What was the action that first angered the Soviet Union, even before the Germans invaded?

A. Germany decided that the Soviet Union was unnecessary and wanted to control all of their land.
Incorrect. Germany felt that the Soviet Union was an important nation.

B. Germany took over the city of Moscow to use as a military base.
Incorrect. Germany did eventually invade Moscow, but that’s not what happened first.

C. Germany cut off supply lines to the Soviet Union.
Incorrect. This happened after the German invasions into the Soviet Union, but something else happened first.

D. Germany took over Balkan lands that were influenced by the Soviet Union.
Correct! Remember that Germany decided that they should control all of Europe, and the Soviet Union should control land in Asia.

Using the map above, how many separate armies did the German's original plan have invading the Soviet Union?

A. 1
Incorrect. Based on the map, the German’s original plan had 5 separate armies invading the Soviet Union (the Romanian Army, the Army Group South, the Army Group center, the Army Group North, and the Finnish Army).

B. 3
Incorrect. Based on the map, the German’s original plan had 5 separate armies invading the Soviet Union (the Romanian Army, the Army Group South, the Army Group center, the Army Group North, and the Finnish Army).

C. 5
Correct! The armies were the Finnish Army, Army Group North, Army Group Center, Army Group South, and the Romanian Army.

D. 7
Incorrect. Based on the map, the German’s original plan had 5 separate armies invading the Soviet Union (the Romanian Army, the Army Group South, the Army Group center, the Army Group North, and the Finnish Army).

Using the same map, which major city was not in the original path of German forces?

A. Minsk
Incorrect. Take another look at the map and try again.

B. Leningrad
Incorrect. Take another look at the map and try again.

C. Stalingrad
Correct! Although this became a major battle location, it was not part of Germany’s original invasion plan.

D. Smolensk
Incorrect. Take another look at the map and try again.

What caused the German forces to fight the Soviets during the winter months, marking a major mistake in planning by Hitler’s forces?

A. Soviet troops kept control of the cities of Moscow and Leningrad.
Correct! This was a huge victory for Soviet forces as the Germans were unprepared to fight during winter months.

B. Soviets cut off supply lines to German troops.
Incorrect! Germany actually cut off the supply lines to the Soviets, forcing Allies to find alternate routes to get supplies to them.

C. Soviet troops kept German troops from making any major gains.
Incorrect. German troops had several early quick successes.

D. There was no fighting in the winter. All fighting took place in the spring and summer.
Incorrect. Germany suffered several losses in winter months.

Losing the Battle of Stalingrad is said to be a major turning point in World War II. Why?

A. Germany lost too many soldiers and was unable to continue the war.
Incorrect. Although Germany did suffer huge losses in this losing effort, fighting was still continuing in other areas.

B. Germany was never able to recover from the defeat, due to the number of casualties, loss of supplies, and financial drain.
Correct! This campaign lasted a year and a half, and in the end Germany had nothing to show for it.

C. Germany was invaded by the Soviet Union in retaliation.
Incorrect. This never happened.

D. The Germans captured and destroyed Stalingrad.
Incorrect. Stalingrad was fiercely defended by Soviet troops. The Germans were unsuccessful.