APWH Unit 7 & 8

Total War

A war that involves the complete mobilization of resources and people, affecting civilians and economies.

World War I

Global conflict (1914–1918) sparked by militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism; ended with the Treaty of Versailles.

Treaty of Versailles

Peace treaty that ended WWI; punished Germany severely and contributed to WWII.

Russian Revolution

1917 revolution that overthrew the tsar and led to the creation of a communist Soviet Union.

Great Depression

A severe worldwide economic downturn in the 1930s that led to mass unemployment and political instability.

Fascism

An authoritarian and nationalistic political system that arose in Italy and Germany during the interwar period.

Totalitarianism

A political system in which the state controls every aspect of life; exemplified by Nazi Germany and Stalinist USSR.

World War II

Global war (1939–1945) involving the Allies and Axis powers; caused by unresolved WWI tensions, fascism, and expansionism.

Holocaust

Genocide during WWII in which 6 million Jews and millions of others were murdered by the Nazis.

Firebombing

A method of bombing using incendiary bombs to destroy cities, used extensively during WWII in places like Tokyo and Dresden.

Atomic Bomb

A powerful nuclear weapon used by the U.S. on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, leading to Japan’s surrender in WWII.

League of Nations

An international peacekeeping organization formed after WWI that failed to prevent WWII.

Cold War

A geopolitical struggle (c. 1945–1991) between the U.S. and USSR involving ideological conflict and global influence.

Capitalism

An economic system based on private ownership and free markets; promoted by the U.S. during the Cold War.

Communism

A political and economic ideology advocating a classless society; promoted by the Soviet Union.

Proxy Wars

Conflicts during the Cold War where the U.S. and USSR supported opposing sides (e.g., Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan).

Non-Aligned Movement

A group of states that tried to remain neutral during the Cold War and avoid siding with the U.S. or USSR.

Decolonization

The process by which colonies gained independence after WWII, often through negotiation or conflict.

Indian National Congress

A nationalist group in India that led the movement for independence from British rule.

Pan-Africanism

Movement promoting unity and solidarity among African people and the end of colonial rule.

Mao Zedong

Leader of the Chinese Communist Party; led China through the Communist Revolution and ruled as a totalitarian leader.

Great Leap Forward

Mao’s failed plan to rapidly industrialize China; led to famine and the deaths of millions.

Cultural Revolution

Mao’s campaign to purge capitalist and traditional elements from Chinese society; led to chaos and repression.

Detente

A period of relaxed tensions and improved relations between the U.S. and USSR during the 1970s.

United Nations

International organization founded after WWII to promote peace, cooperation, and human rights.