Here are the answers to the questions on your worksheet, based on the episode "World War II" from *America: The Story of Us*.
1. What fledgling technology was ignored prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor? Why was it ignored?
The technology was
radar. It was ignored because the soldiers at the radar station saw a large blip on their screen (the incoming Japanese planes) but assumed it was a group of American B-17 bombers that were expected to arrive from California. They didn't realize it was an enemy attack force.
2. Why was the Pearl Harbor attack such a shock to the United States?
It was a shock because the U.S. was not officially in the war yet and many people felt safe being far away from the fighting in Europe and Asia. Also, the attack happened on a quiet Sunday morning when most soldiers were relaxing or sleeping, making the sudden violence very surprising and devastating.
3. What were the results of the attack on Pearl Harbor?
The immediate result was that the United States declared war on Japan the next day, officially entering World War II. Germany and Italy then declared war on the U.S., bringing America into the global conflict. Physically, many U.S. battleships were sunk or damaged, and over 2,400 Americans died.
4. Describe America’s transformation into “an arsenal of democracy.” What new and lasting technologies were developed? What did these technologies come to symbolize?
America transformed its factories from making consumer goods (like cars and appliances) to making weapons, tanks, planes, and ships at an incredible speed. New technologies included
Jeeps,
aircraft carriers, and advanced
aviation technology. These technologies came to symbolize American industrial power and the ability to out-produce the enemy through teamwork and innovation.
5. How did World War II affect women?
With millions of men going off to fight, women entered the workforce in huge numbers to take their places. They worked in factories building planes and tanks, worked as welders and riveters (like "Rosie the Riveter"), and served in the military in non-combat roles. It changed society's view of what women were capable of doing professionally.
6. How did the war advance the rights of women?
The war proved that women could do "men's work" just as well, if not better. This shifted cultural attitudes and laid the groundwork for the women's rights movements of the future. It gave women financial independence and a sense of pride in their contribution to saving the country.
7. How did World War II impact the economy of the United States?
The war ended the Great Depression. The massive demand for military supplies created millions of jobs and boosted factory production. The U.S. economy grew rapidly, and America emerged from the war as the strongest economic power in the world, with a booming middle class.
8. How are making weapons as dangerous as using weapons? What are the human costs?
Making weapons is dangerous because factory work involves heavy machinery, toxic chemicals, and high-pressure environments where accidents can happen. The human cost includes workers getting injured or killed in industrial accidents. Additionally, the stress of working long hours under pressure to support the war effort took a toll on workers' health and family lives.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of america the story of us worksheet world war 2.
