopped the Japanese advance in the Pacific and ended the Japanese offensive.
3. What did the Allies do to win the Battle of the Atlantic?
A: A series of things led the Allies to victory in the Battle of the Atlantic. First, to protect American cargo ships from German submarines, cities on the East Coast dimmed their lights every evening. People also put up special "blackout curtains" and drove with their headlights off. Second, to keep oil flowing and abundant, the U.S. government built the first long-distance oil pipeline, stretching some 1,250 miles from Texas oil fields to Pennsylvania. Third, the U.S. Navy set up a convoy system. Under this system, cargo ships traveled in groups and were escorted by navy warships. It made it much harder for a submarine to torpedo a cargo ship and escape without being attacked. And finally, American airplanes and warships began to use new technology, including radar, sonar, and depth charges, to locate and attack submarines. As the new technology began to take its toll on German submarines, the Battle of the Atlantix slowly turned in favor of the Allies.
4. Explain the American strategy in North Africa.
A: The army gained experience and then helped British troops fighting the Germans in Egypt.
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Once the American troops arrived in North Africa, their strategy was to first neutralize and defeat the Axis powers, especially the German forces under General Erwin Rommel. This was done through a series of coordinated attacks and engagements. The American forces, led by General Dwight D. Eisenhower, joined forces with the British and Free French troops to push back the German and Italian forces.
The strategy involved a three-pronged approach. Firstly, the Allied forces aimed to secure the western part of North Africa, specifically Morocco and Algeria. This involved launching Operation Torch, a series of amphibious landings in November 1942. By securing these areas, the Allies gained important logistical bases and established control over key ports, allowing for resupply and reinforcements.
Secondly, the Allies sought to advance eastward and gain control over Tunisia, which was held by Axis forces. This involved a series of intense battles, such as the Battle of Kasserine Pass. Through a combination of improved tactics, better coordination, and the arrival of more troops and supplies, the Allies were eventually able to defeat the Axis forces and secure Tunisia by May 1943.
Lastly, the North Africa campaign served as a stepping stone for the larger strategic goal of invading and liberating Europe from the Nazis. By gaining control of North Africa, the Allies not only removed a significant threat to their shipping lanes in the Mediterranean but also gained a base from which they could launch future offensives into Italy and eventually mainland Europe.
In summary, the American strategy in North Africa involved collaborating with British and Free French forces, securing strategic objectives, defeating Axis forces, and ultimately using the region as a launching pad for future campaigns.