The Interwar Period and WWII Study Guide

Flashcards about World War II

What is Lebensraum?

Living space for the German people by conquering Eastern Europe

What factors led to the rise of Militarists in Japan?

Desire to restore traditional control of government to the military; belief that the emperor should be a symbol of power, economic problems, and extreme nationalism

What did militarists feel Japan needed?

Japan needed more land and resources for its growing economy and to support its military power

How did the Allied Powers respond to the fascist threat before WWII (appeasement)?

The Allied Powers initially practiced appeasement, giving in to Hitler's demands in the hope of avoiding war

When and why did Great Britain and France declare war on Germany?

September 1939, after Germany and the Soviet Union signed a non-aggression pact and Germany invaded Poland

What are the years of WWII?

1939-1945

What was the Nazi policy known as 'The Final Solution'?

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

What were the results of the Final Solution?

Over 6 million Jews were murdered in state-organized prison/death camps

Which country's invasion led to the demise of 4 of Hitler's military and is seen as his largest blunder?

The Soviet Union (Russia). The invasion led to immense casualties and overextension of German forces, contributing significantly to Hitler's eventual defeat

What led to the U.S. finally entering the war?

The U.S. entered the war after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941

Describe D-Day and its significance

Operation Overlord: The largest seaborne invasion in history, marking the Allied invasion of Normandy, France, and the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany

What were the 'Nuremberg Trials'?

A series of military tribunals held by the Allied forces after World War II to prosecute prominent members of Nazi Germany for war crimes and crimes against humanity

How did the US treat Japan after the war? Why?

The U.S. helped rebuild Japan to create a democratic ally in the Pacific and to serve as a bulwark against the spread of communism in Asia

What were the arguments for and against using the Atomic Bomb?

For: To avenge Pearl Harbor, save American lives by avoiding a costly invasion of Japan, and force Japan to surrender quickly. Against: The use of atomic weapons could lead to a nuclear arms race, Japan was close to surrender anyway, and it caused immense suffering and death to civilians

List Key events that led to the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917

Absolutist rule, rapid industrialization leading to poor working conditions, Bloody Sunday massacre of industrial workers and strikers, military failures in World War I ('Frozen Front'), the March Revolution, soldiers and workers demanding an end to the war, the influence of Rasputin, and resistance to reform efforts

What did Lenin and the Bolsheviks promise the Russian people in their famous slogan?

Peace, Land, and Bread for all

What was the overall goal of the Bolsheviks?

To establish a communist state where the working class held power, to create equality by eliminating the rich/poor divide, and to abolish capitalism

Define Totalitarianism

A political system in which the state holds total authority over all aspects of public and private life, including the economy, military, culture, and morals

Describe Stalin's rule of the USSR politically, socially, and economically

Politically, Stalin demanded absolute loyalty and maintained constant surveillance. Socially, he used propaganda and fear to control the population. Economically, he implemented collectivization of agriculture and Five-Year Plans for rapid industrialization. He used purges, police terror, and informers

What did Stalin do to anyone that threatened his power, even his old allies and fellow Bolsheviks?

Stalin used police terror, purges, and show trials to eliminate anyone perceived as a threat, resulting in the death or imprisonment of millions

What factors led to the rise of Mussolini and Fascism in Italy?

The failure to win large territorial gains after World War I, rising inflation, unemployment, a growing population of discontented Italians, and a desire for strong leadership to restore order

What did Mussolini promise the Italian people?

Restore national pride, provide strong leadership, strengthen the economy, and suppress socialist movements

Define Fascism

A political ideology that emphasizes loyalty to the state and obedience to its leader, often characterized by strong nationalism, militarism, and suppression of opposition

What factors led to the rise of Hitler and Fascism in Germany?

An extreme form of nationalism and militarism,