Causes and Consequences of World War II

Fascism

Political ideology promoting aggressive expansionism.

Appeasement

Concessions made to avoid conflict, notably with Hitler.

Munich Agreement

Concession allowing Nazi Germany to annex Sudetenland.

Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact

Agreement allowing Hitler to invade Poland unopposed.

Treaty of Versailles

Post-WW1 treaty imposing harsh penalties on Germany.

Hitler's Popularity

Fueled by promises of national pride and economic recovery.

Nazi Propaganda

Media promoting Aryan superiority and Hitler's image.

Blitzkrieg

Rapid military strategy combining infantry, tanks, and air power.

Dunkirk

Evacuation of 330,000 Allied troops from German forces.

Operation Barbarossa

Failed German invasion of the Soviet Union.

Battle of Stalingrad

Turning point in Europe with Soviet victory.

Battle of Britain

Defensive campaign against German air assaults in 1940.

Pearl Harbor

Japanese attack prompting US entry into WW2.

D-Day

Allied invasion of Normandy in 1944.

Battle of the Bulge

Last major German offensive in late 1944.

Dieppe Raid

Controversial Canadian operation with high casualties.

Atomic Bomb

Dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki to force surrender.

Internment of Japanese Canadians

Relocation due to wartime fears, largely unjustified.

Genocide

Systematic extermination of a targeted group.

Holocaust

Genocide targeting Jews and others by Nazis.

Nuremberg Laws

Discriminatory laws against Jews in Nazi Germany.

Wartime Prices and Trade Board

Coordinated Canada's wartime economic efforts.

Marshall Plan

US initiative to rebuild Europe post-WW2.

United Nations

International organization formed to prevent conflicts.

Just War

War aimed at stopping genocidal regimes.