Communism and Imperial Japan

Vocabulary flashcards related to the themes of communism and imperial Japan, covering key terms and concepts discussed in the notes.

Proletariat

The working class who overthrew the ruling class in Soviet Russia.

Bourgeoisie

The wealthy middle class that was destroyed by the Soviet revolution.

Egalitarianism

The belief in equality among all people, promoted by communist ideology.

Josef Stalin

Leader of Soviet Russia after Lenin, known for purging opposition and ruling with an iron fist.

Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR)

A federal socialist state created by Stalin that included multiple republics.

Five-Year Plans

Economic plans aimed at transforming the USSR from an agricultural society to an industrial power.

Collectivization

The process by which individual farms were combined into large farms controlled by the government.

Imperial Japan

The expansionist period of Japan characterized by military conquests and territorial acquisitions.

Sino-Japanese War

The conflict in which Japan conquered Korea from China.

Tojo Hideki

Militarist prime minister of Japan who planned invasions in Asia, specifically China.

USS Panay

American gunboat attacked by Japan, leading to US economic sanctions against Japan.

Dutch East Indies

Region rich in resources that Japan sought to invade to support its war efforts.

General Douglas MacArthur

U.S. military commander in the Philippines, serving as a deterrent to Japanese aggression.

Pearl Harbor

Strategic military base whose destruction was necessary for Japan to attack the Philippines.