WW2

Adolf Hitler

Leader of Nazi Germany who rose to power in 1933, declaring himself Fuhrer and initiating World War II.

Nazi Party

Political party led by Adolf Hitler that promoted fascism, nationalism, and anti-Semitism.

Joseph Stalin

Leader of the Soviet Union who became a dictator after Lenin's death, known for his totalitarian regime.

Communist Regime

Political system under Stalin in the Soviet Union, focusing on state control of the economy and society.

Benito Mussolini

Italian dictator and leader of the Fascist Party, known for his efforts to revive Italy's greatness.

Fascist Party

Political party led by Mussolini that emphasized nationalism and authoritarian rule in Italy.

Treaty of Versailles

Peace treaty that ended World War I and imposed harsh conditions on Germany.

Blitzkrieg

'Lightning war' tactic used by Germany, characterized by fast, coordinated attacks.

Allies

Coalition including Britain, France, the Soviet Union, and later the United States (1941)during World War II.

Axis Powers

Alliance of Germany, Italy, and Japan during World War II.

Rationing

Government policy limiting the amount of certain goods that people could buy during wartime.

Holocaust

Systematic genocide of approximately 6 million Jews by the Nazi regime from 1941 to 1945.

Propaganda

Information, often misleading, used to promote a political cause or point of view.

Total War

Conflict where all of society's resources and efforts are directed towards the war effort.

War Guilt Clause

Part of the Treaty of Versailles that held Germany responsible for starting World War I.

Reparations

Payments imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles to compensate the Allied nations.

Enemy Aliens

Individuals from countries deemed hostile during the war, often subjected to internment.

Dunkirk Evacuation

The rescue operation of Allied troops from Dunkirk, France in 1940.

Operation Barbarossa

Nazi Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941.

VJ Day

Victory over Japan Day, marking the end of World War II after Japan's surrender.

Conscription Crisis

Debate in Canada over the mandatory enlistment of soldiers during World War II.

Fall of France

Rapid defeat of French forces by Germany in 1940, leading to occupation.

Battle of Britain

Air battle where Britain successfully defended against German bombardment in 1940.

Soviet Union

Comprised of multiple republics, it was under the rule of Joseph Stalin during World War II.

Military Restriction

Limitation placed on the German military after World War I, outlined in the Treaty of Versailles.

Territorial Losses

Areas lost by Germany after World War I, including Alsace-Lorraine.

Economic Recovery

Germany's promise to rebuild its economy under Hitler's regime.

Japanese Canadians

Japanese individuals living in Canada who faced internment during World War II.

Atomic Bombs

Nuclear weapons dropped by the U.S. on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 to end the war.

Famine and Purges

Widespread death and repression under Stalin's rule aimed at consolidating power.

September 1, 1939

Date of Germany's invasion of Poland, marking the start of World War II.

Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact

Non-aggression treaty between Germany and the Soviet Union prior to the invasion of Poland.

Canada’s War Entry

Canada entered World War II on September 10, 1939, supporting Britain.

World War II Timeline

Global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving many nations.

Military Control

Absolute governance over military forces exercised by dictators during the era.

January 1941

Month when the United States officially entered World War II, following the attack on Pearl Harbor.