Year 10 History exam

Who was involved in WW2

• The war was fought between the Allied Powers — mainly Britain, France, the Soviet Union, China, and the United States —

• and the Axis Powers — mainly Germany, Italy, and Japan.

Where was WW2 fought?

Europe, North Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Ocean

When was WW2 fought

• Began on 1 September 1939 with Germany’s invasion of Poland.

• Ended in September 1945 after Germany and Japan surrendered.

Outcome of WW2

• The Allies won the war.

• Germany, Italy, and Japan were defeated.

• Led to massive destruction, the Holocaust, and the creation of the United Nations to promote peace.

• Caused an estimated 50 to 85 million deaths

What were the features of Imperial Japan?

• Militarism

• Nationalism

• Emperor Worship

• Expansionism

• Authoritarian Control (No political freedom or democracy.)

What similarities were there between Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan?

• Large military and economic powers

• Shared similar ideas about full devotion/worship to their leader

• They both wanted to expand their empires

• Both dissatisfied with the TOV

How did Japan grow as an imperial power?

• Built a strong military and economy, but lacked land and resources.

• Expanded into Manchuria (1931) and China (1937) to gain resources.

• Joined Germany and Italy in the Tripartite Pact (1940).

Pearl Harbour Bombing

December 7, 1941 Japan attacked the US Naval Base in Hawaii.

Why Japan attacked Pearl Harbour

They aimed to disable the US Navy fleet to control the Pacific.

Consequences of the attack on Pearl Harbour

Destroyed 17 navy vessels, 180 aircraft and killed over 2000 men.

Why did Australia go to war in 1939?

• The people were overwhelmingly of British descent

• The country’s defence and economy were intertwined with the British

How was Australia impacted by the Japanese advances in Asia?

• Japan’s rapid expansion in Asia and the Pacific (1941–42) threatened Australia directly.

• Fall of Singapore (1942): Britain’s failure to defend it showed Australia couldn’t rely on Britain for protection.

• Australia turned to the USA for military support (ANZUS alliance roots).

• Japanese air raids hit Darwin and other northern towns in 1942.

• Many Australians feared a Japanese invasion.

Where were the majority of Australians captured during WWII?

• Most were captured after the Fall of Singapore in February 1942.

• Around 15,000 Australian soldiers became Prisoners of War (POWs) when Singapore surrendered to Japan.

Where were Australian POWs held in Asia?

• POWs were held in camps across Southeast Asia — especially in Thailand, Burma, Singapore, Japan, and Borneo.

• Many were forced to work on the Burma–Thailand Railway, known as the Death Railway.

What did the Japanese use Australian POWs for?

• Forced labour

• Burma–Thailand Railway was the most infamous project.

• POWs suffered starvation, disease, and brutal treatment — thousands died from the harsh conditions.

What were the experiences of Australians on the Home Front during WWII?

• Civilians supported the war through rationing, fundraising, and voluntary work.

• The government increased control, censorship, and propaganda to keep morale high.

• Rationing of food, clothing, and fuel helped supply troops overseas.

• Air raid drills, blackouts, and coastal defences were introduced after Japan entered the war.

How did WWII change Australian society on the Home Front?

• Women took on new roles in factories, farms, and the armed services

• The war encouraged national unity and a stronger Australian identity.

• Australia moved away from dependence on Britain and built closer ties with the USA for defence.

What was the Kokoda Campaign?

• Battle between ANZACs and Japan in modern-day Papua New Guinea, which was a territory of Australia at the time.

• Japan’s objective was to capture Port Moresby, giving them control of Papua and a base from which they could attack the Australian mainland.

• Australian forces triumphed and sent the Japanese troops into retreat. They surrendered in January 1943.

What were the experiences of those involved on the Kokoda campaign?

• Soldiers fought through 96 km of dense jungle and mountains.

• They travelled by foot, carrying all their own equipment.

• Faced injury, illness, and exhaustion in harsh tropical conditions.

• Indigenous Papuans helped carry supplies and wounded soldiers.

• With American air force support, Australian troops pushed back the Japanese.

What were the reasons the Kokoda Campaign was so difficult?

• Steep terrain and thick jungle made movement slow and dangerous.

• Tropical diseases like malaria weakened troops.

• Supply shortages meant wounded soldiers often had to walk despite injuries.

• Constant rain, mud, and heat made survival and combat extremely challenging.

