World War II

Characteristics of Totalitarian State

• Single party dictatorship exerting control over all aspects of life

• Strong, charismatic leader, often at head of government

• State control of the economy

• Use of police, spies or terror to enforce the will of the state

• Government control over the media and propaganda

• Use of schools and youth organizations to spread ideology

• Strict censorship of artists, intellectuals, and political rivals

Which two economic policies mentioned in the text are credited for ending the depression in Germany?

Rearmament and massive public-works projects ended the depression in Germany. 

How did Japan’s military leaders justify their taking power after its peaceful, democratic 1920s?

Expansion across Asia and reshaping their military

In Japan’s quest for resources in mainland Asia, they attached ___ and established the puppet state of ___.

Manchuria, Manchukuo

Because of the brutality of Japanese soldiers in China’s capital the incident became known as the

Rape of Nanjing

How did Hitler directly violate the Treaty of Versailles from 1933 to 1936?

Hitler increased his army, navy, and air force against the Treaty of Versailles. He reclaimed the Saar region and sent German troops into the Rhineland as ignoring the League of Nations’ disapproval.

What reason is given for why France and Britain opted to appease Germany and its aggression rather than stand up to them?

Britain and France did not want to start another World War. They also believed that the Soviet Union was a greater threat than Hitler and the Nazis.

How did the policy of appeasing Hitler actually encourage aggression rather than end it?

By not having control over Hitler’s plans, he takes over Austria and the Sudetenland to add to his Reich. This leads to World War II.

Fascism

Right wing ideology that promoted nationalism and opposed socialism and communism

Joseph Stalin

Head of the communist party in the Soviet Union

Benito Mussolini

Fascist in Italy who controlled the government, took over the press, outlawed parties, and controlled youth groups

Adolf Hitler

Leader of the Nazi party and Germany. Extremely totalitarian, antisemitic, and ended the depression in his country.

Anti-Semitic

Prejudice against Jewish people

Appeasement

Policy which granted concessions to an enemy in hopes they maintain peace

Anschluss

Hitler took over countries (Austria, Sudentland) to this union

Munich Pact

Pact between Nazi Germany, UK, Italy, and France which allowed Hitler to annex regions.