World War II Study Guide

Flashcards covering key concepts, events, and terminology related to World War II.

What prejudice increased in Germany prior to WWII because Jews were blamed for economic problems?

Anti-Semitism

What law stripped Jews of citizenship and political rights in 1935?

The Nuremberg Laws

What did the Enabling Act do in Nazi Germany?

It restricted individual rights and gave Hitler total power.

What was Hitler's vow regarding the Jewish population in Europe?

To exterminate the Jews from Europe.

Who was the leader of Italy who created the fascist party?

Benito Mussolini

In what year did Mussolini become the leader of Italy?

1925

What was one major issue with Spain's democratic government before Franco rose to power?

It was weak and divided.

What did Stalin's Five-Year Plans lead to in the Soviet Union?

Shortages of consumer goods and food.

What agricultural policy led to mass starvation in the Soviet Union?

Collectivization of farmland and animals.

What was the Great Purge?

A campaign that eliminated all political opponents and intellectuals in the Soviet Union.

What is the policy of making concessions to avoid conflict called?

Appeasement

Which British Prime Minister adopted a policy of appeasement towards Hitler?

Neville Chamberlain

What does Blitzkrieg mean?

Lightning war.

What military tactic did Germany use to quickly conquer countries like Belgium and France?

Blitzkrieg.

What was a significant turning point in WWII that occurred during the winter in Russia?

Battle of Stalingrad.

What disadvantage did German troops face in the Battle of Stalingrad?

The harsh Russian winter.

What type of pilots were known for sacrificing their lives during battles in the Pacific War?

Kamikaze pilots.

What was the early U.S. stance regarding involvement in WWII?

Isolationism.

What act provided supplies to Allied nations before the U.S. officially entered the war?

The Lend-Lease Act.

On what date did Japan attack Pearl Harbor?

December 7, 1941.

What were the conditions for Jews in concentration camps?

Forced to work long hours with minimal food.

What were some terror tactics used by Nazis against Jews?

Arbitrary arrests, confiscation of property, and confinement in camps.

What was the long-term impact of the Holocaust regarding Jewish settlement?

Increased global support for creating a Jewish homeland, later known as Israel.

What were the Nuremberg Trials?

Trials of former Nazi leaders for crimes against humanity.

What event caused Japan's surrender in WWII?

The dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

What was the date of Japan's formal surrender?

August 14, 1945.

How was Germany divided after WWII?

Into East and West Germany, with Berlin split into East and West Berlin.

What was the purpose of the Marshall Plan?

To provide aid to rebuild Western Europe after WWII.

What did the UN pass in 1947 regarding Palestine?

The Partition Plan.

What event occurred on May 14, 1948?

Israel was established as an independent state.

What two superpowers emerged after WWII?

The United States and the Soviet Union.

What ideological competition arose after WWII?

The Cold War.

What became a significant international concern after the use of atomic bombs?

The nuclear arms race.

How did WWII reshape global politics?

By creating a bipolar world divided between the U.S. and USSR.

What transformation did the Holocaust contribute to on a global scale?

The creation of Israel.

What was one major theme from the conclusions of WWII's impacts?

Dictatorships rose due to economic hardship.

What permanent change in warfare resulted from atomic weapons?

Changes in international relations.

What strategy did Germany use to overwhelm its enemies?

Coordinated attacks utilizing tanks, planes, and infantry.

What aspect of the aftermath of the Holocaust affected Jewish survivors?

Many became refugees.

Which country experienced the horrors of kamikaze pilots during WWII?

Japan.

What event showcased the failures of appeasement policies towards Hitler?

Hitler's continued territorial expansion.

What did the Allied leaders agree upon regarding post-war Germany?

To divide Germany into occupation zones.

What was a major factor in the rise of dictatorships in Europe during the early 20th century?

Political instability.

What led to the ideological divide in post-war Europe?

The emergence of the U.S. and USSR as superpowers.

What did the creation of Israel mark in terms of Jewish history?

The establishment of a Jewish homeland.

How did WWII impact the global perception of human rights?

It transformed global human rights expectations.

What lasting impact did WWII have on international relations, particularly concerning military capabilities?

The introduction and proliferation of atomic weapons.

Which two major battles highlighted the brutality of the Pacific War?

Okinawa and Iwo Jima.

What was one impact of the two atomic bombs dropped on Japan?

It hastened Japan's surrender.