Interwar: Road to WW2

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the interwar period and the lead-up to World War II, focusing on political, social, and economic factors.

Weimar Republic

The name of Germany’s government from 1918 until 1933; democratic but seen as ineffective.

Hyperinflation

A rapid and excessive increase in prices; in Germany, it was driven by the need to pay reparations after WW1.

Lebensraum

A Nazi policy meaning 'living space,' referring to the need for territorial expansion for German people.

Ultranationalism

An extreme form of nationalism that promotes the interests of one nation above all others, often causing hostility.

Propaganda

The art of persuasion, often through distortion or deception, used to influence public opinion and gain support.

Nazi Party

The National Socialist German Workers' Party led by Adolf Hitler, which rose to power in Germany.

Night of the Long Knives

A purge that took place from June 30 to July 2, 1934, where Hitler eliminated political rivals within the Nazi Party.

Treaty of Versailles

The peace treaty that ended WW1, placing heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany.

Appeasement

The policy of conceding to the demands of a potential aggressor to maintain peace, notably employed towards Nazi Germany.

Nuremberg Laws

1935 laws in Nazi Germany that stripped Jews of their citizenship and barred them from marrying Germans.

Fascism

A political ideology that emphasizes authoritarian power, nationalism, and often military supremacy.

Totalitarianism

A system of government that is centralized and dictatorial and requires complete subservience to the state.

Authoritarianism

Political system characterized by strong central power and limited political freedoms.

Charismatic Leadership

A form of influence where a leader's charisma drives mass movements, notably seen in figures like Hitler and Mussolini.

Reparations

Compensation imposed on a defeated nation for damages caused during a war, significant in the context of post-WW1 Germany.

Scapegoating

The practice of blaming a person or group for problems, often seen in totalitarian regimes targeting minority groups.

Great Depression

A worldwide economic downturn that began in 1929 and had significant impacts across nations, including Germany.