Question

the united states entered the war in 1941 after a japanese attack on pearl harbor. the allies planned to defeat dropdown with japan, france, germany first and use remaining troops to take on dropdown.

Explanation:

In World War II, the Allies (including the US after joining in 1941) adopted a "Europe - first" strategy. This meant they prioritized defeating Germany first (as Germany was seen as the greater threat in Europe with its military advances and control over much of the continent) and then would focus on Japan. France was already under Axis control (Vichy France) and not the primary initial target for the Allies' offensive strategy. So the first blank should be Germany, and the second (logically, after Germany) would be Japan (since the other major Axis power was Japan).

Answer:

First dropdown: Germany
Second dropdown: Japan