APUSH Chapter 6 - World War II

Totalitarianism

• The government controls EVERYTHING

  • They use the police to instill terror amongst the people

  • This ensures obedience

• They use propaganda to sway public opinion

• Certain information is restricted

• A single party or dictator suppresses all opposition

  • Seen through Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union (Stalin)

Mein Kampf

• Political manifesto (book) written by Hitler while he was in jail

• Served as the foundational text for the Nazi ideology

• Outlined Hitler’s radical worldviews

Hindenburg

• Paul von Hindenburg appointed Hitler as chancellor

  • Transitioned Germany from a democratic republic to a Nazi dictatorship

• He was the second president of the Weimar Republic

Reichstag Fire Decree

• This was a piece of emergency legislation that was passed by Hindenburg after the Reichstag building was burnt down

• It suspended civil liberties and allowed for arrests of political opponents

  • Secured the totalitarian control of Hitler

Enabling Act

• This was a piece of legislation that allowed Hitler’s cabinet to enact laws without the consent of the German parliament or president

• Allowed Hitler to consolidate his power and have a dictatorship

Third Reich

• This was the totalitarian Nazi regime in Germany led by Hitler

• Emerged from the collapse of the Weimar Republic

Fuhrer

• This was the title adopted by Hitler

  • Means “leader” or “guide”

• It signified his role as the absolute dictator

  • He took the roles of both president and chancellor

Swastika

• This was an ancient symbol that originally meant good luck or good fortune

  • It was commonly seen in India through Hinduism

• The Nazis used this symbol and changed its meaning to be that of Aryan supremacy

• Symbol of hatred, antisemitism, and the Holocaust

Night of the Long Knives

• This was a violent purge ordered by Hitler

• He had the SS and Gestapo execute over 150 members of the SA

• This was done to ensure the elimination of any political rivals

Fasces

• Ancient Roman symbol consisting of a bundle of wooden rods and an axe

• They have a central handle which represents unity and authority

• Mussolini used these symbols to represent his fascist movement in Italy

• Also represents the power to enforce law and order

SA & SS

• These were the paramilitary groups of the Nazi Party

• SA

  • They were the “Storm Troopers” but were often known as the “Brown Shirts”

  • They used violence, intimidation, and street brawling to disrupt the political meetings of opponents

    • Protect the Nazi party

• SS

  • They were the “Protection Squad” but were often known as the “Black Shirts”

  • They served as more of Hitler’s personal bodyguards

  • They took over from the SA and helped instrument a lot during the Holocaust

Gestapo

• This was the secret police force of Nazi Germany

• They operated outside judicial control to eliminate political opposition, enforce Nazi ideology, and orchestrate the Holocaust

Nuremberg Rallies

• These were massive, annual propaganda spectacles created by the Nazi Party

• They aimed to demonstrate the power, unity, and discipline of the Nazi regime

• Key propaganda tool for Hitler

1936 Berlin Olympics

• This became known as the “Nazi Olympics”

• It was held in Berlin, Germany

• The Nazi regime tried to hide its racist, antisemitic, and militaristic nature

• It was a propaganda tool to promote “Aryan supremacy”

Anschluss

• This was the annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany

• This represented Hitler’s expansionist policies and his desire to unify all German-speaking people

• This directly violated the Treaty of Versailles

Rhineland

• This was a region in Western Germany that had a lot of valuable resources

• Following the Treaty of Versailles it became a demilitarized zone to act as a buffer for France

• Hitler regaining the territory was a violation of the treaty and left many neighboring countries vulnerable

Munich Agreement

• This was a settlement that allowed Nazi Germany to annex the Sudetenland in exchange for a pledge of peace

  • Czechoslovakia was not included in the discussions for this agreement

• Hitler later violated this agreement by taking over all of Czechoslovakia

Appeasement

• This is the policy of making concessions to an aggressive power to avoid conflict

Non-Aggression Pact

• This was when Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union agreed not to attack each other and to remain neutral if the other was attacked

• This allowed Germany to take over other lands without Soviet interference

• Germany also turned on this pact when they invaded the Soviet Union

Blitzkrieg

• This was known as lightning warfare

• This was a German military strategy where they combined rapid air and ground forces

