WW2 history study guide

Fascism

A single-party, totalitarian government that is not communist.

Founders of Fascism

Mussolini is considered the founder of fascism.

How did Mussolini rise to power?

He was invited by the king to become the prime minister in Italy.

Common features of pre-WWII Russia, Italy, and Germany

A single-party dictatorship, state control of the economy, use of police/terror to enforce state will, strict censorship, unquestioned obedience to a leader, use of schools/media for brainwashing.

Lenin's NEP

Allowed for some capitalism in communist Russia.

Joseph Stalin's rise to power

He placed allies in positions within the communist party.

Why did the 5 Year Plan fail?

It was too much communism implemented too quickly.

Command economy

An economic system where all decisions are made by the government, including control over farms, factories, and transportation.

Gulags

Labor camps in the Soviet Union from the 1930s to 1950s where 2-17 million people died.

Weimer Republic

The government that took over in Germany at the end of WWI.

Hyperinflation

Makes money almost worthless and prices surge to extremely high levels.

Beer Hall Putsch significance

Hitler was arrested and sentenced to 5 years in jail where he wrote Mein Kampf.

Stab-in-the-back myth

A belief that contributed to Hitler's and others' hatred for the Jews.

Nuremberg Laws

Laws that led to many talented Jews, including Einstein, leaving Germany.

Night of Broken Glass

An event in which a German boy shot a German diplomat, leading to acts of violence against Jews, including the destruction of businesses and synagogues.

Propaganda

Information, especially biased or misleading, used to promote a particular political cause or point of view.

Totalitarianism

A political system where the state holds total authority over the society and seeks to control all aspects of public and private life.

Authoritarianism

A governance model characterized by strong central power and limited political freedoms.

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.

Nazi Party

A far-right political party in Germany led by Adolf Hitler, known for its fascist policies and the implementation of the Holocaust.

Fascist Propaganda

Strategies employed by fascist regimes to manipulate information and control society's beliefs and behaviors.

Anti-Semitism

Prejudice against, hatred of, or discrimination against Jews.

Lebensraum

German for 'living space', a concept used by Nazis to justify expansion into Eastern Europe.

führer

A German word meaning 'leader', specifically used by Hitler in describing his role.

Axis Powers

The coalition led by Germany, Italy, and Japan during World War II, opposing the Allied powers.