World War II Vocabulary

Totalitarianism

A system of government where the state controls everything about people's lives.

Fascism

An extreme political system that emphasizes strong government power, nationalism, and strict social order.

Nazism

The beliefs and practices of the Nazi Party in Germany, focusing on extreme nationalism and racism against Jews.

Appeasement

A policy of giving in to demands from a country to avoid conflict or war.

Blitzkrieg

A fast and sudden military attack that combines air and ground forces to quickly defeat the enemy.

Genocide

The planned killing of a particular group of people based on their race, religion, or nationality.

Holocaust

The genocide of six million Jews and millions of others by the Nazi regime during World War II.

Concentration Camp

A place where large numbers of people are imprisoned without trial, often under horrible conditions.

Allies

Countries including the United States, United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union that fought against the Axis Powers in World War II.

Axis Powers

The alliance of Germany, Italy, and Japan during World War II that fought against the Allies.

Manhattan Project

A secret U.S. project during World War II to develop the first nuclear bombs.

Rationing

Limiting how much of certain goods people can buy to save resources during war.

D-Day

June 6, 1944, the day Allied forces launched a major invasion in France during World War II.

VE-Day

Victory in Europe Day, May 8, 1945, when the Allies declared victory over Nazi Germany.

Kamikaze

Japanese pilots who sacrificed themselves by crashing their planes into enemy targets during World War II

Nuremberg Trials

Trials held after World War II to judge and punish leaders of Nazi Germany for war crimes.

G.I. Bill of Rights

A law that gives benefits to World War II veterans, including help paying for education.

Internment Camps

Places where Japanese Americans were forced to live during World War II due to fears after the Pearl Harbor attack.

Woman's Auxiliary Army Corps

A unit created during World War II that allowed women to serve in support roles in the military.

War Production Board

A U.S. agency that managed the production of war supplies during World War II.