ww2

Treaty of Versailles

The 1919 treaty that imposed heavy reparations on Germany, leading to economic hardship and resentment.

Disarmament clauses

Provisions in the Treaty of Versailles that stripped Germany of its military capabilities.

Nationalism

A sense of pride and devotion to one's nation, which was fueled by the loss of territory after the Treaty of Versailles.

Adolf Hitler

Leader of the Nazi Party who rose to power in Germany by promoting nationalist and anti-communist ideologies.

Benito Mussolini

The founder of Fascism in Italy, advocating for totalitarian state and expansion.

Munich Agreement

The 1938 agreement that allowed Hitler to annex Czechoslovakia, often criticized for appeasing his aggression.

The Great Depression

The global economic crisis (1929-1939) that contributed to political instability and extremism.

Hyperinflation

Rapid inflation in Germany during the early 1920s that devastated its economy and trust in democracy.

Manchuria

Region invaded by Japan in 1931, marking the start of its aggressive expansion in Asia.

Allied Powers

Coalition including the United States, Britain, the Soviet Union, and France, opposing Axis aggression.

Axis Powers

Coalition of Germany, Italy, and Japan focused on territorial expansion during World War II.

Isolationism

U.S. policy of avoiding involvement in European conflicts after World War I.

Pearl Harbor

The site of the surprise attack by Japan on December 7, 1941, which led to U.S. entry into World War II.

Rationing

The controlled distribution of scarce resources, implemented during the war to support military efforts.

War Bonds

Debt securities issued to finance military operations, encouraging public investment in the war effort.

Rosie the Riveter

Cultural icon representing women’s participation in the workforce during World War II.

D-Day

The Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, pivotal in the liberation of Western Europe.

Battle of Stalingrad

A crucial battle from August 1942 to February 1943 characterized by fierce fighting, marking a turning point in the war.

Manhattan Project

U.S. initiative to develop atomic weapons, which resulted in the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

V-E Day

Victory in Europe Day, celebrated on May 8, 1945, marking the surrender of Germany.

Hiroshima and Nagasaki

Japanese cities bombed by atomic bombs in August 1945, leading to Japan's surrender.