WWII Notes Simplfied

Treaty of Versailles

The 1919 treaty that ended World War I, imposing disarmament, reparations, and territorial losses on Germany, which fueled resentment and nationalism.

Rise of Fascism

The emergence of totalitarian regimes in Europe, particularly in Italy under Mussolini and Germany under Hitler, promoting aggressive nationalism.

Lebensraum

German for 'living space', a concept used by Hitler to justify the expansion into Eastern lands, leading to territorial conflicts.

Policy of Appeasement

The strategy where European powers failed to challenge Axis expansion, particularly allowing Nazi Germany to annex territories without consequences.

What was Japan's primary motivation for expansion in the 1930s?

Japan needed raw materials (like coal, iron, and oil) and markets for its goods, which it lacked domestically. This drove its invasion of Manchuria and Southeast Asia.

How did Japan's desire for equality with the West contribute to WWII?

Japan felt humiliated by Western racism, such as the US Immigration Quota Act of 1924, which denied Japanese immigration. This fueled nationalism and a desire to prove Japan's strength through expansion.

What was the "Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere", and how did it lead to conflict?

It was Japan's plan to create an empire in Asia, freeing it from Western control and gaining access to resources. This brought Japan into conflict with Western colonial powers and the USA.

Why did Japan invade Manchuria in 1931?

Manchuria had abundant resources (coal, timber, iron) and provided an overseas market for Japanese goods. This invasion marked the beginning of Japan's aggressive expansion in Asia.

How did the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937) contribute to WWII?

Japan's full-scale invasion of China strained its resources, leading it to seek further expansion into Southeast Asia, which eventually brought it into conflict with the USA.

Why did Japan attack Pearl Harbor in 1941?

Japan wanted to prevent the US from interfering with its campaigns in Southeast Asia. The attack on Pearl Harbor led to the US entering WWII, escalating the conflict in the Asia-Pacific.

How did Japanese nationalism contribute to WWII?

Nationalism fueled Japan's belief in its destiny as the leader of Asia, driving militarism and expansionism to assert dominance over Western powers and colonial territories.

What role did the Great Depression play in Japan's expansionist policies?

The Great Depression hurt Japan's economy, making it desperate for resources and markets. This led to the invasion of Manchuria and Southeast Asia to secure resources.

How did Japan's population growth influence its expansion?

Japan's population grew rapidly, leading to food shortages and a lack of living space. The military proposed overseas expansion to provide land and resources for the growing population.

What was the Stimson Doctrine, and how did it relate to Japan's actions?

The Stimson Doctrine, announced by the US, refused to recognize territorial gains made through aggression (like Japan's invasion of Manchuria). However, it had little practical effect on Japan's expansion.

What did the Neutrality Act of 1935 forbid?

Sale of arms to militarily aggressive nations

Americans traveling on ships of countries at war

What did the Neutrality Act of 1936 extend?

Sale of arms to countries in civil wars

Americans traveling on ships of countries at war

What was the Cash and Carry policy of 1939?

Allowed U.S. to help Britain and France if they purchased arms in cash and transported them

What was the Selective Service Act of 1940?

Required military service registration for U.S. citizens

What was the Lend-Lease Act proposed by FDR in March 1941?

Lending and transferring military equipment to nations vital to U.S. defense

What was the purpose of the Atlantic Charter signed in August 1941?

Statement of war aims

No territorial gains

Support for self-determination

What actions did the U.S. take regarding Japan's expansion?

• Stopped exporting scrap metal and oil

• Negotiations for trade resumption

Which countries declared war on the U.S. after Pearl Harbor?

Italy, Germany

What was the purpose of the Munson Report?

To assess the loyalty of Japanese Americans and evaluate the need for internment.

What was Executive order 9066?

a 1942 order that authorized the forced relocation of Japanese Americans to internment camps during World War II

How did the US end WW2 with Japan?

Bombed Hiroshima and Nagaski, forcing them to surrender.

What were the Nuremberg trials?

A series of trails to prosecute the Nazis and others involved with Germany in WW2