HISTORY - Unit 6 - WWI, WWII (1917-1945) Cold War

Isolationism

A policy of not being involved in foreign affairs. After WWI, the U.S. turned to isolationism to avoid getting involved in European conflicts again.

Sinking of the Lusitania

A British ship sunk by a German submarine, helping turn American opinion against Germany.

Treaty of Versailles

The peace treaty that ended WWI, imposing harsh penalties on Germany.

US Entry into WWI

Reasons for U.S. involvement included economic interests, the Zimmermann Telegram, and the desire to protect democracy.

Fascism

A political ideology that emphasizes strong, centralized power and often authoritarian rule (e.g., Hitler in Germany, Mussolini in Italy).

Attraction during economic hardship

People may turn to fascist leaders promising stability and strength.

WWII Leaders

Important Figures: Winston Churchill (UK), Franklin D. Roosevelt (US), Joseph Stalin (USSR), Adolf Hitler (Germany), Benito Mussolini (Italy).

Mein Kampf

Hitler's autobiography outlining his ideology and plans for Germany.

Pearl Harbor

The Japanese attack that led the U.S. to enter WWII in 1941.

D-Day Invasion

The Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, a turning point in the war.

Atomic Bomb

The bomb dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, leading to Japan's surrender.

Yalta Conference

Meeting of the Allies in 1945 to discuss post-war reorganization.

Potsdam Conference

Final meeting in 1945 to decide post-war entities and arrangements.

Tehran Conference

Conference in 1943 where Allies discussed how to defeat the Axis powers and post-war plans.

Cold War

The ongoing political and military tension between the U.S. and the USSR after WWII.

Iron Curtain

A term used by Churchill to describe the division between Western democracies and Eastern communist countries.

Berlin Airlift

The U.S. and allies' operation to supply West Berlin after the Soviet blockade in 1948-1949.