Why was the Kokoda Campaign significant

- Despite the conditions and odds, Australia won
- Increased nationalism and morale, a turning point leading to more victories
- Preventing invasion, after the bombings of NT many citizens feared invasion
- Contributed to ANZAC legend and national identity

Why did the Nazis target the Jews?

• The Nazis believed Germans were a “racially superior” Aryan race and that Jews were “inferior” and a threat to racial purity.

• Jews were blamed for Germany’s problems, including the defeat in WWI and economic hardship.

• Nazi propaganda portrayed Jews as enemies of the state and responsible for communism

• Anti-Semitism was a core belief of Nazi ideology.

What was the Holocaust and who was involved?

• The Holocaust was the systematic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of six million Jews by the Nazi regime and its collaborators during WWII.

• It also targeted Roma, disabled people, political opponents, and other groups.

• The term “Holocaust” comes from Greek, meaning “sacrifice by fire.”

• It was carried out under Adolf Hitler’s leadership, mainly by the SS, Gestapo, and Nazi officials.

How did the Holocaust develop?

• Began with discrimination and segregation after Hitler came to power in 1933.

• Jews were forced into ghettos after 1939 in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions.

• The Wannsee Conference (1942) formalized the “Final Solution” – the plan to exterminate all Jews in Europe.

• Jews were deported to extermination camps such as Auschwitz-Birkenau, where millions were gassed.

What have historians suggested were the causes of the Holocaust?

• Deep-rooted anti-Semitism in Europe that the Nazis exploited.

• Hitler’s racial ideology and obsession with Aryan supremacy.

• The obedience and fear created by Nazi propaganda and totalitarian control.

• Wartime chaos allowed mass killings to occur with little resistance or oversight.

What were the experiences of those who survived the Holocaust?

• Survivors faced starvation, disease, and extreme trauma in ghettos and camps.

• Many lost entire families and communities.

• After liberation, survivors struggled with displacement, grief, and rebuilding their lives.

What were the causes behind the development of the atomic bomb?

• The Manhattan Project (1942–1945) was launched by the US to develop an atomic bomb before Nazi Germany could.

• Scientific breakthroughs made such a weapon possible.

• Fear that Germany or Japan might develop powerful new weapons first.

• Supported by Albert Einstein’s warning (1939) that Germany could be building an atomic bomb.

What were the causes for why the US used atomic bombs on Japan?

• They were dropped in August 1945 as President Trumans final response to Japan's failure to agree to an unconditional surrender.

• To end World War II by forcing Japan to surrender through mass destruction and killing.

• The US also wanted to demonstrate its power to the world—especially to the Soviet Union.

What have historians suggested as to why the US justified the use of atomic bombs on Japan?

• Official reason: to save lives by avoiding a long invasion and ending the war swiftly.

• Some historians argue it was also to show military dominance and warn the USSR in the early stages of the Cold War.

• Others suggest it was revenge for Pearl Harbor and Japan’s wartime atrocities.

Interwar years

• 1919-1939 the period between end of WWI and start of WWII.

• It was marked by economic hardship, political upheaval, rising tensions and social change.

Significance of Interwar years

- Causes of WW2
- Effects of Treaty of Versailles
- Danger of extremism in governments
- Economic issues fuelling political landscapes

Treaty of Versailles

The peace treaty signed in 1919 that officially ended World War I. It blamed Germany for the war, forced it to pay reparations, give up land, and reduce its military.

Impacts of the Treaty of Versailles

Germany was not permitted to be involved in writing the terms, and was forced to sign with the threat of invasion if they didn't.

The treaty humiliated Germany, damaged the economy, was viewed as a punishment and led to the rise of Nazism.

The Big Three leaders

- Woodrow Wilson (USA)
- David Lloyd George (Britain)
- Georges Clemenceau (France)

Woodrow Wilson and the Treaty

He was opposed to harsh punishment because the US hadn't suffered much damage, and he wanted to create the League of Nations.

Wanted peace not punishment.

Georges Clemenceau and the Treaty

Wanted:
- Harsh punishment as revenge for the massive damages
- Didn't want League of Nations
- Disband the german army
- Germany pay all reparations (territorial + economic)

David Lloyd George and the Treaty

Britain wanted enough punishment to make Germany pay but leave them strong enough to still trade.

Reparations

Amends made for wrongs committed by providing payment to those who were wronged.

