World War I & II Flashcards

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from World War I and II lectures.

Militarism

The belief that a country should maintain a strong military and be prepared to use it aggressively.

Alliances

Agreements between countries to support one another in case of conflict.

Imperialism

The competition between countries for colonies and global influence.

Nationalism

Intense pride and loyalty toward one’s nation or ethnic group.

Triple Alliance

Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy's alliance before WWI.

Triple Entente

Britain, France, and Russia's alliance before WWI.

Trench foot

A medical condition of the feet caused by prolonged exposure to wet and unsanitary conditions. Common in the trenches.

Shell shock

An early term for PTSD, experienced by soldiers in the trenches.

Treaty of Versailles

The treaty that officially ended WWI, placing full blame on Germany and imposing harsh penalties.

Reparations

Payments made by Germany after WWI as compensation for damages.

Winston Churchill

Prime Minister of Britain during most of WWII, known for his inspirational speeches and leadership.

Adolf Hitler

Dictator of Nazi Germany, responsible for starting WWII and the Holocaust.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

U.S. President during most of WWII, led the U.S. after Pearl Harbor.

Joseph Stalin

Leader of the Soviet Union during WWII, initially allied with Hitler but later joined the Allies.

Allied Powers (WWII)

Britain, USSR, USA, and France

Axis Powers (WWII)

Germany, Italy, and Japan

The Blitz

German bombing campaign on British cities during WWII, particularly targeting London.

Pearl Harbor

U.S. naval base in Hawaii attacked by Japan, leading to the U.S. entry into WWII.

Home Front

The civilian population and their activities in support of the war effort during wartime.

Rationing

Controlled distribution of scarce resources, goods, or services

VE Day

Victory in Europe Day, marking Germany's surrender in May 1945.

VJ Day

Victory over Japan Day, marking Japan's surrender in August 1945.

The United Nations

An international organization formed in 1945 to promote peace and cooperation among nations.

Armistice

Agreement to stop fighting

Propaganda

Media used to shape opinions

Evacuation

Moving civilians to safer areas

Trench Warfare

Static fighting in deep ditches

Urbanisation

is the increase in the proportion of people living in urban areas (towns and cities).

Urban Heat Island (UHI)

Cities tend to be warmer than the surrounding countryside due to human activity.

Deforestation

Removal of trees, usually to make way for Agriculture/housing

Sustainability

The ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Desert

A dry region receiving less than 250 mm of rainfall annually.

Development

Improving the quality of life and economic wellbeing of people.

GDP per capita

Total economic output per person.

Development indicators

Data used to measure progress (e.g. literacy, life expectancy).

HDI (Human Development Index)

Combines income, education, and life expectancy.

Fair trade

Ensures producers get fair prices.