History Lecture Review: Interwar Period and World War II

These flashcards review key concepts and events from the interwar period and World War II based on lecture notes.

What was the main purpose of the Versailles Treaty signed in 1919?

To create lasting peace after World War I.

What country was primarily held responsible for World War I by the Versailles Treaty?

Germany.

What was a positive outcome of the Versailles Treaty?

It marked the end of World War I and established the League of Nations.

What was one negative consequence of the Versailles Treaty for Germany?

It imposed heavy reparations leading to economic and social problems.

How did the Versailles Treaty contribute to the rise of Nazism?

It created resentment over reparations and territorial losses, fostering desires for revenge.

What was a significant military action taken by Germany in violation of the Versailles Treaty in 1935?

The introduction of conscription.

What area did Germany occupy in 1936, which was supposed to be demilitarized according to the Versailles Treaty?

The Rhineland.

What was the Munich Agreement of 1938?

An agreement that allowed Germany's annexation of Sudetenland from Czechoslovakia.

What ideologies were characterized by totalitarian traits during the interwar period?

Communism and Nazism.

How did communism aim to change society?

By abolishing class differences to create a classless society.

What key belief was central to Nazism?

The superiority of the 'Aryan race'.

What was one impact of communism on women in Soviet Union?

It promoted gender equality and encouraged women's participation in the workforce.

What event marked the beginning of World War II?

The invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939.

What was 'Blitzkrieg'?

A fast and aggressive military tactic used by Germany in World War II.

What was Operation Barbarossa?

The code name for Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941.

What was a critical turning point in the Eastern Front during World War II?

The Battle of Stalingrad.

What significant event occurred on June 6, 1944?

D-Day, the Allied invasion of Normandy.

What was the result of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki?

Japan's capitulation, effectively ending World War II in the Pacific.

What was the Holocaust?

The systematic extermination of six million Jews and other minorities by the Nazi regime.

How does the Holocaust relate to human rights issues?

It reflects the consequences of ideological racism and the violation of fundamental human rights.

What does the Holocaust indicate about societal responsibility?

It raises questions on collective guilt and the role of individuals and society in preventing atrocities.

What major shift occurred in global politics after the Cold War?

New tensions arose between Russia and Western countries.

What economic differences persist between Eastern and Western Europe?

Eastern European countries experience economic disparities compared to Western counterparts.

How does technology influence the current East-West divide?

It has facilitated collaboration, but global challenges require a united effort.

What long-term outcomes did the Soviet Union’s collectivization policies have?

It led to famine and significant suffering among the population.

What was the significance of the Battle of Britain?

It marked the first failure of Germany to achieve air superiority.

How did Italy and Japan react to the Versailles Treaty?

Both felt dissatisfied and marginalized, leading to future conflicts.

What are the implications of discussing the East-West divide today?

It remains relevant due to ongoing geopolitical tensions, requiring nuanced understanding.

What does the phrase 'Lebensraum' refer to?

The Nazi ideology of needing living space for the 'Aryan' people.

What did the Nuremberg Laws signify in Nazi Germany?

A set of antisemitic laws that institutionalized discrimination against Jews.

What were the consequences of the Soviet-German Pact of 1939?

It allowed for the division of Poland and showed the temporary alliance between the two regimes.