History Semester One Exam Prep Flashcards

Flashcards to help students prepare for their History Semester One Exam.

What is the Holocaust?

The mass murder of millions of people (Jews, disabled people, political opponents, homosexuals and others perceived as inferior) between 1933 and 1945.

Which areas did Japan want to control during World War II?

The Japanese sought to control any country in the Pacific Ocean or within its proximity, including islands that were American territory, Asian countries, and Australia.

What were some characteristics of the Japanese army during World War II?

Japanese soldiers involved a diversity of people from different backgrounds and roles in society and conscription (forced military service) was evident.

What was a common WW2 plane used by Japan?

Mitsubishi A6M Zero

What was a common Tank used by Japan?

Type 95 Ha-Go

Why did Japan want to expand?

To control more land for resources (like oil, rubber, and metals) to support its growing empire and economy.

What was a key event in Japan’s expansion?

Japan invaded Manchuria (China) in 1931 and later expanded into China in 1937.

What actions did the US take in response to Japan's expansion?

The US placed sanctions and embargoes on Japan (e.g., oil, metal), trying to limit Japan’s ability to continue its military expansion.

On what date did the attack on Pearl Harbor happen?

December 7, 1941

What damage was caused at Pearl Harbor?

Over 2,400 Americans were killed, and many ships and planes were destroyed.

On what date did the US declare war on Japan?

December 8, 1941

Where was a major fleet base of the US Navy located in the Pacific?

The US Navy at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.

What was the significance of D-Day (June 6, 1944)?

It opened a Western Front, forcing Germany to fight on two sides (against the USSR in the east and the Allies in the west).

Which country pushed German forces back through Eastern Europe?

The Soviet Union

On what dates did Germany surrender, marking the end of the war in Europe (V-E Day)?

May 7–8, 1945

What strategy did the United States and Allies use to capture key islands across the Pacific?

Island-Hopping Campaign

What naval battle was a significant turning point in the Pacific?

The Battle of Midway (1942)

On what dates did the US drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki?

August 6 and August 9

When did Japan surrender, ending World War II completely (V-J Day)?

August 15, 1945

What were the key reasons for Germany's and Japan's defeat in World War II?

Japan was surrounded by Allies from east and west, lost key battles and resources, and faced atomic bombings and Soviet invasion.

Under what project did the US secretly develop a powerful new weapon?

The Manhattan Project.

How many people were killed instantly when the bomb dropped on Hiroshima?

Over 70,000

How many people were killed instantly when the second bomb dropped on Nagasaki?

Around 40,000

What were two arguments for using the atomic bomb?

Saved Lives in the Long Term and Forced Japan to Surrender

What were two arguments against using the atomic bomb?

Mass Civilian Deaths and Japan Was Already Weak

How are 'human rights' defined?

The entitlement that all individuals deserve, regardless of their role, background, or identity.

Who created the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and when?

Eleanor Roosevelt and the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948.

How many countries united to form the UN and in what year?

51 countries united in 1945.

What is the purpose of the UN General Assembly (GA)?

Discusses and makes decisions on global issues, including human rights, development, and peace.

Who are the members of the UN General Assembly?

All 193 UN member states.

What is the purpose of the UN Security Council (SC)?

Maintains international peace and security, addresses conflicts, and can authorise peacekeeping missions or sanctions.

How many members does the UN Security Council have?

15

Who are the five permanent members (P5) of the UN Security Council?

China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, and United States

What brought about the creation of the UN?

The League of Nations failed to stop wars and wasn’t strong enough and World War II caused massive destruction.

What is Australia’s role in the UN?

Australia was a founding member of the United Nations in 1945 and has contributed to promoting peace and security worldwide through the United Nations.

What is the UN aim to Maintain International Peace and Security?

Prevent wars and resolve conflicts peacefully.

What is a key aspect of the UN's Humanitarian Aid work?

Delivers food, water, and medical help during disasters and conflicts.

What is the Veto Power in the Security Council?

The five permanent members (USA, UK, France, Russia, China) can block decisions with a veto, even if most countries agree.

What involves the United Nations deploying soldiers and police from various countries to maintain peace and prevent conflict in areas of conflict?

Peacekeeping

What is the conflict in South Sudan relevant to UN Peacekeeping?

Civil war and ethnic violence since 2013.

What was Australia’s Role in East Timor Peacekeeping?

Australia led the International Force for East Timor (INTERFET) in 1999 to restore peace and security.

What are Quantitative Indicators?

Numerical measures, easy to compare and analyse

What are Qualitative Indicators?

Non-numerical, quality of life

Which countries have high well-being (location)?

Western Europe, North America, Australia, Japan, South Korea

How do Economic Factors affect human well-being?

Countries with wealth can offer better living conditions (jobs, healthcare, education).

What is the HDI (Human Development Index?

Combines life expectancy (health), educational levels, and income.

How do Development issues impact people's health?

Poorer access to healthcare leads to disease and lower life expectancy.

What is a Sole trader business?

A business owned and run by one person.

What are characteristics of a Private company?

What is it? A privately owned business with up to 50 shareholders.

What are ways businesses organise themselves to improve productivity through?

The provision of training, Investment in technology, and Just-in-time (JIT) inventory systems