Unit 7.6 - Causes of World War II

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts that contributed to the causes and events leading to World War II.

Fascism

A political ideology that emerged in Italy characterized by extreme nationalism and authoritarianism, often centering on a dictatorial leader.

Nuremberg Laws

Anti-Jewish laws enacted in 1935 in Nazi Germany that stripped Jews of citizenship and forbade marriage between Jews and gentiles.

Lebensraum

The concept of 'living space' used by Adolf Hitler to justify the expansion of German territory.

Kristallnacht

The 'Night of the Broken Glass' on November 9-10, 1938, when anti-Jewish riots erupted throughout Germany, resulting in widespread violence against Jews.

Weimar Republic

The democratic government established in Germany after World War I, which faced numerous challenges and ultimately led to the rise of Hitler.

Treaty of Versailles

The peace treaty that ended World War I, imposing heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany.

Aryan Race

A concept promoted by Hitler, suggesting a racially superior group that he believed should dominate others.

Anti-Comintern Pact

An agreement between Germany and Japan to oppose the spread of communism.

Munich Agreement

The 1938 settlement permitting Nazi Germany's annexation of the Sudetenland in Czechoslovakia, exemplifying the policy of appeasement.

Anschluss

The political union of Austria and Germany in March 1938, which was a key step in Hitler’s expansionist agenda.

Adolf Hitler

Leader of the National Socialist German Workers' Party (Nazis) and Chancellor of Germany from 1933 to 1945, known for initiating World War II and implementing policies of genocide.

Neville Chamberlain

British Prime Minister from 1937 to 1940, known for his policy of appeasement towards Hitler, particularly before World War II.

Sudetenland

A region in Czechoslovakia that was primarily inhabited by ethnic Germans, which Hitler demanded and was granted during the Munich Agreement in 1938.

Danzig

A port city in Poland that was the subject of dispute between Germany and Poland before World War II, seen as a symbol of German nationalism.

Munich Agreement

The 1938 settlement between Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy, which permitted Nazi Germany's annexation of the Sudetenland.

Rome-Berlin Axis

The political and military alliance between Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany, established in the late 1930s.

Axis Powers

The coalition of nations led by Germany, Italy, and Japan during World War II.

German-Soviet Non Aggression Pact

A treaty signed in 1939 between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, in which both countries agreed to avoid military conflict against each other for the duration of the agreement.

Nazis

Members of the National Socialist German Workers' Party, which was led by Adolf Hitler and governed Germany from 1933 to 1945.

Reichstag

The German parliament during the Weimar Republic and later, a term used to describe the legislative body in Nazi Germany.

Third Reich

The Nazi regime in Germany from 1933 to 1945, characterized by totalitarianism, militarism, and the pursuit of racial purity.

Mein Kampf

An autobiographical manifesto written by Adolf Hitler, outlining his political ideology and plans for Germany's future.

scientific racism

The misuse of scientific theories and methodologies to justify racial superiority and discrimination.

anti-Semitism

Prejudice against, hatred of, or discrimination against Jews, which was a central aspect of Nazi ideology.

appeasement

A diplomatic policy aimed at avoiding war by making concessions to an aggressor, most notably employed by Western powers in the lead-up to World War II.