World War 2

Chapter 20

Nationalism

A strong belief that emphasizes the interests and culture of a particular nation, often leading to the desire for independence or dominance.

Post-WWI Peace Settlement

The agreements made after World War I that primarily blamed Germany for the war and imposed heavy reparations.

Joseph Stalin

Leader of the Soviet Union who transformed it into a model communist state, abolishing privately owned farms and placing all economic activity under government control.

Totalitarian Government

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

Fascist Party

Political party established by Benito Mussolini in 1921 that emphasized nationalism and the rights of the state over the individual.

Adolf Hitler

Leader of the Nazi Party who rose to power in Germany, promoting extreme nationalism and racial purification.

Mein Kampf

A book written by Adolf Hitler outlining his beliefs in Nazism and his vision for Germany.

Lebensraum

A German term meaning 'living space'; Hitler believed that for a German empire to succeed, it needed to expand.

Third Reich

The regime established by Adolf Hitler in Germany, which he believed would last for 1,000 years.

Militarists in Japan

Japanese leaders who sought to expand their territory and resources, agreeing with Hitler's views on living space.

Invasion of Manchuria

The 1931 invasion of a Chinese province by Japan, which was rich in natural resources.

League of Nations

An international organization formed after WWI to promote peace, which failed to prevent aggression by totalitarian regimes.

Ethiopia

An independent African nation that was invaded by Italy in 1936, demonstrating the weakness of the League of Nations.

Brown Shirts

Hitler's private army, which gained support during the economic turmoil in Germany.

Economic Collapse

A severe downturn in the economy, leading to high unemployment and social unrest.

Dictatorships

Forms of government where a single leader or party holds absolute power, often arising in times of national crisis.

Stalin's Death Toll

Historians estimate that Joseph Stalin was responsible for between 8 and 13 million deaths during his regime.

Rhineland

A border region of France and Belgium that Hitler sent troops into, violating the Treaty of Versailles.

Italian Aggression

Mussolini's military actions, including the invasion of Ethiopia, which showcased the failure of the League of Nations to maintain peace.

Economic Anger in Germany

The widespread discontent in Germany post-WWI due to war debts, unemployment, and poverty.

Post-War Losses

The territorial and economic losses experienced by countries like Italy and Russia after WWI, contributing to the rise of dictatorships.

Civil War in Spain

Broke out in 1936 when Francisco Franco and other officers rebelled against the Spanish republic.

Francisco Franco

Leader of the rebellion against the Spanish republic and emerged victorious in 1939.

Totalitarian Control

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

Manchuria

A region in China invaded by Japan, which was condemned by the League of Nations.

Treaty of Versailles

The peace treaty that ended World War I, which imposed heavy reparations on Germany.

Anschluss

The union of Austria with Germany, completed by Hitler in March of 1938.

Munich Agreement

An agreement that allowed Hitler to annex the Sudetenland in exchange for a promise of no further territorial expansion.

Blitzkrieg

A method of warfare characterized by swift, sudden attacks, first used by Germany in Poland on September 1, 1939.

Phony War

A period of inactivity on the Western Front during World War II, marked by a lack of significant military operations.

Fall of France

The rapid invasion of France by Germany in 1940, leading to the surrender of French forces.

Battle of Britain

An air campaign waged by the German Luftwaffe against the United Kingdom in the summer of 1940.

Benito Mussolini

Leader of Italy and founder of Fascism, known for his aggressive expansionist policies.

Hideki Tojo

Military leader of Japan during World War II, known for his role in Japan's expansionist policies.

Hirohito

Emperor of Japan during World War II, who held a symbolic role in the Japanese government.

Sitzkrieg

A term used to describe the inactivity along the Maginot Line during the early months of World War II.

Luftwaffe

The aerial warfare branch of the German Wehrmacht during World War II.

Royal Air Force

The air force of the United Kingdom, which played a crucial role in defending Britain during the Battle of Britain.

Radar Technology

Advancements in radar that allowed Britain to detect incoming German air raids during World War II.

Industrial Power

Refers to the economic strength of a nation, exemplified by the Soviet Union becoming the second largest industrial power in the world.

Dictatorship Rise

The increase in authoritarian regimes in Europe as a response to the dissatisfaction caused by the Treaty of Versailles.

