World War II andUs Neutrality.

Treaty of Versailles

The peace treaty that ended World War I in 1919, which imposed heavy reparations on Germany, leading to long-term economic strain.

Global Depression

The worldwide economic downturn that began in 1929, resulting in widespread unemployment and instability.

Hoover Moratorium

A temporary suspension of war debts declared in 1931, which ultimately failed to alleviate the economic crisis.

Extremist ideologies

Political beliefs that emerged as a result of economic crises, often characterized by radical views and authoritarianism.

Nazi Party

A far-right political party in Germany led by Adolf Hitler, which rose to prominence by exploiting economic crises and promoting nationalism and anti-Semitism.

Führer

Title assumed by Adolf Hitler in 1934, meaning 'leader' in German.

Gestapo

The secret police of Nazi Germany, known for their violent methods and suppression of opposition.

Benito Mussolini

The Italian dictator who founded the Fascist Party and ruled Italy, promising order and national pride.

Fascist militias

Paramilitary groups that aided Mussolini in his rise to power by using violence and intimidation.

Manchuria

Region invaded by Japan in 1931 to secure natural resources and establish a base for expansion.

Manchukuo

A puppet state created by Japan in Manchuria after its invasion in 1932.

Stimson Doctrine

U.S. policy of non-recognition of international territorial changes brought about by aggression, particularly in response to Japan's actions.

World War I trauma

The psychological impact of World War I that contributed to U.S. isolationism in the interwar period.

Neutrality Acts (1935–1937)

Legislation aimed at preventing U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts through restrictions on arms sales and loans.

Francisco Franco

Leader of the Nationalist forces during the Spanish Civil War, who established a dictatorship in Spain after the war.

Quarantine Speech

A 1937 speech by President Roosevelt advocating for the isolation of aggressor nations, met with public backlash.

Anschluss

The annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany in 1938.

Appeasement Policy

The strategy adopted by Britain and France to avoid conflict by conceding to some of Hitler's demands, particularly at the Munich Conference.

Lend-Lease Act (1941)

U.S. legislation that allowed the supply of military aid to Allied nations without direct involvement in World War II.

Atlantic Charter (1941)

A statement of principles agreed upon by FDR and Churchill outlining goals for the post-war world, including self-determination and collective security.

Undeclared Naval War

Conflict involving U.S. ships and German U-boats prior to the official entry of the U.S. into World War II.

USS Greer incident (1941)

An encounter in which a U.S. destroyer was attacked by a German submarine, marking an escalation in U.S. involvement before entering WWII.

Selective Service Act

Legislation implemented to start the draft in the United States in preparation for potential involvement in World War II.