World War II Study Guide Flashcards

how Stalin consolidated power

• police terror, primarily via the NKVD, which instilled fear in the populace

The Great Purge Results

1936-1938, execution+imprisonment of millions, 8-13 million deaths; eliminated political rivals and instilled paranoia among citizens and led to self-censorship

how propaganda was used in Russia

• to promote Stalin's image and the Communist Party's ideology, suppressing dissenting views

what censorship of media+literature in russia ensured

that only state-approved narratives were disseminated, stifling free expression.

Religious persecution in russia

• targeted the Russian Orthodox Church and other faiths, aiming to eliminate spiritual authority outside the state.

economic policies in russia

Five-Year Plans and collectivization aimed to industrialize the USSR but led to widespread famine, particularly in Ukraine

what russia become a totalitarian state resulted in

the loss of personal freedoms+citizens living in constant fear of state surveillance and repression

• collectivization of agriculture in russia disrupted _________

• traditional farming practices, leading to resistance and further famine

impact of stalin’s propaganda campaign

• created a cult of personality around Stalin, portraying him as the savior of the nation

how russia trained children to be have communist idealogy

the state had control over education and youth organizations

russia’s industrialization came at a human cost by causing _______________

millions to suffer from famine and oppression

• The aftermath of WWI led to _________

• widespread disillusionment with traditional beliefs in progress and reason, prompting a cultural shift

• Innovations in science

Einstein’s theory of relativity, which challenged established norms and perceptions of reality.

• Psychological theories

Freud’s exploration of the unconscious mind influenced literature and art, leading to new forms of expression.

• Literature

• Franz Kafka and T.S. Eliot reflected themes of alienation and existential despair.

• Artistic movements

• surrealism and cubism emerged, breaking away from classical forms to explore new perspectives.

• Technological advancements in transportation and communication transformed _______

• daily life, symbolizing both modernity and anxiety.

• the works of modernist writers who questioned societal norms and values was captured in _______

the disillusionment of the era

the art form of ________ sought to express the unconscious mind, often through dream-like imagery and illogical scenes

surrealism

• Cubism, pioneered by artists like Picasso, deconstructed _______________

• objects into geometric shapes, challenging traditional representation.

• The Harlem Renaissance in the U.S.

• celebrated African American culture and challenged racial stereotypes through literature and art.

• new forms of entertainment like _____________________ reflected and shaped public consciousness during this transformative period

cinema and radio

• The existentialist philosophy

It questioned the meaning of life, influencing both literature and political thought.

• The Great Depression revealed critical flaws in global economies, including ____________

• overproduction and unequal wealth distribution.

• Stock market speculation led to a _____________

• financial crash, triggering widespread bank failures and mass unemployment.

the collapse of the economy led to more ____________

economic woe, protectionist policies, more isolationism

response of democratic countries

they struggled to respond effectively, with some implementing reforms while others succumbed to authoritarianism.

• The U.S. New Deal

• aimed to provide relief and recovery, preserving democratic institutions amidst economic turmoil.

• Countries like Germany and Italy turned to ___________

• fascism, promising quick solutions to economic hardship and social unrest.

The New Deal’s programs

• Social Security and public works projects to stimulate the economy and provide jobs.

• fascist regimes

• implemented aggressive state control over the economy, prioritizing militarization and nationalistic goals.

• The rise of totalitarian regimes was partly fueled by ______________

the fear of communism, leading to the suppression of leftist movements.

• Economic instability contributed to __________

• political polarization, with extremist parties gaining traction in many nations.

• The global nature of the Depression highlighted the interconnectedness of _________________

• economies, leading to calls for international cooperation.

• The failure of the League of Nations to _______________________

address economic issues further undermined its credibility and effectiveness.

• Post-WWI instability, economic hardship, and fear of communism created fertile ground for ______________

• fascist ideologies to take root.

• Leaders like Mussolini and Hitler capitalized on _______________

• national discontent, promoting extreme nationalism and militarism.

• Fascist regimes rejected

• democratic values, employing propaganda and censorship to control public opinion.

• political opposition and dissent were suppressed by _____________

• The use of secret police and violent paramilitary groups

• Economic crises were often blamed on _____________

• minority groups, leading to scapegoating and increased xenophobia.

• The dismantling of democratic institutions paved the way for __________

• authoritarian rule, undermining civil liberties.

• Germany, Italy, and Japan pursued aggressive _______________

• expansionist policies, violating international treaties and norms.

• Japan's invasion of __________, Italy's attack on ________, and Germany's reoccupation of ________ showed the rapid expanisionist policies

• Manchuria and China, Ethiopia, the Rhineland

The Munich agreement caused _________, which emboldened fascist leaders to pursue further territorial gains.

appeasement

• Hitler's annexation of _____________ set the stage for the invasion of Poland, triggering WWII.

• Austria and the Sudetenland

__________ failed to respond to the agressive regimes of Japan and Germany

The League of nations

• The global response to fascist expansion ultimately led to a __________

• re-evaluation of collective security and international alliances.

• The Blitzkrieg strategy

• 'lightning war,' emphasized speed and surprise, utilizing coordinated attacks by tanks, aircraft, and infantry. Successful in conquering poland and france; helped germany have rapid territorial gains

• The Battle of Britain

• marked the first significant resistance against Nazi aggression, with the RAF successfully defending against Luftwaffe attacks.

• Technological advancements, such as ______, played a crucial role in the defense of Britain, allowing for early detection of enemy aircraft.

• radar

• The Soviet defense at Moscow in 1941 marked a turning point, as it ________

• halted the German advance and boosted Allied morale.

• The initial successes of the Axis powers were met with ___________

• increasing resistance from the Allies, setting the stage for future confrontations.

• Key battles such as ___________ marked significant defeats for Axis powers, shifting momentum to the Allies.

El Alamein and Stalingrad

• The D-Day invasion (Operation Overlord) in 1944

• opened a new front in Europe, leading to the liberation of occupied territories.

• The Battle of the Bulge

• represented the last major German offensive, ultimately failing and depleting German resources.

• In the Pacific, the strategy of _________ allowed Allied forces to reclaim territory and move closer to Japan.

island-hopping

• The Battle of Midway

• a critical naval engagement that crippled the Japanese fleet and shifted the balance of power in the Pacific.

• The use of atomic bombs on ________ forced Japan's surrender, bringing an end to the war.

• Hiroshima and Nagasaki

In what ways did Stalin's methods of control impact the daily lives of Soviet citizens during his regime?

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How did the cultural transformations of the 1920s reflect the disillusionment of the post-WWI era?

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What were the primary economic weaknesses exposed by the Great Depression, and how did they influence political responses?

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How did the rise of fascist leaders in the aftermath of WWI challenge the principles of democracy?

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What role did the policy of appeasement play in the lead-up to WWII, particularly regarding Germany's actions?

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In what ways did the strategies employed by Nazi Germany during WWII evolve in response to early resistance?

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