World War I and Interwar Period Flashcards

Flashcards reviewing the causes, effects, and key events of World War I and the interwar period.

What were the major effects of World War I?

The collapse of the Ottoman Empire, widespread economic hardship in Europe, a shift in the global economic balance with the US emerging as a leader, and the rise of extremist ideologies.

What was the significance and impact of the Treaty of Versailles?

The Treaty of Versailles imposed harsh terms on Germany, contributing to the rise of Adolf Hitler and ultimately World War II.

What does the acronym 'BRAT' stand for in relation to the Treaty of Versailles?

Blame, Reparations, Arms reduction, and Territory loss.

What historical event fueled France's anger towards Germany post-World War I?

France harbored anger towards Germany due to the humiliation faced during the Franco-Prussian War.

What immense challenges did Germany face following World War I?

Crippling economic problems, political instability, social upheaval, hyperinflation, widespread unemployment, and the rise of extremist political parties.

What factors contributed to the failure of the League of Nations and the eventual outbreak of World War II?

Economic depression, renewed nationalism, weakened successor states, and feelings of humiliation.

What were the consequences of Russia's involvement in World War I?

Millions of casualties, economic collapse, and the exposure of the Tsarist regime's incompetence.

What groups opposed the Tsarist regime in Russia during World War I?

The Tsarist regime faced increasing resistance from socialist parties, liberals, and revolutionaries.

What action did Tsar Nicholas II take to regain public support during the war, and what was its effect?

Tsar Nicholas II assumed supreme command of the Russian military during World War I.

What role did Rasputin play in the decline of the Tsarist regime?

Rasputin gained influence over the royal family, particularly Alexandra, and involved himself in political appointments and government operations, leading to political instability.

What events led to the February Revolution in Russia?

Massive protests and strikes led to the February Revolution, with the army siding with the protesters.

What was the result of the February Revolution for Tsar Nicholas II?

The Tsar was forced to abdicate on March 15, 1917, ending the Romanov dynasty.

What decision by the Provisional Government led to the rise of the Bolsheviks?

The Provisional Government continued the war, alienating the population and paving the way for the Bolsheviks.

What was the significance of the October Revolution in Russia?

The Bolshevik Revolution overthrew the Provisional Government, leading to the establishment of the world's first socialist state.

What happened to the Tsar and his family after the Bolshevik Revolution?

The Bolsheviks executed the Tsar’s entire family in 1918.

What were the terms of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk for Russia?

Russia ceded significant territories and resources to the Central Powers, ending its participation in World War I.

Who were the main opposing forces in the Russian Civil War?

The Red Army (Bolsheviks) and the White Army (anti-communist forces).

Who won the Russian Civil War and why?

The Red Army emerged victorious due to stronger leadership and greater unity.

What were the main policies of War Communism during the Russian Civil War?

Nationalization of industry, forced labor, and seizure of agricultural produce.

What did the New Economic Policy (NEP) in Soviet Russia allow?

Allowed for some private enterprise and trade (capitalism).

What was the basis of the Soviet Union's government, formed in 1922?

The one-party rule of the Communist Party (Bolsheviks).

What is the 'Age of Anxiety'?

A period from 1914 to 1950 marked by political, economic, and social upheavals, leading to disillusionment and uncertainty.

What impact did World War I have on societal optimism?

Shattered the optimistic belief in progress and reason.

What condition is associated with the 'thousand-yard stare' in soldiers returning from war?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or shell shock.

What challenges did Germany face after World War I?

Crippling economic problems, political instability, and social upheaval.

What caused hyperinflation in Germany after World War I?

The German government printed money, leading to hyperinflation, severely impacting the value of the currency.

How did Germany tackle its hyperinflation crisis in 1923?

Introducing the Rentenmark, stopping the printing of old currency, and implementing austerity measures.

How did the Dawes Plan help with Germany's financial crisis?

America provided loans to Germany and temporarily lowered reparation payments.

What was the Great Depression?

A severe global economic downturn from 1929 to 1939, characterized by widespread unemployment and poverty.

What is widely considered a major trigger of the Great Depression?

The stock market crash of 1929.

When did the Great Depression end?

The depression stopped during World War II.

What was the Weimar Republic?

The German government from 1918 to 1933, a democratic experiment that faced significant challenges.

Why was the Weimar Republic considered weak?

Proportional representation made it difficult to govern effectively, and it failed to address hyperinflation.

What factors contributed to Adolf Hitler's rise to power?

The harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles, the Great Depression, and Hitler's charisma and propaganda.

How did Hitler initially come to power in Germany?

He was appointed Chancellor of Germany on January 30, 1933, through the legal process of German politics at the time.

What actions did Hitler and the Nazi Party take once in power?

Dismantled democratic institutions, used violence and intimidation, and passed laws like the Enabling Act.

What is Fascism?

A mass political movement centered around extreme nationalism, militarism, and national interests above those of the individual.

What was the foundation of the Nazi regime's ideology?

Racial ideology viewing Germans as superior (Aryan race) and Jews, Roma, and other groups as inferior.

What did the Nazi regime's racist policies lead to?

The systematic persecution and genocide of millions during the Holocaust.

What did Benito Mussolini do in Italy?

Transformed Italy into a fascist dictatorship from 1922 to 1943.

What characterized Mussolini's totalitarian regime in Italy?

Suppression of opposition, a cult of personality, and strong nationalism.

What was the Great Purge (or Great Terror) under Stalin?

Totalitarian actions aimed at removing Leon Trotsky’s influence, involving show trials and executions.

How did the Great Terror impact the Red Army?

Many officers, including general-grade officers, were purged, leading to a loss of competent leadership.

How did Stalin begin to consolidate power after Lenin's death?

Delivered lectures on Leninist philosophy and framed himself as Lenin's successor.

What happened to Leon Trotsky during Stalin's seizure of power?

Trotsky was assassinated by a Stalinist agent in Mexico in 1940.

How many people are theorized to have been killed during Stalin's show trials.

Historians estimate that up to 1.2 million people were killed during Stalin’s show trials.

What book was heavily inspired by Stalin’s authoritarian leadership?

George Orwell’s 1984.

What was the Rentenmark?

Temporary currency used to stop hyperinflation.

What is Hypernationalism?

Extreme nationalism

What does Fuhrer mean?

Leader