World War II: Key Concepts and Events

Vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts and events related to World War II.

Treaty of Versailles

A 1919 peace treaty that officially ended WWI and imposed heavy penalties on Germany.

BRAT

An acronym representing the terms imposed on Germany: Blame, Reparations, Army, Territory.

Blame (in context of BRAT)

Germany was blamed for WWI, causing national pride issues and anger towards the government.

Reparations

Compensation that Germany was forced to pay to the Allies, which included financial payments and resources.

Fall of Singapore

A major defeat for Allied forces during WWII when Singapore fell to Japan on 15 February 1942.

POWs

Prisoners of War; many British, Australian, and Indian soldiers taken captive during the Fall of Singapore.

Atomic Bombings of Japan

The U.S. dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, leading to Japan's surrender.

Hiroshima

The first city targeted by an atomic bomb on 6 August 1945.

Nagasaki

The second city targeted by an atomic bomb on 9 August 1945.

Manhattan Project

A secret U.S. program that developed atomic bombs, led by scientists including J. Robert Oppenheimer.

Immediate Impact of Atomic Bombs

Massive destruction and high death tolls in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, leading to long-term health effects.

Nuclear Arms Race

The competition between nations for superior nuclear weapons capabilities that began after WWII.

Truman's POV Before the Bombing

Belief that the atomic bomb would quickly end the war and save American lives.

Truman's POV After the Bombing

Defended the bombings as a necessary action, although he regretted the human cost.

Women's Land Army

A group of women who worked on farms during WWII to prevent food shortages.

Women's rights movements

Social movements advocating for women's equality and rights, significantly impacted by women's contributions during WWII.

Georges Clemenceau

Prime Minister of France and one of the key figures in the negotiation of the Treaty of Versailles.

General Tomoyuki Yamashita

Japanese commander who led the invasion of Singapore.

Arthur Percival

British commander who surrendered Singapore to Japanese forces.

Shifted social attitudes

Social changes resulting from women's contributions during WWII, leading to greater independence and confidence for women.