Review of League of Nations and Related Historical Events

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers key terms and definitions related to the League of Nations, its flaws, historical context, and the rise of Hitler leading to World War II.

League of Nations

An international organization established after World War I to promote peace and cooperation among countries.

Fatal Flaws

The critical weaknesses that undermined the effectiveness of the League of Nations, such as limited membership and lack of enforcement power.

Unanimous Decision

A requirement for decision-making in the League's Assembly where all members had to agree.

Permanent Court of International Justice

A court established to settle disputes between countries, but lacked enforcement mechanisms.

Economic Sanctions

Trade penalties imposed by one or more countries against a targeted country aimed at influencing its behavior.

Appeasement

A diplomatic policy aimed at avoiding conflict by making concessions to an aggressor, exemplified by Britain's response to Hitler.

Munich Agreement

A 1938 settlement reached during the Munich Conference which allowed Nazi Germany to annex the Sudetenland in Czechoslovakia.

Nazi-Soviet Pact

A 1939 nonaggression treaty between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union that guaranteed neither would attack the other.

Anschluss

The annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany in 1938.

Rearmament

The process of building up a new military force after a period of disarmament, particularly Germany's violation of the Treaty of Versailles.

Collective Security

A system whereby a group of nations acts together to strengthen the security of each member, often used to justify sanctions.

Freikorps

A paramilitary organization in Germany composed of World War I veterans, known for their violence against political opponents.

Great Depression

A severe worldwide economic depression that took place during the 1930s, affecting many countries and their political stability.

Saar Plebiscite

A 1935 referendum in Saarland where 90% of the population voted to return to German control.

Sudetenland

A region of Czechoslovakia with a significant ethnic German population, whose annexation became a key issue leading to World War II.

League Assembly

The main decision-making body of the League of Nations, composed of representatives from each member nation.

Aggressor

A nation or entity that initiates hostilities or attacks other countries.

Chamberlain

Neville Chamberlain, British Prime Minister known for his policy of appeasement towards Adolf Hitler.

Freikorps

German paramilitary groups composed of World War I veterans engaged in political violence.

Locarno Pact

A series of agreements in 1925 that guaranteed borders in Western Europe and aimed at securing peace.

Military Conscription

Mandatory enlistment in the military service, as seen in Germany's policies during rearmament.