Key Terms WW2

Conferences, Treaty, Tactics, Ideologies,

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO)

Created in 1949

To provide collective security against the Soviet Union

More or less a defense association of capitalist western states

Yalta

A conference held in 1945

Leaders of the Allied powers discussed post-war plans for Europe, including the division of Germany into 4 zones (one for each ally) of occupation

Establishment of spheres of influence

Roosevelt tried to ingratiate himself into Stalin’s favor

Soviets in strong position to take Poland and eastern Europe

Coalition government was supposed to be created

USSR allowed to perform the taking of Berlin

Potsdam

A conference held in 1945

Allied leaders negotiated terms for the end of World War II, including the administration of Germany, and addressed issues related to the post-war order in Europe.

Truman tried to show off with his atomic bomb, Stalin already knew about it

Less good-natured than Yalta

Comecon

A regional economic organization created in 1949 by the Soviet Union to coordinate economic policies and promote economic collaboration among Eastern Bloc countries.

It was the Soviet alternative to the Marshall Plan

Cominform

An organization established in 1947 by the Soviet Union to facilitate communication and coordination among communist parties worldwide, promoting adherence to Soviet directives.

The Warsaw Pact

A military alliance formed in 1955 among Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc countries to counter NATO.

Nationalisation

The process of transforming privately owned assets into public or state ownership, often undertaken by governments to control key industries or services.

Marshall Plan

A U.S. initiative launched in 1948 to provide economic assistance for the reconstruction of European countries after World War II, aimed at preventing the spread of communism.

Truman Doctrine

A U.S. policy established in 1947 to provide political, military, and economic assistance to countries threatened by communism, primarily aimed at Greece and Turkey. Basically saying that communism needed to be contained at all costs.

Invasion of Sicily

A major Allied operation during World War II, occurring in 1943, aimed at securing a foothold in Europe by invading the Italian island of Sicily.

Invasion came from Tunisia

Was a strategic move to weaken Axis powers in the Mediterranean.

Operation Barbarossa

Launched in June 1941

The code name for Nazi Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union during World War II

This operation marked a significant turning point in the war and aimed to conquer the Soviet territory.

El Alamein

A series of battles in 1942 in North Africa

Allied forces, primarily British, defeated Axis troops led by Rommel, marking a major turning point in the North African Campaign.

Operation Overlord

June 6, 1944

The code name for the Allied invasion of Normandy on D-Day, during World War II, aimed at liberating Western Europe from Nazi control.

The Blitz

From September 1940 to May 1941

The sustained bombing campaign by Nazi Germany against the United Kingdom

Aimed at demoralizing the British population and disrupting production.

Blizkrieg

A military tactic used by Nazi Germany that emphasizes quick and decisive attacks, combining forces of infantry, tanks, and air support to rapidly overpower the enemy.

Communism

A political and economic ideology advocating for a classless society and communal ownership of resources, where the means of production are owned collectively rather than by individuals.

WW2: As seen in the USSR, Communist China,

Fascism

A political ideology characterized by authoritarian power, centralized control, and often nationalistic tendencies, rejecting democracy and promoting dictatorial leadership.

WW2: Such as Germany, Italy,

Liberal demoracies

Systems of governance characterized by free and fair elections (supposedly), the protection of individual rights, and the rule of law. These democracies emphasize civil liberties and political pluralism.

WW2: Seen in USA, Britain, France, Sweden, and most other Western nation

Nationalism

A political ideology that emphasizes the interests, culture, and identity of a particular nation, often seeking to promote national unity and sovereignty. Nationalism can manifest in various forms, including cultural, ethnic, and civic nationalism.

WW2: Seen in Germany, Britiain, France, Italy, USSR, Japan, USA, and others during the conflict

Militarism

A political ideology that prioritizes the military's importance in national policy and often promotes military expansion, preparedness, and intervention in international affairs.

Militarism often leads to arms races and can foster aggressive foreign policies.