What methods did Hitler use to gain power in Germany?

He exploited fears of communism, used public anger from the depression, capitalized on existing anti-Semitism, and was appointed Chancellor due to growing Nazi support.

What event allowed Hitler to gain emergency powers?

The Reichstag fire.

What were the Nuremberg Laws?

Laws enacted in 1935 that stripped Jews of German citizenship and defined who was considered Jewish.

What was Kristallnacht?

A violent pogrom against Jews on November 9-10, 1938, where Nazi troopers attacked Jewish homes, businesses, and synagogues, resulting in over 100 deaths and 30,000 arrests.

How did the international community respond to Kristallnacht?

Nations were outraged and held rallies to support German Jews, showing more sympathy than during earlier German territorial advances.

What was the impact of immigration quotas on Jewish refugees?

The quotas limited the number of Jewish immigrants from Germany and Austria, leading to a waiting list of 309,000 by 1939.

What happened to the passengers of the St. Louis?

Only 28 passengers were allowed to disembark in Havana; the rest were sent to various European countries.

What was Hitler's 'Final Solution'?

A plan for the genocide of the Jewish people, which began in Poland and involved mass shootings and the establishment of concentration camps.

What were the living conditions like in the ghettos?

Miserable, with overcrowding, starvation, and poor sanitation, exemplified by the Warsaw Ghetto.

What were the primary functions of concentration camps during the Holocaust?

They served as labor camps for Jews and other 'undesirables,' where inmates faced starvation, humiliation, and forced labor.

What was the fate of Jews who were not killed by Einsatzgruppen?

They were transported to concentration camps where many died from starvation, disease, or were executed.

What were the names of some of the death camps built by the Nazis?

Auschwitz-Birkenau, Belzec, Chelmno, Majdanek, Sobibor, and Treblinka.

What was the significance of the phrase 'Night of Broken Glass'?

It refers to Kristallnacht, highlighting the violent escalation of anti-Jewish sentiment in Nazi Germany.

How did Hitler's rise to power relate to the economic situation in Germany?

Hitler leveraged the economic despair from the Great Depression to gain support by promising stability and recovery.

What was the role of anti-Semitism in Hitler's policies?

Anti-Semitism was used to unify support against a common enemy and justify the persecution of Jews.

What was the public sentiment in the U.S. regarding Jewish refugees during the 1930s?

Many Americans were opposed to easing immigration quotas, fearing an influx of refugees.

What were the consequences of the Nuremberg Laws for Jews in Germany?

Jews were stripped of citizenship, denied rights, and faced increasing social segregation.

What was the outcome of the Nazi's approach to the concentration camps?

The camps became sites of mass extermination, with many victims subjected to horrific medical experiments.

What did Hitler do after President Hindenburg's death?

He promoted himself to Führer of Germany, consolidating his power.

What was FDR's stance on American neutrality after Hitler invaded Poland?

FDR stated that America would remain neutral, but he could not ask every American to remain neutral in thought.

What were the main roots of isolationism in the United States?

The horrors of WWI, refusal to join the League of Nations, and the Kellogg-Briand Pact of 1928.

What did the Kellogg-Briand Pact entail?

It was an agreement where 62 countries pledged not to go to war.

What did the Neutrality Acts of 1935 prohibit?

They banned arms sales or loans to nations at war, including those in civil wars like Spain.

What was the 'Cash and Carry' policy introduced in 1939?

It allowed nations at war to buy American arms, but they had to pay cash and transport the goods themselves.

What was the Tripartite Pact?

A defense treaty signed by Germany, Italy, and Japan on September 27, 1940, intended to keep the US out of the war.

What was significant about the first peacetime military draft in 1940?

It marked the first time the US implemented a draft during peacetime, with 16 million registering.

What was the Lend-Lease policy proposed by FDR?

It allowed the US to lend supplies to any nation whose defense was vital to the US.

What event prompted the US to support Stalin during WWII?

Hitler's invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941, breaking the nonaggression pact.

What were German Wolf Packs?

Large groups of German U-boats patrolling the North Atlantic, which sank significant amounts of shipments in 1941.

What was the Atlantic Charter?

