Post-World War II Events and Consequences

These flashcards cover key events, concepts, and outcomes related to World War II and the subsequent geopolitical landscape.

Hitler's Suicide

Hitler took his own life on April 30, 1945, as Soviet forces surrounded Berlin and Germany had lost the war.

Germany's Surrender

Germany surrendered on May 8, 1945.

Atomic Bombing of Japan

The atomic bombs were dropped on Japan on August 6, 1945 (Hiroshima) and August 9, 1945 (Nagasaki).

Reason for Atomic Bombs

The USA used atomic bombs against Japan to force a quick surrender and avoid a lengthy, bloody invasion.

Nuremberg Trials

The Nuremberg Trials were court proceedings against Nazi leaders after the war.

Nuremberg Charges

The four charges at the Nuremberg Trials were: 1. Crimes against peace 2. War crimes 3. Crimes against humanity 4. Conspiracy.

Treason Trials in Norway

The treason trials in Norway dealt with Norwegians who collaborated with the Germans.

Strictest Punishments

The harshest punishments were given to Nazi leaders and those who collaborated closely with the Germans.

Criticism of Treason Trials

The treason trials were criticized because laws were created after the war, leading some to believe the penalties were too harsh.

Iron Curtain

Churchill referred to the 'iron curtain' to describe the division of Europe into communist East and democratic West.

Poland as an Example

Churchill used Poland as an example because the Soviets had promised free elections but communists took power.

Eastern Europe Post-War

Communist governments took power in many Eastern European countries with Soviet support.

System Differences East vs West

East = communism and planned economy; West = democracy and market economy.

Planned Economy

In a planned economy, the state determines what is produced and in what quantity.

Market Economy

In a market economy, businesses and the market determine production and prices.

Mutual Distrust USA-Soviet

After 1945, the USA and Soviet Union viewed each other with great distrust, fearing each other's ideologies.

Division of Germany

Germany was divided in two in 1949 due to conflicts between the Soviet Union and Western powers.

Truman Doctrine

The Truman Doctrine stated that the USA would help countries threatened by communism.

Marshall Plan

The Marshall Plan was American economic aid to Europe after the war.

NATO

NATO is a military alliance of Western countries established in 1949.

Warsaw Pact

The Warsaw Pact was a military alliance between the Soviet Union and the Eastern bloc established in 1955.

Norway's NATO Membership

Norway joined NATO due to fears of the Soviet Union and the need for security.

Threat of Norwegian Communists

Norwegian communists were viewed as a threat because it was feared they might support the Soviet Union.

Peaceful Coexistence

Khrushchev's idea of 'peaceful coexistence' meant that communism and capitalism could exist without war.

Weaknesses of Planned Economy

Weaknesses of a planned economy include inefficiency, lack of innovation, and shortage of goods.

Hungarian Uprising 1956

The uprising in Hungary in 1956 started as people sought freedom and less Soviet control.

Soviet Response to Uprising

The Soviet Union crushed the Hungarian uprising to maintain control over Eastern Europe.

US Non-Intervention in Hungary

The USA did not help Hungary out of fear of provoking a war with the Soviet Union.