Civics Test Question 106: Why did the United States enter World War II?

A question from the 2025 civics test, with the answers USCIS publishes and our explanation.

Translation

106

Why did the United States enter World War II?美国为什么参加第二次世界大战？¿Por qué entró Estados Unidos en la Segunda Guerra Mundial?

Official answers

Any one of these is correct.

(Bombing of) Pearl Harbor珍珠港（被轰炸）(El bombardeo de) Pearl Harbor
Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor日本袭击了珍珠港Los japoneses atacaron Pearl Harbor
To support the Allied Powers (England, France, and Russia)为了支持同盟国（英国、法国和俄国）Para apoyar a las Potencias Aliadas (Inglaterra, Francia y Rusia)
To oppose the Axis Powers (Germany, Italy, and Japan)为了对抗轴心国（德国、意大利和日本）Para oponerse a las Potencias del Eje (Alemania, Italia y Japón)

Explanation

Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and the United States then entered World War II, joining the Allied Powers (England, France and Russia) against the Axis Powers (Germany, Italy and Japan).

Memory tip

💡 Easiest: Pearl Harbor.

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