history

Why were the Balkan States called the “powder keg of Europe”?

→ Because there were many ethnic groups, strong nationalism, and instability that could easily lead to war.

What is total war? Give an example.

→ When a country uses all its resources to fight a war (ex: turning factories into weapon production).

Why did Russia struggle on the Eastern Front in WWI?

→ Poor leadership, lack of supplies, and weak industry.

Why did many Americans reject the League of Nations?

→ They feared future involvement in European wars.

How did the Treaty of Versailles lead to nationalism and dictatorship in Germany?

→ It caused anger and economic problems, helping Hitler gain support.

How did WWII help lead to Stalin’s rise?

→ It created instability in Russia, helping Stalin gain power.

How did Nazis and Communists use media?

→ To influence and control people’s opinions.

Key difference between fascism and communism?

→ Fascism = dictator + private property

Purpose of Stalin’s Five-Year Plans?

Rapid industrialization and increased production.

Who was Franklin Roosevelt?

U.S. president during WWII who helped lead the Allies.

Who was Benito Mussolini?

→ Dictator of Italy and Axis leader.

Who was Joseph Stalin?

→ Leader of the Soviet Union who helped defeat Nazi Germany.

Who was Winston Churchill?

→ British leader who inspired Britain to keep fighting.

Who was Adolf Hitler?

→ Dictator of Germany who started WWII and led the Nazi Party.

Who was Douglas MacArthur?

→ U.S. general who led forces in the Pacific.

Who was Isoroku Yamamoto?

→ Japanese admiral who planned Pearl Harbor.

Who was Dwight Eisenhower?

→ Allied commander who led D-Day.

Who was Hideki Tojo?

→ Japan’s leader who supported military expansion.

What was the U.S. position at the start of WWII?

→ Neutral; tried to avoid involvement.

What is appeasement?

→ Giving in to demands to avoid conflict (made things worse).

What is isolationism?

→ Staying out of other countries’ problems.

What was the Nazi-Soviet Pact?

→ Agreement not to attack each other.

What is blitzkrieg?

→ Fast, powerful attack using tanks, planes, and troops.

What happened at Dunkirk?

→ Allied soldiers were rescued from France.

What was the Lend-Lease Act?

→ U.S. gave supplies to Allies without immediate payment.

What was the Battle of Midway?

→ U.S. defeated Japan; turning point in the Pacific.

What was El Alamein?

→ British stopped German forces in North Africa.

What were kamikaze pilots?

→ Japanese pilots who crashed planes into enemy ships.

What is island-hopping?

→ U.S. strategy of capturing key islands.

What was the Battle of Stalingrad?

→ Soviets defeated Germany; turning point in Europe.

What was D-Day?

→ Allied invasion of Normandy.

What was the Battle of the Bulge?

→ Germany’s last major failed attack.

What was the Holocaust?

→ Genocide where Nazis killed millions of Jews and others.

What were the Nuremberg Laws?

→ Laws taking rights away from Jewish people.

What were the Nuremberg Trials?

→ Trials punishing Nazi leaders for war crimes

What was the non-aggression pact called?

→ Nazi-Soviet Pact.

Why did Britain and France declare war?

→ Germany invaded Poland.

How did the U.S. respond to Japan before entering the war?

→ Trade restrictions and embargoes.

Why did the U.S. enter WWII?

→ Japan attacked Pearl Harbor.

Why was the Battle of Midway important?

→ Stopped Japan’s expansion; gave U.S. advantage.

How did the war in Europe end?

→ Allies invaded from both sides; Germany surrendered.

How did the U.S. force Japan to surrender?

→ Dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Why did many people die after the war?

→ Starvation, disease, destruction.

How did Japan’s leadership change after the war?

→ New leadership influenced by U.S. occupation.

Why did people support strong leaders?

→ Economic struggles and weak governments.

Why did Germany, Italy, and Japan expand?

→ Wanted land, resources, and power.

What happened in Nanking?

→ Japanese soldiers killed and abused many civilians.

What happened at the Munich Conference?

→ Leaders allowed Hitler to take part of Czechoslovakia.