Lesson 13: WWII Europe - Blitzkrieg

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the lecture on WWII Europe, focusing on actions and strategies employed by Germany during the early stages of the conflict.

Blitzkrieg

A German military strategy characterized by rapid and coordinated attacks to achieve quick victories.

Lebensraum

Hitler's ideology advocating for 'living space' for the Aryan race, justifying expansion by force.

Untermensch

A term meaning 'racially inferior,' used by Nazis to dehumanize those deemed less than Aryans.

Panzer division

A fast-moving armored division in the German army, crucial to their lightning warfare tactics.

Dunkirk

A coastal town in France known for the evacuation of Allied soldiers during WWII, marking a significant event in 1940.

Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact

An agreement between Germany and the Soviet Union in 1939, allowing both to invade Poland without conflict.

Operation Sea Lion

The code name for the planned German invasion of the United Kingdom during WWII.

Case White

The German invasion plan for Poland that began WWII on September 1, 1939.

Maginot Line

A French defensive line built to deter a German invasion, ultimately bypassed during WWII.

Fatal historical errors

Significant mistakes made in historical analysis, often leading to misunderstandings of events.

Mein Kampf

Hitler’s Manifesto. Lays out his plans for the future of the Nazi parties and identifies the Jews and Bolsheviks as enemies.

Case Yellow

Germany invades France

Kesselschlacht

Encirclement and a frontal attack, which would immobilize the enemy while forces on the flanks would execute a double envelopment.