World War II: Major Events and Key Concepts (1939-1941)

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the important battles and developments during World War II from 1939 to 1941.

Totalitarian Dictators

Leaders with total control over the state, such as Mussolini and Hitler.

Blitzkrieg

A fast and powerful military strategy used by Germany, also known as 'lightning war.'

Rape of Nanjing

A period of mass murder and rape by Japanese troops in China during 1937.

Munich Conference

A meeting in 1938 where Hitler was allowed to keep the Sudetenland in exchange for promises of no further expansion.

Axis Coalition

The military alliance formed by Germany, Italy, and Japan during the 1930s.

Nazi-Soviet Nonaggression Pact

An agreement between Hitler and Stalin in 1939 not to attack each other, which included the secret division of Poland.

Appeasement

The policy adopted by Britain and France of giving in to Hitler's demands to avoid conflict.

Pearl Harbor

The U.S. naval base attacked by Japan on December 7, 1941, prompting the U.S. to enter World War II.

Battle of Britain

A major air campaign waged by the German Luftwaffe against the United Kingdom in 1940.

Sudetenland

An area of Czechoslovakia annexed by Germany in 1938 as part of Hitler's expansionist policies.

Ethiopian Invasion

Mussolini's military campaign in 1935 aimed at establishing an Italian Empire by invading Ethiopia.

League of Nations

An international organization established after World War I to maintain peace, which proved ineffective in preventing World War II.

Iron and Oil Embargo

The ban imposed by the U.S. on sales to Japan in 1941 that contributed to rising tensions leading to Pearl Harbor.

Turning Point Year (1942)

A critical year when the Allies began to gain advantages and win key battles against the Axis Powers.

Manchuria

A region in China invaded by Japan in 1931 to secure valuable resources.