World War II Mobilization and Origins of the Cold War

Flashcards about the mobilization of people, bombing of cities, and the lead up to the Cold War based on lecture notes.

Economic Mobilization

One of the two major differences making World War II more dangerous than World War I. Involved shifting economies to wartime production.

The Soviet Union's Mobilization

Characterized by emergency measures directed towards the civilian population and a widespread military and industrial mobilization referred to as a 'battle of machines.'

Leningrad Siege

A 900-day siege where civilians faced extreme starvation, leading to an estimated 1.5 million deaths.

U.S. as Arsenal of Allied Powers

The United States became a major producer of war materials, significantly contributing to the Allied effort.

Boomtowns in the U.S.

Rapidly growing towns due to factory construction, which faced shortages of housing and schools.

African American Migration

Over a million African Americans moved from the rural South to cities in the North and West, seeking job opportunities.

Japanese American Discrimination

The removal of 110k Japanese Americans from their West Coast homes to internment camps.

Albert Speer

Minister for armaments and munitions in Germany who tripled production despite air raids.

Kamikaze

Young Japanese men who volunteered as pilots in suicide missions against US ships.

The London Blitz

German nightly bombing of London, causing significant civilian casualties and damage.

Incendiary bombs

Bombs created to create firestorms sweeping through cities. Feared by the Germans

Bombing of Dresden

A bombing event that killed as many as 100k inhabitants and refugees.

US B-29 Superfortresses

Bombers employed by the US to bomb Japanese cities. Began on Nov 24, 1944

People’s Volunteer Corps

Mobilization of all Japanese people between 13 and 60 to stop a mainland invasion.

President Truman's Decision

Decided to drop the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki to avoid high US casualties in a mainland invasion.

The Tehran Conference

Meeting in Nov 1943 between Stalin, Roosevelt, and Churchill to decide the future course of the war.

The Yalta Conference

Conference in Feb 1945 where the 'Big Three' discussed the post-war reorganization of Europe.

Potsdam Conference

Conference where Truman demanded free elections in Europe, but Stalin refused due to security concerns.

Nuremberg war crimes trials

Trials held in Germany in 1945 and 1946, where Nazi leaders were condemned as war criminals.

"Iron Curtain"

Phrase used by Churchill to describe the division of Europe into two camps.