Lecture 14: The Road to War

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the lecture on the lead-up to World War II, including significant agreements, ideologies, and events.

Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact

A 1939 agreement between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union that included secret clauses for the partitioning of Poland.

Lebensraum

The German concept of 'living space', which was central to Nazi ideology.

Drang nach Osten

A term referring to the German expansion eastward during Hitler's regime.

Appeasement

A diplomatic policy aimed at avoiding conflict by conceding to the demands of a potential aggressor, notably used by Western powers towards Nazi Germany.

Anschluss

The annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany in 1938.

Einsatzgruppen

Mobile killing units of the Nazi regime charged with mass murder during the invasion of the Soviet Union.

Katyn Massacre

The execution of Polish military officers by the Soviet secret police in 1940.

Winter War

A conflict between the Soviet Union and Finland from November 1939 to March 1940.

Simo Häyhä

A Finnish sniper known for his remarkable precision and significant impact during the Winter War.

Nazi-Soviet Pact

Another name for the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, emphasizing the agreement between Hitler and Stalin before the outbreak of WWII.