WWI and WWII Key Concepts: Militarism, Alliances, and Impact

What is militarism?

The belief or desire of a government or people that a country should maintain a strong military capability and be prepared to use it aggressively.

Define alliances in the context of WWI.

A formal political, military, or economic agreement between two or more nations.

What does nationalism refer to?

Extreme pride in one's country, especially in exclusion of the interests of other nations.

What is imperialism?

A country exerting its political, economic, or cultural authority beyond its own borders.

What does assassination mean in a political context?

The murder of an important person for political purposes.

What was the public opinion on the war during WWI?

Divided, with opposition from groups like Socialists, Anarchists, Unionists, and Christian Pacifists.

What was the Committee on Public Information?

A propaganda organization established by Wilson to galvanize public support for the war.

What was the War Industry Board's role?

To regulate prices, manufacturing, and transport during WWI.

How did wartime labor change during WWI?

With immigrant labor cut off, positions were filled by Black labor and women in various jobs.

What was the Espionage Act of 1917?

An act that made it illegal to oppose the war or use disloyal language about the U.S. government.

What was the Sedition Act of 1918?

An act that aimed to suppress dissent against the war, targeting immigrants, radicals, and labor unions.

What was the Bonus Army?

A protest by WWI veterans demanding early payment of bonuses promised to them.

What was the Dust Bowl?

An ecological disaster during the Great Depression characterized by severe drought in the southwestern Great Plains.

What were the main causes of WWII?

Treaty of Versailles, growing Nazi threat, Japanese imperialism, and the Great Depression.

What were the consequences of the Treaty of Versailles?

Created resentment in Germany due to reparations, demilitarization, and blame.

What was the Munich Agreement of 1938?

An agreement allowing German annexation of Sudetenland, made by Britain, Italy, and France under threat.

What event led to the U.S. entering WWII?

The bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

What was the impact of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki?

Tens of thousands killed, high cancer rates, and birth defects, leading to Japan's surrender.

How did the U.S. respond to Japanese expansion before WWII?

By dissolving trade treaties and cutting off supplies of vital goods to Japan.

What was the significance of Hoovervilles during the Great Depression?

Homeless shanty towns that symbolized the economic struggles and discontent with Hoover's policies.

What was the role of women in the workforce during WWI?

Women took on roles such as bank tellers, streetcar operators, and heavy manufacturing jobs.

What was anti-German hysteria during WWI?

Suspicion and hostility towards German immigrants, leading to laws criminalizing 'unpatriotic' activities.