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Revision Notes
The Second World War 1939-45 — Revision Notes
ICSE · Class 12 · History
The Second World War 1939-45 revision notes for ICSE Class 12 History: 4 topics in quick points. Part of the ICSE Class 12 History syllabus.
45 questions40 flashcards5 concepts
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Key Topics to Revise
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1. The Four Phases of the War
- September 1939 to December 1940 was Phase 1: Opening moves.
- 1941 to summer 1942 was Phase 2: The Axis offensive widens.
- Summer 1942 to summer 1943 was Phase 3: The offensives held in check.
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2. Early Axis Successes, 1939-1940
- Poland was defeated by German Blitzkrieg and was divided between Germany and the USSR on 29 September 1939.
- The term 'phoney war' was coined by the American press.
- Germany invaded Denmark and Norway in April 1940, partly to secure Narvik as the outlet for Swedish iron ore.
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3. The Widening War, 1941 to Summer 1942
- Operation Barbarossa began on 22 June 1941 and involved close to 5.5 million men, 3550 tanks, 5000 aircraft, and 47,000 artillery pieces.
- Hitler's invasion of Russia was originally planned for 15 May 1941 and was delayed five weeks, possibly because of involvement in Greece and Yugoslavia.
- Stalin believed Hitler would honour the Nazi-Soviet pact and distrusted British and American warnings.
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4. Turning Points: Midway, El Alamein, and Stalingrad
- Midway Island, El Alamein, and Stalingrad were the three turning-point battles where Axis offensives were checked.
- At Midway in June 1942, the Americans with only three carriers and 233 planes destroyed four Japanese carriers and about 330 planes.
- Midway was a crucial turning point in the Pacific because Japanese carrier strength was badly weakened.
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Full NotesKey Concepts
From September 1939 to December 1940This was a period of littleFrom 12 August to 30 SeptemberIn 1941Germany invaded the USSR on 22
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the important topics in The Second World War 1939-45 for ICSE Class 12 History?
Key topics in The Second World War 1939-45 include The Four Phases of the War, Early Axis Successes, 1939-1940, The Widening War, 1941 to Summer 1942, Turning Points: Midway, El Alamein, and Stalingrad. Study these first, then practise questions on each for the ICSE Class 12 board exam.
How should I revise The Second World War 1939-45 for the ICSE Class 12 board exam?
Learn the core ideas first, then work through the 45 practice questions on The Second World War 1939-45. Revise definitions regularly and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.
Sources & Official References
Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.
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