  • Created an overwhelming environment with many surprise attacks

Luftwaffe

• This was Hitler’s air force which was critical for the blitzkrieg attacks

• Violated the Treaty of Versailles which said Germany couldn’t have an air force

Battle of France

• This was the rapid German blitzkrieg invasion and conquest of France, Belgium, the Netherlands

• Led to the collapse of France and the British evacuation at Dunkirk

Miracle at Dunkirk

• This was the evacuation of Allied soldiers from the beaches and harbor of Dunkirk, France

• The troops were rescued from capture and annihilation by the German forces

Neutrality Acts

• This was a series of US laws that prevented entanglement in foreign wars

• What it did:

  • Imposed embargoes on arms sales and loans to belligerent nations

  • Restricted travel on ships of warring nations

  • Prohibited arming merchant vessels

• Aimed to avoid entering WWII

Cash & Carry

• This was a US policy that revised the Neutrality Acts

• This allowed Allied nations to purchase US war materials if they paid immediately in cash and transported the goods on their own ships

  • Aimed to support Britain and France while avoiding entanglement with Germany

• Marked a shift from isolation to interventionism

Lend-Lease

• This empowered FDR to sell, transfer, lend, or lease war materials to any nation that was vital to the defense of the US

• It ended US neutrality by providing billions of dollars to Allied powers against the Axis powers

Atlantic Charter

• This was a declaration by FDR and Winston Churchill outlining shared postwar goals

• It established principles of self-determination, no territorial expansion, free trade, and international cooperation

  • Foundation for the United Nations

Lebensraum

• Means living space in German

• This was an expansionist policy in Nazi Germany

  • It was the drive to conquer territory in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union to secure resources and land for the German race

• Hitler took over so many lands

Aryanism

• This was the racist ideology that claimed that the German race was physically, intellectually, and morally superior to all other races

  • Fueled antisemitism and the Holocaust

Operation Barbarossa

• This was the code name for Nazi Germany’s massive, surprise invasion of the Soviet Union

  • Hitler wanted to conquer their lands and gain their resources

• This violated the Non-Aggression Pact

• The Germans failed as they did not plan for the freezing temperatures in the Soviet Union

America First

• This was the isolationist movement led by the America First Committee to keep the US out of WWII

• It prioritized national security over foreign entanglements

• The movement disbanded after the attack on Pearl Harbor

Charles Lindberg

• He was an American aviator

• He was a cultural hero after doing a solo non-stop flight from NY to Paris

• He was a prominent isolationist voice for the US through the America First campaign

Rape of Nanjing

• This was a long period of mass killing, systematic rape, looting, and arson committed by the Japanese Army against the people of Nanjing, China

• Demonstrates the brutality and expansionist mentality of Japan

Japanese Oil Embargo

• This was an economic sanction against Japan, cutting off over 80% of their oil supply in response to Japanese expansion into French Indochina and China

• Japan had to choose between submission or seizing oil resources

  • Led to the attack on Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor

• This was the US naval base in Hawaii that was the target of a surprise military strike by the Japanese Navy

• It severely damaged the Pacific Fleet and killed thousands of Americans

  • Led to the end of US isolationism

  • US officially entered WWII

Winston Churchill

• British Prime Minister who led the US to victory in WWII

• He was part of the Big Three

• He signed the Atlantic Charter

The Big Three

• This is the allied leaders during WWII:

  • FDR (US)

  • Winston Churchill (Britain)

  • Joseph Stalin (USSR)

• They met at many conferences during and after the war

Executive Order #9066

• This was signed by FDR

• It allowed for the creation of military zones and the forced relocation of Japanese Americans into internment camps

  • Japanese were feared to be spies

FDR’s Four Freedoms

• In his State of the Union address FDR proposed four universal freedoms to justify US involvement in WWII

  • Freedom of speech

  • Freedom of worship

  • Freedom from want

  • Freedom from fear

• These ideas became symbols of American democratic ideals and human rights

Japanese Internment

• This was the forced relocation and incarceration of Japanese Americans, many of whom were citizens

