Key Concepts of World War II and Totalitarianism

Hollywoodize

Distorting facts, oversimplifying complex events, and disrespecting those who lived through or died in the war.

Totalitarian Government

It controls all aspects of public and private life through censorship, propaganda, surveillance, and violence.

Totalitarianism

A political system where the government seeks total control over the lives of its citizens.

Dictator

A ruler with absolute power, often taking control by force and ruling without democratic processes.

Totalitarian Nations in WWII

Germany (Hitler), Italy (Mussolini), Japan (Tojo), Soviet Union (Stalin). America did not fight the Soviet Union.

Propaganda in War

It shapes public opinion, boosts morale, and encourages support for the war effort or demonizes the enemy.

Nazi Party Rise to Power

They blamed Germany's problems on the Treaty, used economic hardship to gain support, and promised to restore national pride.

Conflict with Japan

Japan wanted to expand in Asia, but the U.S. opposed their aggression and cut off resources like oil.

America's Mindset after Pearl Harbor

Americans felt shocked and united for war.

Roosevelt's Infamy Speech

He called it a "day of infamy" and rallied the nation to defend itself.

World War II Economy

It boomed as factories shifted to war production, unemployment dropped, and the Great Depression ended.

American War Effort

They rationed food, bought war bonds, worked in factories, and grew victory gardens.

Internment of Japanese Citizens

Fear, racism, and suspicion after Pearl Harbor led to the belief that Japanese Americans might be threats.

Fred Korematsu

He resisted internment and took his case to the Supreme Court.

Internment Camps Demographics

Two-thirds of those in the camps were Japanese-American citizens by birth.

Affected U.S. Region

The West Coast.

Average Americans Contribution

They worked in war industries, rationed goods, bought war bonds, and joined the military or volunteer groups.

Rationed Items during WWII

Gasoline, rubber, sugar, meat, coffee, and metal goods.

D-Day Importance

It was key to opening a Western front and liberating Nazi-occupied Europe.

D-Day Code Name

Operation Overlord.

D-Day Deception Plan

Operation Bodyguard.

Allies' Northern France Entry

They used airborne troops, paratroopers, and sabotage by the French Resistance.

Difficulties during Beach Invasions

They faced heavy gunfire, water obstacles, rough seas, and landmines.

Nuremberg Trials

International trials where Nazi leaders were prosecuted for war crimes and genocide.

Berlin Capture

The Soviets got to Berlin first.

Hitler's Death

By suicide in his bunker.

Nuremberg Laws

Racist laws that stripped Jews of citizenship and banned Jewish/non-Jewish marriage.

Kristallnacht

A 1938 Nazi-led attack on Jewish homes, businesses, and synagogues.

Final Solution

The plan to systematically murder Jews using mass shootings and extermination camps.

Anti-Semitism

Hatred, prejudice, or discrimination against Jewish people.

Japan as an Opponent

Very; they fought to the death and used tactics like kamikaze attacks.

Douglas MacArthur

Top U.S. general in the Pacific and leader of postwar Japan's occupation.

Battle of Iwo Jima

One battle in the Pacific during WWII.

America's Victory over Japan

Island-hopping, naval dominance, and the atomic bomb.

Atomic Bomb Cities

Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Alternative to Atomic Bomb

A full-scale invasion of Japan with massive casualties.

Cold War Superpowers

The United States and the Soviet Union.