Causes of WWII

Flashcards about the causes of World War II

What were the key weaknesses and failures of the League of Nations?

The USA not joining, failure to stop Japan invading Manchuria, and failure to stop Italy invading Abyssinia.

What were the consequences of the Great Depression?

Millions lost jobs and savings, many became homeless, Germany was struggling, and 6 million Germans were unemployed.

What did the Nazis promise the German people?

Promised to give people work, get rid of the Treaty of Versailles, and make Germany strong again.

What were the main terms of the Treaty of Versailles that caused anger in Germany?

Germany was blamed for WW1, forced to pay reparations, reduce military, and give up territory.

What is appeasement policy and how did it contribute to the start of WWII?

France and Britain's policy of giving into Hitler's demands to avoid war. Examples include not stopping Germany's remilitarization of the Rhineland, the Anschluss with Austria and the takeover of Czechoslovakia.

What event triggered the start of World War II?

Germany invaded Poland from the west, prompting Britain and France to declare war on Germany, marking the start of World War II.

What is the Treaty of Versailles?

The peace agreement at the end of the First World War.

What is the League of Nations?

Organisation set up to keep world peace after the First World War.

What is the Great Depression?

A worldwide economic disaster that began in the U.S.

Who were the Nazis?

A political party in Germany that promised to make Germany strong and hated Jewish people.

Who was Hitler?

Leader of the Nazi Party.

What is democracy?

When the people of a country can vote for their political leaders.

What is a dictatorship?

When one political party or person controls a country.

What is appeasement?

Accepting demands in order to avoid conflict.