• It was justified as a national security measure and supported by EO #9066

Korematsu v. US

• This was a Supreme Court case where the Court upheld the constitutionality of Executive Order 9066 which authorized the internment of Japanese Americans

• Fred Korematsu was trying to fight against this internment

Selective Service Act

• This authorized the federal government to draft men for military service

• Required men 21-35 to apply for the draft

• It marked a major shift from voluntary enlistment to organized mandatory, national registration

Rosie the Riveter

• This was a WWII propaganda symbol representing American women who entered the workforce to fill industrial jobs left by men fighting overseas

• It symbolized female strength and a shift in gender roles

Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps

• This was the first US Army unit allowing women to serve in non-combat roles, such as clerks, typists, mechanics, and nurses to free up men for combat

• Women gained full military status

Office on War Information

• This was a US federal agency created during WWII to centralize government propaganda and manage war-related news

• It aimed to boost morale, patriotism, and shape public opinion through media like radio, film, and posters

• Wanted to unite Americans behind the war efforts

Manhattan Project

• This was a secret research initiative to develop the first functional atomic weapons before Nazi Germany

• It was funded by the US and led by Oppenheimer

  • It was successful

War Productions Board

• This was a US government agency created by FDR to regulate the economy

• It allowed for the conversion of regular industries to produce war materials

• Manufactured munitions, airplanes, and tanks, while rationing crucial materials like rubber and metal

Trinity Test

• This was the first successful detonation of a nuclear weapon and it was tested in New Mexico

• This was part of the Manhattan Project and it led to the bombing of Japan

Robert Oppenheimer

• He was an American physicist who directed the Manhattan Project

• He was known as the father of the atomic bomb

Rationing at Home

• This was the government requiring a limitation of consumer goods and essential resources during wartime

• This made sure that enough supplies and resources were available for the military

Victory Gardens

• These were community vegetable gardens planted during wartime to conserve resources

• Promoted self-sufficiency

• Reduced pressure on public food systems

GI Bill

• This was a law providing WWII veterans with money for education, low-interest loans, and unemployment compensation

• Tried to ease their transition back to civilian life

• Aimed to prevent a post-war economic recession

African Campaign

• This was a major WWII theater where Allied forces fought Axis powers for control of North Africa, the Suez Canal, and oil fields

Operation Torch

• This was a battle in the African Campaign

• This was the 1st time the British and Americans worked on an invasion plan together

• They invaded North Africa through the sea to try and secure the region

• The Allied powers won (good guys —> US and UK)

Dwight Eisenhower

• He was a republican and the 34th president of the US

• During WWII he served as the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe

• He directed the successful planning and execution of Operation Overlord (D-Day)

Battle of Stalingrad

• This was the battle where the Soviets defeated the German Nazis

• It halted Germany’s advance into the Soviet Union

• Led to the demise of the Nazis and the victory of the Allied powers

Europe’s Soft Underbelly

• This was Winston Churchill’s strategic description of Italy and the Mediterranean region during World War II

• Italy was one of the weaker Axis powers so attacking and taking over them would lead to an opening for the other countries such as France

• Aimed to weaken Germany by attacking them on multiple fronts

Italian Campaign

• This was a series of Allied land operations to knock Italy out of the war

• Wanted to force Germany to divert their troops and open up a second front to relieve the pressure form the Soviet Union

• Led to the collapse of the fascist regime under Mussolini

D-Day

• This was the specific day when the Allies invaded Normandy, France from the seas

• Led to the liberation of France from German control

Operation Overlord

• This was the overall strategic plan for attacking Normandy

• Code name for the invasion (D-Day)

Battle of the Bulge

• This was the last major German offensive on the Western Front

• It was launched through the Ardennes forest in Belgium and Luxembourg

• It was a long costly battle for the US but they ultimately won

VE Day

• Victory in Europe Day

• This was the formal, unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany to Allied forces

  • Ended World War II in Europe

• Followed Hitler’s suicide

• Their was tons of public celebration

Harry Truman

• He was a democrat who guided the US from WWII to the Cold War following FDR’s death

