World History Study Guide

Why did Stalin initiate the Great Purge?

The kulaks had become too influential and were threatening his position.

The concerns reflected in the text were most directly the result of which of the following developments?

Collapse of global trade and finance networks.

The nationalistic movement represented by Gandhi in the image was most directly influenced by which of the following?

Global ideologies centered on concepts of self-determination.

The nature of Nazi occupations in eastern Europe, as depicted in the first image, was most directly influenced by:

German ideologies fueled by racism.

What was the Great Depression?

The Great Depression was a serious global economic collapse that lasted from 1929-1939, caused by overproduction, the stock market crashing, and banks failing. The Great Depression led to massive unemployment, and because people were bored, this led to extremist ideals (fascism, communism, etc.)

What is communism?

Communism is an economic and political idea that society’s resources and production are controlled by the community instead of controlled by certain individuals or powerful business/companies.

How did Stalin rise to leadership?

Joseph Stalin rose to leadership by using his position as general secretary of the communist party to gain control of it. Stalin rose to leadership after Lenin died, and he initiated the Great purge, killing his rivals and securing his control. Stalin used his five-year plan to build military power and the Soviet economy rapidly, at the expense of human comfort.

How did Mao rise to leadership?

Mao Zedong was the leader of the Chinese Communist Party, the man behind the Long March: A 6,000-mile hike that gained support from peasants. Mao Zedong won the Chinese Civil war, beating the nationalists and winning over China.

What is Fascism?

Fascism is an ideal that prioritizes national unity and strong leadership over individual freedoms, which often times involves a dictatorial leader.

Who was Hitler?

Adolf Hitler was the leader and dictator of Nazi Germany, the man that constructed the Holocaust, which was a systematic genocide that led to the deaths of millions of Jewish people. Adolf Hitler also initiated WWII by invading Poland.

Who was Mussolini?

Benito Mussolini was the guiding force behind Italian fascism, his movement inspiring authoritarian leaders such as Adolf Hitler. He was also responsible for writing his own newspaper, which encouraged Italy’s entry into the Great War.

What was the impact on Nationalism in independence and self-determination movements in India?

In India, Nationalism united the Indians against British Rule (Indians wanted freedom). These movements were led by Gandhi, a nonviolence activist, along with Neru. India got independence in 1947, splitting into India and Pakistan.

What was the impact on Nationalism in independence and self-determination movements in China?

Nationalism began to rise after the Qing Dynasty collapsed, leading to the initiation of the May Fourth Movement (anti-foreign protests). There was a power struggle, Nationalists v. Communists, but eventually Mao won in 1949 and formed Communist China.

What was the impact on Nationalism in independence and self-determination movements in Africa?

After WWII, Nationalism in Africa started to grow, inspiring Pan-Africanism and anti-colonial movements. Leaders like Nkrumah (From Ghana), pushed for independence, and in the 1950s-1970s, there was a strong wave of decolonization.

What was the impact on Nationalism in independence and self-determination movements in Latin America?

In the very early 1800s, Bolivar and others gained their independence, and in the 1900s, Nationalism fought U.S./European control and power. There were movements for land reform, social justice, and revolution.

What are the differences between German and Italian Fascism?

German Fascism focused on racist ideologies, such as anti-semitism and Aryan supremacy, while Italian Fascism focused more on nationalism and authoritarianism.

What is one aspect of the Long March and how did it affect the Chinese Communist Party?

The Long March was a 6,000-mile hike that solidified Mao’s leadership of the CCP and acted as a symbol of how strong the Communist party truly was.

How were the colonies important factors during WWI?

The colonies provided troops, resources, and hiding places, aiding Europeans in their war efforts.

How were the colonies negatively impacted after WWI?

The colonies faced extreme suppression and exploitation, leading to different anti-colonial movements.

What is one similarity between German and Italian Fascism?

Both German and Italian Fascism promoted and encouraged authoritarian rule underneath one leader (EX. Hitler and Mussolini), and both focused on suppression and nationalism.