The Second World War — Life in the UK Test practice questions
These practice questions cover The Second World War, part of the A long and illustrious history chapter of the official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents. The correct answer and a clear explanation sit under every question.
Practice questions
What name was given to the night-time bombing of London and other British cities?
- ✓ The Blitz — Correct answer
- The Dunkirk spirit
- The Battle of Britain
- D-Day
The night-time bombing of London and other British cities was called the Blitz. The Battle of Britain was the air battle over Britain, not the bombing campaign.
Who became Prime Minister in May 1940 and refused to surrender to the Nazis?
- Ernest Rutherford
- ✓ Winston Churchill — Correct answer
- Henry VII
- Alexander Fleming
Winston Churchill became Prime Minister in May 1940. He refused to surrender to the Nazis and was an inspirational leader to the British people during the war.
Who became Prime Minister in May 1940 and refused to surrender to the Nazis?
- Alexander Fleming
- Henry VIII
- Ernest Rutherford
- ✓ Winston Churchill — Correct answer
Winston Churchill became Prime Minister in May 1940. He refused to surrender to the Nazis and was a leading figure for Britain during the war.
In what year did Winston Churchill return as Prime Minister after losing the General Election in 1945?
- 1965
- ✓ 1951 — Correct answer
- 1964
- 1945
He lost the General Election in 1945 and returned as Prime Minister in 1951.
Which countries made up the Axis powers at the start of the Second World War?
- Canada, Australia and New Zealand
- Russia, Belgium and Serbia
- The United Kingdom, France and Poland
- ✓ Germany, Italy and the Empire of Japan — Correct answer
At the start of the war, Germany and Italy were the main Axis powers, and Japan later joined the alliance. The Axis fought against the Allied powers, which included countries such as the United Kingdom, France and the Soviet Union.
In which year did Britain and France declare war on Germany after the invasion of Poland?
- ✓ 1939 — Correct answer
- 1940
- 1936
- 1941
Britain and France declared war in 1939 after Germany invaded Poland. The other dates in the question belong to different events in the period.
What did British civilian volunteers help the Navy do at Dunkirk?
- Declare war on France
- Defeat Hitler in the Soviet Union
- ✓ Rescue about 338,000 soldiers and other troops — Correct answer
- Carry out the Blitz
Civilian volunteers in small pleasure and fishing boats helped the Navy rescue about 338,000 soldiers and other troops from the beaches around Dunkirk. Much equipment was lost, but the evacuation was a success.
What event is often referred to as D-Day?
- The defeat of the French at Agincourt in 1415
- The attack on Pearl Harbour in December 1941
- The end of the war against Japan in August 1945
- ✓ The allied landing in Normandy on 6 June 1944 — Correct answer
D-Day is the name often used for the Allied landing in Normandy on 6 June 1944.