An agreement between FDR and Winston Churchill outlining war goals such as security, cooperation, and self-determination.

What was the significance of the 'Shoot on Sight' policy?

It allowed the US Navy to attack German submarines on sight after a German sub shot at a US destroyer.

What was the outcome of the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941?

2,403 Americans were killed, 21 ships were sunk or damaged, and 300 aircraft were destroyed.

How did Americans react to the attack on Pearl Harbor?

There was outrage and panic, leading many isolationists to support intervention in the war.

What did FDR mean by wanting to 'force an incident' with Germany?

He aimed to provoke Germany into making a mistake that would justify US entry into the war.

What was the purpose of the reciprocal trade agreement?

To reduce tariffs and conflicts with other nations, fostering better international relations.

What was the impact of the Axis Powers' actions on American public opinion?

The expansion of the Axis Powers weakened American isolationism and increased support for intervention.

What was the significance of the phrase 'the shooting has started' by FDR?

It indicated that the US was on the brink of war against Germany following attacks on US ships.

What was the main goal of Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor?

To weaken US power in the Pacific and prevent American interference in Japan's expansion.

What was the outcome of the US merchant ships being sunk by U-boats in 1941?

It escalated tensions and led to a shift in US policy towards active engagement in the war.

What was the significance of FDR's third-term campaign?

He ran for a third term amid growing international tensions and support for aiding Britain.

What did FDR mean by calling the peacetime draft 'the most solemn ceremony'?

He acknowledged the seriousness of drafting individuals for potential combat in an upcoming war.

What was the public opinion regarding intervention by late 1941?

There was increased support for intervention, particularly in aiding Britain against the Axis Powers.

What was the main reason for the US to support Stalin despite his dictatorship?

The belief that Stalin was a lesser evil compared to Hitler, as both were opposed to each other.

How did the US prepare for war after the attack on Pearl Harbor?

Thousands of Americans enlisted in the military, marking a significant shift from isolationism to active involvement.

What evidence does FDR provide to support that the Pearl Harbor attack was a surprise?

Japan and the US had been at peace for over 87 years, and the leader of Japan had been in power for about 13 years. :)

What significant event involving the Japanese leader occurred during the Pearl Harbor attack?

The leader of Japan was at the White House during the attack.

Why does Roosevelt believe the Pearl Harbor attack was pre-planned?

The presence of aircraft and important military objects at the location and the distance between the two countries suggest premeditation.

What was FDR's reason for waiting until December 8th to deliver his speech?

He wanted to ensure the safety of himself and others and to confirm the accuracy of the information before sharing it. :)

What was the public sentiment towards Japanese-Americans after the Pearl Harbor attack?

There was a wave of fear, suspicion, and prejudice among US citizens.:)

What does FDR mean by ensuring that 'this form of treachery shall never again endanger us'?

The US would focus on defeating the main threat, which was Hitler, rather than solely on Japan.

What was the purpose of Executive Order 9066?

To authorize the US military to enforce the removal of approximately 120,000 Japanese people from certain areas.

What social effects did Executive Order 9066 have on Japanese-Americans?

It led to the forced removal and internment of Japanese-Americans, causing widespread fear and discrimination.

What similarities exist between Eleanor Roosevelt's speech and FDR's speech?

Both emphasized the surprise of the attack and addressed the actions to be taken in response.

How did Eleanor Roosevelt address different audiences in her speech?

She encouraged mothers, young people, and Americans by stating, 'We are in this together,' urging them to continue their efforts.

What evidence does FDR give to support the fact that the attack was a surprise?

Japan and the US had been at peace for over 87 years, and the leader of Japan had been leading for about 13 years.

What was significant about the leader of Japan during the attack?

The leader of Japan was at the White House during the attack. :)

Why is it clear that this was a pre-planned attack according to Roosevelt?

Because the aircraft and many important military objects were supposed to be there, and due to the distance between the two countries.

What might be the purpose of FDR waiting until December 8th to give his speech?

He wanted to ensure he wasn't putting himself or others in danger of another attack and to get the correct information before sharing it.

What does Roosevelt mean when he says the US will 'make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us'?

They would take measures to focus on defeating the main problem (Hitler) rather than just Japan.