Untitled Flashcards Set

Russian Revolution

A series of events that led to the overthrow of the czarist regime and the establishment of a communist government.

1905 Revolution

An uprising in Russia resulting in limited reforms and the establishment of the Duma.

Duma

A legislative assembly in the Russian Empire, created after the 1905 Revolution.

Pendulum of Russian History

Refers to the shifts in Russian leadership and policies under czars Alexander II, III, and Nicholas II.

Late Industrialization of Russia

The late development of industry in Russia, leading to economic unrest and contributing to the Revolution.

Impact of WW1 on Russia

World War I worsened economic hardships and discontent, ultimately leading to the Russian Revolution.

Two Revolutions of 1917

The February Revolution, which led to the abdication of the czar, and the October Revolution, which established Bolshevik rule.

Kerensky Government

A provisional government set up by Aleksandr Kerensky after the abdication of Nicholas II.

Brest-Litovsk Treaty

A peace treaty signed in 1918 between the Bolshevik government and the Central Powers, ending Russia's involvement in WW1.

Mensheviks vs Bolsheviks

Two factions within the Russian socialist movement; Mensheviks were more moderate, while Bolsheviks were radical.

Nationalism

A strong, patriotic feeling emphasizing national pride and unity.

Alsace Lorraine

A territory whose annexation by Germany contributed to rising nationalist tensions in Europe before WW1.

War Plans as a Cause of WW1

Military strategies that emphasized offensive maneuvers, creating a sense of inevitability for conflict.

July Crisis

The diplomatic crisis following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand which escalated into WW1.

Belgium’s Role in WW1

Germany's invasion of neutral Belgium prompted widespread international condemnation and was a catalyst for Britain entering the war.

Triple Entente vs Triple Alliance

The Triple Entente consisted of France, Russia, and Britain; the Triple Alliance included Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.

Moroccan Crisis

A diplomatic dispute that increased tensions between Germany and the Entente powers prior to WW1.

Kaiser Wilhelm’s Weltpolitik

The aggressive foreign policy of Germany aiming at global dominance, creating tensions leading up to WW1.

Bosnia and the Assassination

The annexation of Bosnia and the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand were key triggers for the outbreak of WW1.

Total War

A conflict in which countries mobilize all available resources and populations to achieve victory.

Attrition

A military strategy aiming to wear down the enemy to reduce their strength over time.

Lions Led by Donkeys

A phrase reflecting the perceived disconnect between military leaders and the soldiers during WW1.

Trench Warfare

A type of combat characterized by defensive fighting from fortified positions, primarily used in WW1.

End of WW1

Resulted from a combination of military defeats for the Central Powers and widespread exhaustion from the war.

Treaty of Versailles

The peace treaty that ended WW1, imposing heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany.

Territory Lost (Versailles Treaty)

Germany lost significant territories, including Alsace-Lorraine and parts of Poland.

Economic Losses (Versailles Treaty)

Germany was required to pay reparations that severely hindered its economy.

Military Restrictions (Versailles Treaty)

Limitations placed on the German military, including troop reductions and demilitarization of specific regions.

Blame (Versailles Treaty)

Article 231 of the treaty allocated sole blame for the war to Germany.

Fascism

A political ideology that values nationalism and authoritarianism and opposes communism and liberal democracy.

Connection between Fascism and Warfare

Fascism often employs military conflict to unify the nation and exert power.

Nazis in the 1920s

The Nazi Party faced struggles but later rose to prominence amid the economic turmoil of the Weimar Republic.

Hitler’s Rise to Power

Hitler's ascension involved political maneuvering and exploiting economic and social discontent.

Civil War in Russia

Fought between the Red Army (Bolsheviks) and White Army (anti-Bolsheviks) following the Revolution.

Ordinary People’s Lives Post-Revolution

The revolution brought improvements in education and health care for some, but also harsh repression.

Soviet Government Organization

The government was organized as a one-party state directed by the Communist Party.

Kulaks

Wealthy peasants targeted during collectivization because they were seen as enemies of the state.

Economic Changes under Stalin

Included rapid industrialization and collectivization of agriculture, often causing widespread hardship.

Great Terror and Purges

Stalin's campaign to eliminate dissent and consolidate power, resulting in mass arrests and executions.

Trotsky's Criticism of Stalin

Trotsky criticized Stalin for abandoning revolutionary principles and engaging in bureaucratic control.

Nazi-Soviet Pact of 1939

An agreement between Stalin and Hitler, allowing for territorial expansion and mutual non-aggression.

Nuremberg Laws

Racist laws enacted in Nazi Germany to disenfranchise and segregate Jews.

Ghettos

Confined urban areas established to isolate Jewish populations during the Holocaust.

Einsatzgruppen

Nazi mobile killing units responsible for mass shootings of Jews during the Holocaust.

Collaboration with Nazis

Some populations cooperated with Nazis out of fear, opportunism, or ideological alignment.

Appeasement

The policy of conceding to aggressive demands to maintain peace, notably used towards Hitler.

Abysinnian Crisis of 1935

Italy's invasion of Ethiopia, demonstrating the failure of appeasement by the League of Nations.

Czech Crisis

The 1938 crisis over Czechoslovakia that highlighted the ineffectiveness of appeasement against Hitler.

Nazi-Soviet Pact’s Impact on WW2

The non-aggression pact enabled Hitler to invade Poland without fear of Soviet intervention, leading to WW2.