Causes and effects of the Treaty

1. War guilt clause - humiliation and resentment in Germany- rise of Nazism
2. Limitations of armed forces - less defence made them feel vulnerable
3. Reparations- economic collapse, hunger and poverty
4. Land terms - attempts to regain lost territory (WW2)
5. League of Nations - caused disputes since they were alienated

Roaring 20's

- During WW1, global production and investment increased to cater to the war effort
- By the 20s countries could produce goods quicker, cheaper & better quality
- Standard of living increased
- People were optimistic

Characteristics of the 1920's

- New inventions, consumerism and social freedoms
- Women gained visibility and freedom (faced backlash)
- Racism, poverty and unrest persisted
- Division and political conflicts in Europe + colonies

Factors/causes of the Great Depression

• Risky loans and stock investments

• overproduction

• Farming and droughts

• Falling demand for goods

• Economic weakness

• When investors lost confidence, the Wall Street Crash of 1929 triggered a financial collapse, causing banks to fail and businesses to shut down.

Wall Street Crash

October 29th, 1929, the New York Stock Exchange collapsed and was the largest loss of money in history.

The US stock market decreased by 47%.

Impacts of the Great Depression

• Businesses and banks failed

• Mass unemployment- peaking at 24.9% in 1933 in the US.

• Poverty

• social changes, e.g loss of trust in capitalism

• Hunger (governments rationed food)

• Investment in major building projects (to get jobs)

Great Depression impacts on politics

The Great Depression caused mass unemployment, poverty, social changes and many lost trust in democracy.

Authoritarian leaders like Hitlers and Mussolini promised quick solutions to complex problems, increased nationalism and therefore rose to power.

Key types of governments pre-ww2

- Democracy (all people are represented)
- Fascism (nation over individuals)
- Communism (everything owned by state)

Fascism

A far-right political system that puts the nation above individuals, led by a strong dictator, and often uses violence, nationalism, and control of the media (e.g. Mussolini in Italy, Hitler in Germany).

Communism

A political and economic system where all property is owned by the state, and wealth is meant to be shared equally.

Origins of the Nazi Party & Hitler’s Involvement

• In 1919, Adolf Hitler was sent to spy on the German Workers’ Party.

• He was impressed by the founders and their nationalist ideas.

• In 1920, the party was renamed the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (NSDAP) — known as the Nazi Party.

• By 1921, Hitler became its leader, using his charisma and public speaking skills to attract followers.

Nazi Ideology

• The Nazis were racist Fascists.

• They were anti-Semitic, anti-Communist, and anti-Democracy.

• Claimed German Aryans were superior and others were excluded or persecuted

How did World War I influence Nazi beliefs?

• After Germany’s defeat in WWI, there was widespread anger, humiliation, and economic hardship.

• The Nazis used this resentment to promote the idea that Germany had been “stabbed in the back” by Jews, Communists, and traitors.

• This national humiliation strengthened their call for revenge, unity, and military rebuilding.

Causes for the rise of the Nazi Party

- TOV and post-war humiliation
- Resentment for the previous democratic goverment
- Economic collapse and nazi party effectiveness in reviving industries
- Hitlers rise to fame and propaganda skills

What role did Adolf Hitler play in Nazi beliefs?

• Hitler was the face and voice of the Nazi ideology.

• He personified the strong leader ideal — demanding loyalty and obedience.

• His speeches, propaganda, and leadership style shaped the Nazi vision of a pure, powerful, united Germany.

What were the main features of Nazi beliefs?

• Extreme nationalism: belief in German superiority over other nations.

• One-party state: rejection of democracy.

• Strong leader: loyalty centered on Hitler.

• Total state control: regulation of daily life and the economy.

• Use of military power: violence seen as acceptable for achieving goals.

• Rejection of socialism and communism.

What were the Nuremberg Laws and why were they implemented?

• Introduced in 1935, these laws were designed to legally enforce Nazi racial ideology.

• Reich Citizenship Law- Removed Jewish people’s German citizenship and political rights.

• Law for the Protection of German Blood and Honour

• Banned marriage and sexual relations between Jews and “Aryan” Germans.

Reich Citizenship Law

• Declared that only people of “German or related blood” could be citizens.

• Jews lost their citizenship rights.

Law for the Protection of German Blood and German Honor:

• Banned marriage or sexual relations between Jews and Germans.

• Aimed to preserve racial purity of the German nation.

1923 Munich (Beer hall) Putsch

• Hitler and the Nazi Party attempted to overthrow the Weimar Republic by force.

• They stormed a beer hall and tried to seize power but were stopped by police.

• The revolt failed — 16 Nazis were killed, and Hitler was arrested for treason.

• Gave Hitler national publicity during his trial.

• In prison, he wrote Mein Kampf, outlining his Nazi beliefs and vision for Germany.

