Key Concepts from the 20th Century: Conflicts and Movements

These flashcards cover critical vocabulary terms related to major conflicts and political movements of the 20th century, including World Wars, revolutions, and significant ideologies.

World War I

A global conflict that lasted from 1914 to 1918, involving many of the world's great powers.

Total war

A war that involves not just military forces but also the complete mobilization of the population and resources.

Treaty of Versailles

The peace treaty that brought an end to World War I, imposing heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany.

League of Nations

An international organization established after World War I to promote peace and cooperation.

Zionism

A nationalist movement for the re-establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine.

Self-determination

The right of peoples to determine their own political status and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development.

Trench warfare

A type of combat in which opposing troops fight from trenches dug into the ground.

Russian Revolution (1917)

The series of events that led to the overthrow of the Tsarist regime and the establishment of a communist government.

Bolsheviks

The faction of Russian communists led by Lenin that seized power in the October Revolution of 1917.

Antisemitism

Prejudice against, hatred of, or discrimination against Jews.

Holocaust

The systematic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of six million Jews by the Nazi regime.

Stalin

Leader of the Soviet Union who implemented policies of collectivization and industrialization.

Communism in Eastern Europe

The political and economic ideology that emerged in Eastern Europe after World War II, characterized by state ownership of resources.

Collectivization of agriculture

A policy to consolidate individual landholdings and labor into collective farms.

Great Depression

A severe worldwide economic downturn that took place during the 1930s.

Fascism

A political ideology characterized by authoritarianism, nationalism, and the suppression of opposition.

Mao Zedong

The founder of the People's Republic of China and a key figure in the Chinese Communist Party.

Guomindang

The Nationalist Party in China that fought against the Chinese Communist Party.

Nazi Party

The National Socialist German Workers' Party, led by Adolf Hitler, that ruled Germany from 1933 to 1945.

Woodrow Wilson

The 28th President of the United States who proposed the Fourteen Points to promote peace after World War I.

Fourteen Points

A statement of principles for peace used for peace negotiations to end World War I.

Genocide

The systematic extermination of a particular group of people.

Totalitarianism

A political system where the state holds total authority over the society and seeks to control all aspects of public and private life.

Authoritarianism

A governing system in which a single entity or a small group possesses complete power.

Cult of personality

A situation where a political leader is presented as an extraordinary figure who embodies the state's power.