Post-War Challenges and the Rise of Totalitarianism

What were the three largest democracies after World War II?

Britain, France, and the USA.

What were some major post-war problems faced by Western democracies?

No jobs for returning veterans, rebuilding nations, paying debts from war borrowing, and turning to radical ideologies.

What was the Kellogg-Briand Pact?

An agreement by most world nations to outlaw war.

What major economic event began in 1929?

The U.S. stock market crash, marking the start of the Great Depression.

What was one reason for the Great Depression?

Overproduction of goods with declining demand.

What was the impact of the Great Depression on democracy and capitalism?

People began to question democracy and capitalism.

What significant labor event occurred in Britain in 1926?

A general strike involving 3 million workers from various industries.

What was the Maginot Line?

A military defense line built by France for security against German attacks.

What were the main causes of the March Revolution in Russia in 1917?

Strikes, demonstrations, and riots due to low wages and food shortages.

Who was Czar Nicholas II and what was his role during the March Revolution?

He was the ruler of Russia whose abdication was caused by protests over low wages and food shortages.

What was the outcome of the November Revolution in Russia?

The Bolsheviks overthrew the provisional government and established a socialist state.

What was the New Economic Policy (NEP) introduced by Lenin?

A policy that allowed some capitalism while the government controlled banks, foreign trade, and large industries.

What was Stalin's Five Year Plan aimed at?

Transforming the USSR into an industrial power by focusing on heavy industry and increased agricultural output.

What was the Great Purge?

A campaign by Stalin to eliminate dissent, resulting in the execution of around 4 million people.

What was the Comintern?

An organization aimed at promoting worldwide Marxist revolution.

What is totalitarianism?

A dictatorship that regulates every aspect of citizens' lives using terror, censorship, and propaganda.

What were the main characteristics of Fascism in Italy?

Extreme nationalism, anti-democracy, glorification of violence, and blind loyalty to the state.

How did Mussolini rise to power in Italy?

By organizing veterans and discontented Italians, promising to restore order and appealing to nationalism.

What was the March on Rome?

A threat by Mussolini and his followers to take over the government, leading to Mussolini becoming prime minister.

What were the Nuremberg Laws?

Laws that restricted Jews from public spaces, attending or teaching, and holding government jobs.

What was the significance of Kristallnacht?

A violent anti-Jewish pogrom that took place on November 7, 1938, known as the Night of Broken Glass.

What was the Weimar Republic?

The democratic government established in Germany after World War I.

What was Hitler's Mein Kampf about?

A book outlining his goals and beliefs, promoting extreme nationalism and antisemitism.

What was the Third Reich?

The period during which the Nazis controlled Germany, envisioned to last for 1,000 years.

What economic policies did Hitler implement?

Public works programs to provide jobs and a focus on military production.

What was the role of women in Nazi Germany?

Women were encouraged to have children and fulfill traditional roles.

What was the impact of the Treaty of Versailles on Germany?

It imposed harsh reparations, leading to economic hardship and political instability.