How did Hitler and the Nazi Party take control of Germany?

• After joining the party, he gained publicity after his failed 1923 Munich Putsch and his book Mein Kampf.

• The Nazis entered elections, increasing in popularity:

  • 1930: 18% of the vote

  • 1932: 30% of the vote

• Due to this popularity, President Hindenburg appointed Hitler Chancellor in 1933.

Why did the German people support Hitler?

• Germany faced economic depression, unemployment, and poverty after WWI.

• Hitler was seen as a WWI hero who promised to restore Germany’s glory (“Fatherland”).

• Promised to end communism and blamed Jews for Germany’s problems.

• Hitler was an excellent public speaker who inspired hope and national pride.

How did Hitler consolidate his power once he became Chancellor?

• Reichstag Fire (1933): Parliament building burned — Nazis blamed Communists.

• Enabling Act (1933): Allowed Hitler to rule by decree without parliamentary consent- nazi party came to government

• Created Gestapo (secret police) and Stormtroopers (SA) to enforce Nazi control.

• Controlled the press, censored art and books, and founded the Hitler Youth.

• Began to rebuild the military and tax Jews to fund it.

• Night of the Long Knives (1934): Hitler ordered the murder of rivals, including Ernst Röhm and SA leaders, to secure full control.

What happened after Hitler gained full control of Germany?

• President Hindenburg died (Aug 1934): Hitler combined roles of Chancellor and President, becoming Der Führer.

• Military swore oaths of loyalty to Hitler personally.

What was the effect on Jewish people when Hitler gained full control of Germany?

• Intensified discrimination against Jews:

  • Restrictions on citizenship, marriage, property, and movement.

  • Jews taxed heavily and later forced to wear yellow stars.

• Kristallnacht (1938): “Night of Broken Glass”

  • Jewish homes, synagogues, and 7,000+ businesses attacked.

  • Dozens killed and thousands arrested.

What Was Appeasement?

• Appeasement was the foreign policy followed by Britain (and to some extent France) during the 1930s, especially under British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain.

• The idea was to avoid war by giving in to some of the demands made by Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany, as long as those demands seemed reasonable.

Why Did Britain and France Use Appeasement?

• Memories of WWI: People still remembered the horrors of the First World War and were desperate to avoid another.

• Economic Problems: The Great Depression had left many countries weak and struggling financially.

• Belief Hitler Was Right… At First: Some thought the Treaty of Versailles had been too harsh on Germany and that Hitler was just correcting it.

• Lack of Military Strength: Britain and France were not fully prepared for war in the early 1930s.

• Fear of Communism: Some leaders thought a strong Germany might stop the spread of communism from the Soviet Union.

Key Events of Appeasement

Year	Event	Appeasement in Action
1935	Hitler begins rearming Germany (illegally)	Britain signs a naval agreement allowing it.
1936	German troops enter the Rhineland	Britain and France do nothing, even though this was against the Treaty of Versailles.
1938	Germany unites with Austria	No action is taken by other powers.
Sept 1938	Munich Agreement – Hitler is given the Sudetenland (part of Czechoslovakia)	Chamberlain claims it will bring “peace for our time.”
March 1939	Hitler takes the rest of Czechoslovakia	Appeasement begins to collapse – Hitler breaks his promises.
Sept 1939	Hitler invades Poland	Britain and France declare war – appeasement ends.

Invasion and start of WW2

- On 3 September 1939, Britain and France declared war on Germany after Hitler refused to withdraw from Poland.
- End of appeasement: Earlier concessions — including to Austria and Czechoslovakia — had failed to restrain Hitler in the past, Poland was the final straw.

End of WWII in Europe

• Key Event: Hitler’s defeat & Germany’s surrender (May 1945)

• Causes:

  • Allied forces advancing from west (US, UK, France) and east (Soviet Union)

  • Continuous bombing & resource shortages in Germany

  • Fall of Berlin; Hitler’s suicide (April 1945)

  • Collapse of German military & loss of public support

End of WWII in Asia

• Key Event: Japan’s surrender (August 1945)

• Causes:

  • Atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima & Nagasaki

  • Soviet Union declared war on Japan (Aug 1945)

  • Naval blockade & conventional bombing weakened Japan

  • Emperor Hirohito’s intervention to surrender

Describe two ways everyday life changed for women in the 1920s

• More independence: Women gained new freedoms such as working outside the home, wearing modern fashions, and participating in social activities.

• Political rights: Many women gained the right to vote and became more involved in public and political life.