Post-WWII Geopolitics and the Reorganization of the World Order

Vocabulary flashcards covering the emergence of post-World War II superpowers, war crime tribunals (Nuremberg and Tokyo), territorial shifts in Europe, and the reconstruction of Japan.

Total War (Guerre totale)

A form of conflict aimed at the bodily (physical) and ideological annihilation of the adversary state, which profoundly disrupted society during World War II.

Superpower (Superpuissance)

An exceptional power marked by global influence and visibility, a concept that emerged after World War II to describe the United States and the Soviet Union.

Post-WWII United States

A newly emerged superpower that experienced virtually zero material destruction on its homeland, accounted for roughly $50\%$ of the global economy, and brought Western Europe under its sphere of influence.

Purging of the Vanquished (Épuration des vaincus)

The post-war process resulting from settlement conferences that involved negotiating peace treaties, handling refugee and prisoner of war (PG) transfers, and organizing judicial trials to punish the defeated nations.

Nuremberg Trials (Procès de Nuremberg)

The first international judicial tribunal where seated judges from the four Allied powers tried leaders for crimes against peace, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

London Charter (Statut de Londres)

The legal statute used by the four Allied nations at the Nuremberg Trials to define and prosecute war crimes, crimes against peace, and crimes against humanity.

Four Allied Powers at Nuremberg

The four nations that designated judges to preside over the post-war trials: England, the United States, the Soviet Union (URSS), and France.

Post-WWII Territorial Expansion of the USSR

The territorial expansion whereby the Soviet Union annexed the Baltic states, portions of Poland, parts of Romania, Ruthenia, and Karelia.

European Border Displacements

The extensive redrawing of national borders at the conclusion of World War II that impacted and displaced approximately $30\text{ million}$ people across Europe.

General MacArthur

The senior United States military commander who led the occupation and oversaw the power reforms and drafting of the new constitution in post-war Japan.

Tokyo Trials (Procès de Tokyo)

Judicial trials held between $1946$ and $1948$ to try Japanese leaders for war crimes committed in the Far East.