Period 4: Terms List A

Armenian genocide

The mass extermination of Armenian Christians by Ottoman Turks from 1915-1916, aimed at eliminating Christian influence in Anatolia. Approximately 1.5 million Armenians were killed through mass shootings, forced marches, and starvation, and the genocide is recognized globally as an early example of modern genocide, sparking significant debate over historical memory and recognition.

Treaty of Versailles

The 1919 agreement that formally ended WWI, focusing on punishing Central Powers, especially Germany, with military and colonial limitations.

League of Nations

An international peace organization formed after WWI to prevent conflicts and promote peaceful resolutions.

Indian National Congress

Political party formed in 1885 advocating for Indian independence from Britain through civil disobedience and boycotts.

collectivization

The process of government-controlled farmland allocation among workers.

Blitzkrieg

A military strategy meaning 'lightning war', characterized by quick, focused attacks on enemy key points.

February/March Revolution

The 1917 Russian uprising that led to Czar Nicholas II's abdication and the formation of a parliamentary government.

October/November Revolution

The 1917 revolution led by the Red Guards in Russia aiming for a communist government.

Fourteen Points

Woodrow Wilson's plan for lasting peace after WWI, addressing its underlying causes.

self-determination

The belief that citizens should have the right to choose their own government.

mandate system

A system set up by the League of Nations to manage former Ottoman and German colonies until they could self-govern.

Bolshevik

A member of the Communist Party in Russia advocating for a proletariat-led government.

totalitarianism

A government system where leaders control all aspects of public and private life.

satyagraha

Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolent resistance against unjust laws.

coalition government

A parliamentary alliance formed when no party has a majority, requiring cooperation to govern.

Weimar Republic

The democratic government of Germany after WWI that faced economic instability and collapse.

fascism

A political ideology advocating for government control over daily life and the economy, promoting nationalism and xenophobia.

Great Purge

Stalin's campaign (1936-1938) to eliminate political threats, resulting in mass executions and imprisonments.

Five-Year Plans

Goals for increasing industrial and agricultural production in the Soviet Union.

Greater East Asian Co-Prosperity Sphere

Japan's imperial policy aiming to dominate East Asia while claiming to protect Asian traditions.

appeasement

The policy of conceding to demands to avoid conflict.

nonaggression pact

An agreement between Germany and the Soviet Union to not engage in conflict and divide Europe post-WWII.

Kristallnacht

A 1938 pogrom against Jews in Germany, marked by widespread violence and destruction of property.

lebensraum

German policy for territorial expansion to ensure self-sufficiency.

Vichy France

The WWII government in France that collaborated with Nazi Germany and enacted anti-Semitic laws.

kulak

A wealthy peasant in pre-revolution Russia, ultimately targeted by collectivization.