• Led the attacks on Japan

• Implemented a containment policy to stop Soviet expansion

Battle of Coral Sea

• This was a naval battle in the Pacific Theater

  • Marked the first time opposing ships fought without direct visual contact

• Allied forces halted Japanese invasion of Port Moresby

Port Moresby

• This is the capital city of Papua New Guinea

• It served as a vital Allied military base and strategic objective in the Pacific Theater

• Helped protect Australia from Japanese invasion

Battle of Midway

• This was a pivotal naval battle in the Pacific Theater

• The US Navy defeated the Japanese Navy near Midway Atoll

• The Allies broke Japanese codes letting the US destroy four carriers which halted Japanese expansion

Leapfrogging Campaign

• This was the selective capture of strategic islands while bypassing heavily fortified Japanese locations

• This allowed the US to move closer to Japan while cutting supply lines, conserving resources, and minimizing casualties

Douglas MacArthur

• He was the general who led the leapfrogging campaign

• He accepted Japan’s surrender and oversaw postwar occupation of Japan

Battle of Iwo Jima

• This was where US Marines captured the island Iwo Jima to secure airfields for bombing raids

• Known for the iconic flag raising on Mount Suribachi

• Aimed to fight Japan without invading Japan (took nearby islands of theirs instead)

Kamikazes

• These were Japanese attack pilots who committed suicide by flying their planes into Allied forces

  • They would rather die for the cause than lose

• Reflected extreme desperation and cultural honor

Hiroshima & Nagasaki

• These were the cities that the US dropped atomic bombs on

• Forced the unconditional surrender of the Japanese

• This introduced nuclear warfare and began the Cold War

Fat Man & Little Boy

• These were the code names for the two atomic bombs developed by the US Manhattan Project and used against Japan

• Fat Man was dropped on Nagasaki

• Little Boy was dropped on Hiroshima

Enola Gay

• This was the bomber plane that dropped the world’s first atomic bomb

• It dropped the bomb Little Boy on Hiroshima

St. Louis

• This was a German ocean liner carrying hundreds of Jewish refugees that got turned down by the US and was forced back to Germany

• Many of the people on it later died in the Holocaust

War Refugee Board

• This was a US government agency

• Aimed to provide rescue and relief to civilians, particularly Jews, facing persecution by Nazi Germany

• Created due to pressure to act against the Holocaust

Double V Campaign

• This was an African American initiative to fight for a double victory

• They wanted victory against fascism abroad and racism at home

Tuskegee Airmen

• This was the first group of African American pilots in the US Army

• This segregated unit overcame racist stereotypes

Zoot Suit Riots

• This was a series of violent, racially charged attacks in Los Angeles where white US servicemen attacked Mexican American youths who wore Zoot Suits

Bracero Program

• This was an agreement between the US and Mexico that authorized millions of Mexican men to work legally on short-term labor contracts

  • Worked on farms and railroads

  • Helped address wartime labor shortages

• Many of the workers faced exploitation and poor working conditions

Policy of Appeasement

• This was a diplomatic strategy that aimed at avoiding war by making territorial and political concessions to aggressive, expansionist powers such as Nazi Germany

What was the symbolic significance of the “fasces” and what characteristics are associated with a fascism?

The fasces—a bundle of wooden rods bound together around an axe—symbolized strength through unity in ancient Rome, showing that many rods together are stronger than one alone, and the axe represented state power and authority. Fascism adopted this symbol to emphasize the supremacy of the state over the individual. Fascism is associated with extreme nationalism, a strong centralized government led by an authoritarian leader, suppression of political opposition, control of the media, militarism, and the belief that the nation’s unity and strength matter more than individual rights.

How did the financial strain caused by the Great Depression contribute to the rise of Nazism in Germany?

The Great Depression caused massive unemployment, poverty, and economic instability in Germany, which weakened faith in the democratic Weimar Republic. Many Germans blamed the government and the Treaty of Versailles for their hardships, creating anger and desperation. The Nazi Party exploited this financial crisis by promising jobs, economic recovery, and national renewal, making Adolf Hitler and Nazism appealing to people seeking stability, scapegoats, and strong leadership during a time of severe economic distress.

How did Hitler use the Reichstag Fire Decree and the Enabling Act to strengthen his political power?

