GED Social Studies : World Wars I and II

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GED Social Studies

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Example Questions

Example Question #2 : Effects Of World War Ii

The GI Bill was designed to __________

Possible Answers:

increase the number of Americans who could be drafted during World War One.

help returning American veterans from World War Two reintegrate into society by providing access to higher education.

increase the number of Americans who could be drafted during World War Two.

improve the conditions of factory workers who were providing ammunition and vehicles for the American war effort during World War Two.

improve the medical conditions and healthcare of American troops during World War Two.

Correct answer:

help returning American veterans from World War Two reintegrate into society by providing access to higher education.

Explanation:

The GI Bill was issued in 1944 as part of an extended program to help returning World War Two veterans reintegrate into American society. It provided, among other things, housing loans and grants for access to higher education. It is considered a very important factor in the creation of the massive American middle class.

Example Question #21 : World Wars I And Ii

The language from the following Act is characteristic of which view during WWII?

"Providing for the prohibition of the export of arms, ammunition, and implements of war to belligerent countries; the prohibition of the transportation of arms, ammunition, and implements of war by vessels of the United States for the use of belligerent states; for the registration and licensing of persons engaged in the business of manufacturing, exporting, or importing arms, ammunition, or implements of war; and restricting travel by American citizens on belligerent ships during war."

Possible Answers:

"Peace at All Costs"

"War Hawkishness"

 "Belligerence"

"Isolationism"

Correct answer:

"Isolationism"

Explanation:

The correct answer is "Isolationism." Put simply, the US was rather gun shy after the first world war. The unequaled level of destruction and loss of life of the first world war really put war into perspective, for both citizens and government, and led to a brief period of isolationism. In addition to the fact that WWI had just ended, the fact that the beginning of the second world war took place entirely in Europe (exactly like WWI) led isolationists to believe that intervention was the worst possible course of action. Thus, isolationists counseled avoidance of conflict at all cost. 

This is reflected in the preface of the "Neutrality Act" of 1935 (reproduced above). Note that the Act utterly and totally prohibits the export of arms to any belligerent, regardless of whether they were friend or foe.

Example Question #22 : World Wars I And Ii

The United States was the first country to use a(n) __________________ in warfare; the US used this weapon against the Japanese Empire in World War II.

Possible Answers:

Atomic Bomb

Panzer Tank

Carpet Bombing

None of these

Correct answer:

Atomic Bomb

Explanation:

"Atomic Bomb" is the correct answer. The United States became the first country to employ an atomic bomb in warfare, to great--if very controversial--success. The bombs dropped by the Enola Gay (the plane carrying both bombs) cause unprecedented destruction and eventually led to the surrender of the Japanese Empire, and the complete end of WWII.

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