7.7 Conducting World War II

Militarism

The belief or desire of a government or people that a country should maintain a strong military capability.

Total War

A military strategy that involves all members of society in the war effort, often targeting civilians as well as military.

Blitzkrieg

A military tactic that translates to 'lightning war', aimed at quick and decisive victories through rapid and overwhelming attacks.

Vichy France

A regime established in southern France during World War II that collaborated with Nazi Germany.

Destroyers-for-Bases Agreement

An agreement where the United States delivered 50 destroyers to Britain in exchange for rights to eight British air and naval bases.

Lend-Lease Act

A U.S. law passed in 1941 that allowed the government to aid foreign nations during WWII by lending military equipment and supplies.

Atlantic Charter

A joint declaration by the U.S. and Great Britain outlining post-war goals, including self-government and disarmament of aggressor nations.

Siege of Leningrad

A prolonged military blockade by German forces against Leningrad, resulting in immense civilian and military casualties.

Island hopping

A military strategy used by Allied forces in the Pacific Theater during WWII to capture specific islands while bypassing others.

D-Day

The Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, marking the beginning of the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control.

V-E Day

Victory in Europe Day, celebrated on May 8, 1945, marking the formal acceptance by the Allies of Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender.

V-J Day

Victory over Japan Day, marking Japan's surrender on August 14, 1945, and the end of World War II.

Atomic Bomb

A powerful weapon developed during WWII using nuclear reactions to create an explosion, notably dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Mussolini

The fascist ruler of Italy during WWII who was executed by Italian partisans near the end of the war.

Hitler

The dictator of Nazi Germany who committed suicide as the Allies closed in on Berlin in April 1945.

War resources

Supplies needed for military operations, such as ships, tanks, planes, and ammunition, produced en masse during WWII.

Forced labor

Labor workers who are coerced to work against their will, often in harsh conditions, used extensively in Nazi Germany's war effort.

Japanese Expansionism

Japan’s efforts to expand its territory and influence during WWII, often leading to conflict with other nations.

Battle of Britain

The aerial battle fought between the German Luftwaffe and the British Royal Air Force in 1940-1941.

Battle of El Alamein

A pivotal battle in which British forces defeated Axis troops in North Africa in late 1942.

Battle of Stalingrad

A major battle on the Eastern Front where the Soviet Union decisively defeated the German forces.

Coral Sea

A major naval battle in May, 1942, where the U.S. Navy successfully stopped Japanese advancements in the Pacific.

Midway

A crucial battle in June 1942 where U.S. forces defeated Japan, marking a turning point in the Pacific Theater.

Victory in Europe

The end of World War II in Europe, symbolizing the defeat of Nazi Germany and the end of combat operations.

International Relations

The study and practice of political relationships between nations, affected by ideas and conflicts arising from WWII.

Ideological Battle

The conflict between contrasting political ideologies, particularly communism and capitalism, that defined the post-WWII era.

Colonial Empires

Overseas colonial holdings of powers that experienced significant transformation during and after WWII.

Economic Sanctions

Economic penalties applied by countries to influence or discourage certain behaviors, often used as a tool of foreign policy.

Bolshevism

The political ideology of the Bolshevik Party which advocates for a socialist state based on the ideas of Marxism.