Hitler used the Reichstag Fire Decree to suspend civil liberties such as freedom of speech, press, and assembly, allowing the Nazis to arrest political opponents, especially Communists. He then used the Enabling Act to legally give himself the power to make laws without the Reichstag’s approval, effectively dismantling democracy. Together, these measures eliminated opposition and transformed Hitler’s role from chancellor into a dictator with total control over Germany.

How did Hitler propagandize the nuremburg Rallies and the 1936 Berlin Olympics to legitimize his power?

Hitler used the Nuremberg Rallies and the 1936 Berlin Olympics as massive propaganda events to legitimize his power by showcasing unity, strength, and loyalty to the Nazi regime. The rallies used choreographed marches, symbols, and speeches to glorify Hitler as Germany’s leader and promote Nazi ideology, while the Olympics presented Germany as peaceful, modern, and powerful to the international community. Together, these events helped normalize Nazi rule at home and improve Germany’s image abroad.

What were the different ways that Hitler and Mussolini violated the Treaty of Versailles in the 1930s?

In the 1930s, Hitler openly violated the Treaty of Versailles by rebuilding Germany’s military, introducing conscription, remilitarizing the Rhineland, and later annexing Austria and parts of Czechoslovakia. Mussolini, while not bound by Versailles in the same way, undermined the postwar international order it created by pursuing aggressive expansion, most notably invading Ethiopia in 1935. Both dictators challenged the treaty’s limits through militarism and territorial expansion, weakening collective security in Europe.

What occurred during the Night of the Long Knives and why did Hitler murder members of the SA?

The Night of the Long Knives, which took place in 1934, was a violent purge in which Hitler ordered the murder of leaders of the SA and other political opponents. Hitler targeted the SA because its leader, Ernst Röhm, and his followers were demanding more power and threatening the support of the German army and conservative elites. By eliminating the SA leadership, Hitler removed a potential challenge to his authority and secured the loyalty of the military, strengthening his control over Germany.

How did the Allies demonstrate a policy of appeasement during the Munich Crisis?

During the Munich Crisis of 1938, the Allies demonstrated appeasement by allowing Hitler to annex the Sudetenland from Czechoslovakia without resistance. Britain and France believed that conceding to Hitler’s demands would prevent another major war, so they negotiated the Munich Agreement instead of defending Czechoslovakia. This decision showed their willingness to give in to aggression in hopes of maintaining peace.

What did the Nonaggression Pact signed between Germany and the Soviet Union call for?

The Nonaggression Pact signed in 1939 between Germany and the Soviet Union called for both nations to avoid military conflict with each other and remain neutral if the other went to war. It also included a secret agreement to divide Eastern Europe, particularly Poland, into German and Soviet spheres of influence. This pact allowed Hitler to invade Poland without fear of Soviet opposition and helped set the stage for World War II.

How did Hitler’s “blitzkrieg” tactics and use of his Luftwaffe compare to Germany’s tactics during WWI?

Hitler’s blitzkrieg tactics relied on speed, coordination, and surprise, using tanks, motorized infantry, and the Luftwaffe to quickly overwhelm enemies, which contrasted sharply with Germany’s WWI tactics of slow-moving trench warfare. In World War I, battles were characterized by stalemates, long attrition, and limited mobility, while in World War II the Luftwaffe provided close air support to break enemy defenses rapidly. This new approach allowed Germany to achieve quick victories early in the war.

What was militarily significant about hitler’s acquisition of Denmark and Norway?

Hitler’s acquisition of Denmark and Norway in 1940 was militarily significant because it secured Germany’s access to strategic ports and naval routes in the North Sea, protected shipments of Swedish iron ore vital for the German war industry, and prevented the Allies from establishing bases that could threaten Germany’s northern flank. Controlling these countries also allowed Germany to strengthen its position in Scandinavia and dominate the surrounding seas.

How was Hitler’s failed attack on Great Britain seen as a major turning point during WWII?

