Starting in 1940 (18 months before Pearl Harbor), the nation mobilized, giving high priority to air power. American involvement in World War II in 1940–41 was limited to providing war material and financial support to Britain, the Soviet Union, and the Republic of China. The U.S. entered officially on 8 December 1941 following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Japanese forces soon seized American, Dutch, and British possessions across the Pacific and Southeast Asia, except for Australia, which became a main American forward base along with Hawaii. COUNT 5
QSN1 What was the American priority in mobilization prior to entering World War II? ANS1 air power QSN2 When did the US officially enter World War II? ANS2 8 December 1941 QSN3 What event led to America entering the war? ANS3 the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii QSN4 At the start of the conflict with the Allies, what did Japan do? ANS4 seized American, Dutch, and British possessions across the Pacific and Southeast Asia QSN5 What country served as an American forward base to wage war with Japan? ANS5 Australia