WWII Study Set: Rise of Dictators & Ideologies

This set explores the rise of totalitarian regimes, the road to World War II, major military campaigns, the U.S. home front, and the events leading to the end of the conflict.

What is totalitarianism?

A government that has complete control over citizens and limits all freedoms.

What is fascism?

A political system with strong nationalism, a powerful leader, and limited individual freedoms.

Who was Joseph Stalin?

Leader of the Soviet Union who created a totalitarian state and used five-year plans.

Who was Benito Mussolini?

Italian dictator who created fascism and ruled as ‐Il Duce. ‐

Who was Adolf Hitler?

Leader of Nazi Germany who started WWII through dictatorship, racism, and expansion.

What is Nazism?

Hitler’s ideology based on fascism, racism, and expansion of territory.

What is lebensraum?

Nazi policy of expanding territory for ‐living space. ‐

What is appeasement?

Giving in to demands to avoid war.

Who was Winston Churchill?

British leader who opposed appeasement and warned about Hitler.

What was blitzkrieg?

Fast German attack using tanks and air power.

What was the League of Nations?

Organization created after WWI that failed to stop aggression.

What were the Axis Powers?

Germany, Italy, and Japan.

What were the Allies?

United States, Britain, and the Soviet Union.

What is isolationism?

Policy of staying out of foreign conflicts.

What were the Neutrality Acts?

Laws that limited U.S. involvement in foreign wars.

What was the Lend-Lease Act?

U.S. program that sent weapons to Allies before entering WWII.

What was Pearl Harbor?

Japanese attack on the U.S. in $1941$ that led America into WWII.

Why did Japan attack Pearl Harbor?

To weaken the U.S. and expand its empire in the Pacific.

Who was Dwight D. Eisenhower?

U.S. general who led Allied forces in Europe and planned D-Day.

What was D-Day?

Allied invasion of Normandy on June $6$, $1944$.

What was the island hopping strategy?

Capturing key islands in the Pacific to move closer to Japan.

What was the Battle of Iwo Jima?

Very bloody battle that gave the U.S. a key airbase.

What was the Battle of Leyte Gulf?

Major naval victory that weakened Japan’s navy.

What was rationing?

Limiting goods so soldiers had enough supplies.

What was the Manhattan Project?

Secret program that developed the atomic bomb.

What was the Double V Campaign?

Fight for victory against fascism abroad and racism at home.

What were braceros?

Mexican workers brought to the U.S. for farm labor.

What were internment camps?

Camps where Japanese Americans were forced to live during WWII.

What was Korematsu v. United States?

Supreme Court case that upheld Japanese internment.

Why did Truman use atomic bombs?

To end the war quickly and avoid a costly invasion.

What was Hiroshima?

Japanese city where the first atomic bomb was dropped.

What was the GI Bill of Rights?

Law giving WWII veterans education, housing, and job benefits.