4th Quarter Exam Study Guide: Totalitarianism and WWII

What were the main reasons dictators came into power in the 1920s and 1930s?

Hardships and devastation caused by WWI and the Great Depression led people to believe that strong leaders could stabilize their countries.

What factors contributed to the success of totalitarianism in the 1920s and 1930s?

The Treaty of Versailles and nationalist pride led countries to support power grabs by totalitarian leaders.

How did totalitarian leaders impact civilians?

Citizens were forced to not speak out against totalitarian leaders due to fear of retribution.

What were the goals of totalitarian leaders?

To eliminate all opposition, gain total control, expand their empires, and increase global influence.

What actions did totalitarian leaders take to achieve their goals?

They used secret police to eliminate opponents and built strong militaries to invade other countries.

How did Hitler defy the Treaty of Versailles?

By building a strong military to conquer other countries.

What were the reasons for early success in German expansion during WWII?

Germany built a strong military and employed blitzkrieg tactics, while countries in the League of Nations were weakened by a desire to avoid war.

What was the impact of the League of Nations on the Munich Conference?

The League of Nations appeared ineffective by allowing Hitler to take the Sudetenland.

What was the significance of the Tripartite Pact?

It was an act of aggression that increased tensions among imperialist powers.

What were the causes of WWII?

Treaty of Versailles and Japanese expansion, along with appeasement, failure of the League of Nations, Great Depression, fascism, and German imperialism.

What ideological differences existed between the superpowers during the Cold War?

The U.S. criticized the lack of freedom and liberties in Soviet-controlled territories.

What was the motive for U.S. involvement in Afghanistan regarding Russia?

To draw the Soviet Union into a long and costly war that would weaken its economy.

What was McNamara's view on U.S. involvement in Vietnam?

He opposed U.S. involvement because he did not believe in the Domino Theory.

What is the Domino Theory?

The belief that if one country fell to communism, neighboring countries would also fall.

What was the goal of the U.S. during the Cold War?

To promote democracy, while the USSR aimed to spread communism.

What did JFK convey with the phrase 'Ich bin ein Berliner'?

He expressed solidarity with the people of Berlin, emphasizing their freedom in a totalitarian state.

What international organization was established in 1945?

The United Nations.

What were the apartheid laws in South Africa regarding land ownership?

Blacks could not own large land titles despite being the majority of the population.

What does the term 'Iron Curtain' refer to?

An imaginary wall separating East and West Europe, symbolizing the division between Soviet-controlled and non-Soviet-controlled areas.

What event resulted in the killing of tens of thousands at the end of WWII?

The dropping of atomic bombs.

What were Glasnost and Perestroika?

Economic reforms in the Soviet Union aimed at increasing transparency and restructuring the economy.

What was the Final Solution?

The Nazi plan to eradicate the Jewish people and other undesirables.

What was Operation Barbarossa and its outcome?

It was a turning point in the war on the Eastern Front where Germany lost to the Soviet Union.

What are the reasons for the religious, political, and military turmoil between Israel and Palestinians?

The area holds significant religious value for both Arabs and Israelis.

What was the intention of the Potsdam Conference regarding Axis powers?

To achieve complete disarmament and demilitarization of Germany.

Where do acts of terrorism mostly originate, and where do they have an effect?

Terrorism is prevalent in the Middle East but is a global issue.

What was the outcome of the Yalta Conference regarding Germany?

It led to divisions of Germany that caused long-term aggression between superpowers.