Chapter 9 WWII Key Vocabulary (Flashcards)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key WWII concepts and events from Chapter 9 notes.

Blitzkrieg

A fast, coordinated attack using tanks, aircraft, and infantry to surprise and overwhelm the enemy, enabling rapid German victories in 1940.

Dunkirk

The evacuation and retreat of Allied forces from Dunkirk in 1940 after Germany advanced, allowing many soldiers to escape rather than being captured.

Fall of France

Germany's invasion of France in May 1940 leading to French surrender and occupation of parts of France.

Battle of Britain

Air battle in 1940 where the Luftwaffe attempted to gain air superiority over Britain but was defeated by the RAF.

The Blitz

German bombing campaign against British cities from Sept 1940 to May 1941, causing extensive damage and casualties.

Operation Barbarossa

Germany’s 1941 invasion of the Soviet Union, which initially advanced but stalled due to winter and Soviet resistance.

Lend-Lease

US program supplying Allied nations with food, fuel, raw materials and equipment to sustain the war effort.

Battle of Stalingrad

1942-1943 turning point on the Eastern Front, where the Soviets defeated the Germans and encircled the 6th Army.

Two-front War

Germany’s military situation fighting on both the Western and Eastern fronts, spreading resources thin.

Enigma

Nazi cipher device whose codes were broken by Allied cryptanalysis, revealing German plans.

U-boat

German submarine that disrupted Allied shipping; its dominance waned after code-breaking and Allied countermeasures.

Battle of the Atlantic

Prolonged struggle to secure Allied shipping across the Atlantic, critical for Britain’s survival and victory.

Island hopping

Pacific War strategy of bypassing heavily fortified Japanese-held islands to move toward Japan.

Battle of Midway

June 1942 battle in the Pacific in which the US destroyed four Japanese carriers, turning the tide in the Pacific.

Pearl Harbor

Japanese surprise attack on the US naval base in 1941, leading to US entry into WWII.

Little Boy

The code name for the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945.

Fat Man

The code name for the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki on August 9, 1945.

D-Day / Operation Overlord

Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, opening a Western Front and accelerating Germany’s defeat.

Okinawa

1945 battle where Allied forces captured Okinawa; heavy casualties and Japanese resistance, including kamikaze attacks.

Kamikaze

Japanese suicide attacks against Allied ships, used to inflict damage and slow Allied advances.

Radar

British early warning and detection system that improved air defenses and coordination.

Luftwaffe

Germany’s air force; fought the Battle of Britain and other campaigns, suffering heavy losses.