The Second World War in Europe and the Asia-Pacific: blitzkrieg, the turning points, the fall of Singapore and the end of the war for N(A)-Level Humanities (History elective)

Why this module matters

This module traces how the Second World War was actually fought and won, in both Europe and the Asia-Pacific. It matters for N(A)-Level students above all because of the fall of Singapore, a turning point in Singapore's own history that shattered the image of British power in Asia. The module also trains you to explain why events happened, from Germany's early victories to the Allied recovery and the dramatic end of the war.

This guide ties together the module's dot points, each with its own worked detail and practice. See the subject hub at /sg-n-level/history and the full syllabus list at /sg-n-level/history/syllabus.

Germany's early victories: blitzkrieg

In 1939 and 1940 Germany conquered much of Europe with astonishing speed using blitzkrieg, or lightning war, a tactic combining tanks, aircraft and fast-moving troops to break through and surround the enemy. Poland fell quickly, and then France, which had expected a slow defensive war. Work through the detail at blitzkrieg and German conquest in Europe.

The turning points

The war turned against the Axis through several key events: Hitler's invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941 and the German defeat at Stalingrad; the entry of the United States after Pearl Harbor; and the Battle of Midway, which checked Japan in the Pacific. Together these swung the balance to the Allies. See the turning points of the war.

The Pacific war and the fall of Singapore

In Asia, Japan advanced rapidly, and in February 1942 the great British base of Singapore fell. The British had expected attack from the sea, not overland from Malaya, and were outfought by a fast, confident Japanese force. The loss was a shattering blow to British prestige. Study the Pacific war and the fall of Singapore.

The end of the war and the atomic bombs

The war ended with Germany's defeat in Europe in 1945 and, after Japan fought on, the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, followed by Japan's surrender. The bombs were justified at the time as a way to force a quick surrender and avoid a costly invasion. Read the end of the war and the atomic bombs.

Check your knowledge

Try these under timed conditions, then test yourself with the module quiz.

1. Explain what blitzkrieg was and why it succeeded at first. (3 marks)
2. State two turning points of the Second World War. (2 marks)
3. Explain why the defeat at Stalingrad was a turning point. (3 marks)
4. Explain two reasons why Singapore fell to Japan in 1942. (4 marks)
5. Explain the main reason given at the time for using the atomic bombs on Japan. (3 marks)