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Treaty of Versailles

The 1919 treaty that ended World War I, imposing harsh reparations and territorial losses on Germany, contributing to the rise of nationalism and WWII.

Blitzkrieg

A military strategy used by Germany during WWII, characterized by fast, coordinated attacks involving infantry, tanks, and air strikes.

Lend-Lease Act

A 1941 law permitting the U.S. to supply military aid to Allied nations, effectively abandoning its policy of neutrality during WWII. This aid included military equipment, food, and other resources, primarily to Britain and the Soviet Union, to support their fight against the Axis powers.

Marshall Plan

U.S. economic aid program initiated in 1948 aimed at rebuilding Western European economies post-WWII to limit Soviet influence. It provided substantial financial and technical assistance to help these countries recover from the war's devastation and resist communist expansion.

Iron Curtain

A term coined by Winston Churchill to describe the division between Soviet-controlled Eastern Europe and the West during the Cold War. Symbolized the ideological and physical boundary separating the communist and capitalist blocs.

Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD)

A doctrine during the Cold War where both the U.S. and USSR built nuclear arsenals to deter direct conflict. The idea was that any nuclear attack by one superpower would inevitably result in retaliation and mutual destruction, thus preventing either side from initiating a nuclear war.

Perestroika

An economic reform initiated by Gorbachev in the USSR intended to restructure the economy towards a more market-oriented approach. Aimed to decentralize economic decision-making, introduce elements of free-market economics, and improve efficiency.

Glasnost

A policy introduced by Gorbachev in the USSR promoting openness and allowing political debate. Sought to increase transparency and freedom of expression within the Soviet Union, encouraging public discussion and criticism of government policies.

Dissolution of the USSR

The process that led to the disbanding of the Soviet Union in 1991, resulting in the emergence of independent nations.