Move to Global War Flashcards

Flashcards about the causes of the Move to Global War, focusing on Italy, Germany and Japan.

Fascism

A political movement developed in the early 20th century that sought a ‘third way’ between liberalism and socialism. The characteristics of fascism differed between regimes, but generally the ideology advocated a strong totalitarian government where hierarchy, individuality, violence and culture were stressed to support the state.

Hegemony

Military, economic, political or cultural dominance of one state or social entity over another.

Syndicates

An organised group of individuals, companies or entities formed together to pursue or promote common interests, usually economic.

Corporatism

A system in which various sectors of society were brought together to be represented and to work for the advancement of the state. It was a way to keep labourers happy but avoid socialist unions and to manage the flaws of modern capitalism.

Autarky

The economic independence of a state or its self-sufficiency. Both Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy attempted to make their states self-sufficient, especially when external trade became increasingly difficult.

Reichstag

The democratically elected parliament of the German political system. It passed legislation, government budgets and other functions such as ratifying treaties. In the Nazi regime, the Reichstag was essentially ceremonial as it acted as a rubber stamp for Hitler’s decisions.

Gunboat Diplomacy

A foreign policy method that involves intimidation and the show of superior force.

Diet

Under the Constitution of 1889, the Imperial Diet was an elective national assembly. The Diet had the power to debate fiscal matters and to enact legislation among other things.

Zaibatsu

Large business conglomerates that formed from the 1870s onwards. These powerful entities, such as Mitsubishi and Mitsui, dominated many industries including banking and mining.

Kuomintang (KMT)

Founded by Sun Yat-sen and Song Jiaoren after the Revolution of 1911, the Nationalist Party established a republic in 1912 before Yuan Shikai reasserted authoritarian control. By 1926, Chiang Kai-shek rose to power and led to the KMT on a unification campaign.

Kwantung Army

The Japanese military garrison based in Manchuria. They believed that Manchuria should not fall into Chinese hands, but unlike their leaders in Tokyo, they were willing to take military action.

Puppet State

Given the illusion of a sovereign nation, a puppet state is one that is directly or indirectly controlled by a foreign power.

Ketsumeidan

The Blood Pledge Corps or Ketsumeidan was a right-wing civilian group led by Inoue Nissho. They wanted to get rid of forces of evil, i.e. pro-Western ideals, and to restore supreme political power to the emperor.

Guerrilla

Involves small groups of combatants committing sabotage, ambush, hit-and-run moves and other unconventional tactics. Primarily used by the Chinese communists, guerrilla attacks worked extremely well against the less mobile Japanese army in north China.

Kellogg-Briand Pact

This international treaty stated that war was to not be used to solve conflicts and matters of disputes.

Tripartite Pact

Signed in September 1940 between Germany, Italy and Japan, this pact included articles on recognition of each country's 'new order'.

Lend-Lease Act

An American policy that provided military equipment and other goods to nations bogged down in conflict.

Embargo

The cutting of commercial exchanges between countries.

Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere

A self-sufficient economic bloc centred on Japan and included areas such as China and Southeast Asia.