World War II Test Notes

These flashcards cover key terms, events, and concepts related to World War II as highlighted in the lecture notes.

Treaty of Versailles

Signed on 28 June 1919, it blamed Germany for WWI and imposed reparations, military restrictions, and loss of territory.

Article 231

Also known as the War Guilt Clause, this article of the Treaty of Versailles held Germany responsible for the war.

Hyperinflation Crisis

A severe economic crisis in 1923 that led to extreme devaluation of the German currency.

Weimar Government

The democratic government established in Germany following WWI, viewed as weak by its citizens.

Anschluss

The annexation of Austria by Germany in March 1938.

Appeasement

The policy of granting concessions to a potentially hostile power to avoid conflict, notably practiced by Britain and France towards Hitler.

Fascism

A political ideology characterized by dictatorial power, extreme nationalism, and military strength, exemplified by Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy.

Communism

A political and economic ideology where the government controls the economy and property, as seen in the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin.

Holocaust

The systematic murder of approximately 6 million Jews during World War II, primarily in concentration camps.

Pearl Harbor

A surprise military attack by Japan on 7 December 1941, which led to the USA entering WWII.

Rats of Tobruk

The nickname given to Australian soldiers during the Siege of Tobruk, reflecting their resilience against Axis forces.

Significance of Kokoda

A campaign in which Australian forces defended against Japanese advancement in Papua during 1942.

VE Day

Victory in Europe Day, marked on 8 May 1945, when Nazi Germany surrendered.

Atomic Bombs

Nuclear weapons dropped on Hiroshima on 6 August 1945 and Nagasaki on 9 August 1945, leading to Japan's surrender.

D-Day

Referring to the Allied invasion of Normandy on 6 June 1944, significant to the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control.