Hitler’s failed attack on Great Britain, known as the Battle of Britain in 1940, was a major turning point because it was the first significant defeat for Germany and showed that Hitler’s forces were not invincible. The Royal Air Force successfully defended the skies, preventing a German invasion, boosting Allied morale, and giving Britain a base from which to continue resisting Nazi expansion. This failure forced Germany to shift its focus to the Eastern Front, ultimately stretching its resources and weakening its overall war effort.

What motivated Hitler’s invasion of the USSR and how did this factor into the concept of “Lebensraum?”

Hitler’s invasion of the USSR in 1941, called Operation Barbarossa, was motivated by his desire to destroy communism, defeat a major rival, and gain territory for German expansion. This goal was tied to his concept of “Lebensraum,” or living space, which argued that Germans needed more land in Eastern Europe to settle, farm, and secure resources for the growing population. By invading the Soviet Union, Hitler aimed to achieve both ideological goals and practical territorial gains for Germany.

Why is Operation Barbarossa oftentimes seen as a mistake and what unexpected challenges did Hitler face?

Operation Barbarossa is often seen as a mistake because it opened a massive Eastern Front that stretched German forces too thin. Hitler faced unexpected challenges including the harsh Russian winter, fierce Soviet resistance, and vast distances that made supply lines difficult to maintain. These factors, combined with underestimating the Soviet military’s ability to regroup, led to heavy German losses and ultimately contributed to the failure of his campaign in the East.

What evidence is there that the US government informally participated in WWII despite their “neutrality"?

Even before officially entering World War II, the US government participated informally by providing material support to the Allies. Programs like Lend-Lease allowed the US to send weapons, supplies, and food to Britain and later the Soviet Union, while the Navy escorted convoys and engaged German submarines in the Atlantic. These actions showed that the US was supporting the Allied cause despite maintaining a public stance of neutrality.

What was the America First Committee and how did Pearl Harbor alter the America’s view on isolationism?

The America First Committee was a group of Americans who strongly opposed US involvement in World War II, advocating for isolationism and focusing on defending the Western Hemisphere rather than fighting abroad. The attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 dramatically changed public opinion, as the direct assault on US territory made isolationism seem impossible. This event united Americans behind entering the war and fully supporting military action against the Axis powers.

What was Japan’s motivation during the attacks on Pearl Harbor?

Japan’s motivation for attacking Pearl Harbor in 1941 was to cripple the US Pacific Fleet, preventing American interference in Japan’s expansion across Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Japan sought access to natural resources like oil, rubber, and metals, which were vital for its war effort, and believed a surprise attack would give it time to secure territory and establish dominance before the US could respond. The attack was intended to weaken American power and ensure Japan’s regional ambitions.

How were internment camps used to detain Japanese Americans during the Second World War?

During World War II, internment camps were used to forcibly detain Japanese Americans, many of whom were US citizens, out of fear that they might support Japan. Families were removed from their homes, often losing property and businesses, and sent to remote, guarded camps under harsh conditions. These camps were justified by the government as a national security measure, but they reflected widespread prejudice and suspicion rather than evidence of actual disloyalty.

What was the Supreme Court’s verdict on their implementation in the case Korematsu v. US?

In Korematsu v. US (1944), the Supreme Court upheld the government’s internment of Japanese Americans as constitutional, ruling that the need to protect national security during wartime outweighed individual rights. The Court accepted the government’s argument that the internment was a military necessity, though the decision has since been widely criticized as a violation of civil liberties and racial discrimination.

What was the OWI and how did its efforts attempt to shape American perspectives at home?

The Office of War Information (OWI), created during World War II, was responsible for promoting patriotism and supporting the war effort through propaganda. It used posters, films, radio broadcasts, and other media to encourage Americans to conserve resources, buy war bonds, enlist, and support national unity. By shaping public opinion, the OWI aimed to maintain morale, foster a sense of duty, and create widespread backing for the government’s war policies.

What impact did the WWII have on the American economy?

World War II had a major impact on the American economy by ending the Great Depression and creating a boom in industrial production. Factories shifted to producing weapons, vehicles, and other wartime goods, which generated millions of jobs and led to full employment. The war also stimulated technological innovation, increased government spending, and expanded the labor force, including greater participation by women and minorities, transforming the economy into a powerful wartime engine.