Fascism and World War II

These flashcards cover key terminology and concepts related to fascism and its role leading up to and during World War II.

Fascism

A government ideology where the state is considered more important than the individual, characterized by extreme nationalism, racism, and militarism.

Totalitarianism

A political system where the state controls every aspect of public and private life.

Anti-individualistic

Opposing the principles that emphasize the rights and freedoms of the individual.

Autarky

Economic independence or self-sufficiency of a nation, reducing reliance on foreign imports.

Il Duce

Title meaning 'The Leader,' used to refer to Mussolini as a dictator.

Hyperinflation

An extremely high and typically accelerating inflation, which devalues currency and erodes purchasing power.

Nazi Racial Theory

Belief held by Nazis that Germans were being threatened by an internal enemy, which justified antisemitic policies and led to the Holocaust.

Appeasement

The policy of conceding to aggression by a warlike nation, as practiced by England and France toward Hitler in the lead-up to WWII.

Munich Conference

A 1938 meeting where England and France agreed to Hitler's demands for territories, aimed at preventing another war.

Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact

An agreement between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union promising not to attack each other, crucial for both nations' strategic military plans.