World War II Lecture Review

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the economic conditions, key events, figures, and concepts of World War II based on class lecture notes.

Treaty of Versailles

A treaty that caused Germany debt and loss of land, which along with the Great Depression, led to hyperinflation and unemployment.

5-yr plan

J. Stalin's economic program in the Soviet Union where the government controlled industry and farming to build factories and weapons.

Maginot Line

A defense focused on by Britain due to the fear of Germany, contributing to a weak response to Hitler.

Neutrality Act

U.S. policy reflecting an isolationist mindset to stay out of foreign wars before Pearl Harbor.

Appeasement

Giving in to aggressive countries, such as Hitler at Munich, to avoid war, which ultimately failed.

Axis Powers

The alliance consisting of Germany, Italy, and Japan.

Allied Powers

The alliance consisting of the U.S., Britain, USSR, and France.

Blitzkrieg

Fast lightning war using tanks, planes, and surprise attacks.

Nazi-Soviet Pact

An agreement between Germany and the USSR to not fight each other and to secretly divide Poland.

Pearl Harbor

U.S. Navy base in Hawaii attacked by Japan in $1941$, causing the U.S. to enter WWII.

Victory Gardens

Gardens grown by Americans at home to support the war effort.

Bracero Programs

A program involving Mexican Americans during WWII, mentioned alongside the Zoot Suit Riots.

Fair Employment Practices Commission

A government agency that worked to reduce job discrimination in war industries.

Four Freedoms

FDR's goals: freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.

Einstein

Scientist who sent a letter to FDR warning the U.S. about atomic weapons.

Hiroshima and Nagasaki

Japanese cities where atomic bombs were dropped on August $6$, $1945$, and August $9$, $1945$, leading to Japan's surrender.

Final Plan

The Nazi plan to systematically kill Jews in concentration camps, also known as the Holocaust.

Munich Conference

An instance of appeasement where Britain and France allowed Hitler to take land to avoid war.

Night of Broken Glass (Kristallnacht)

A wave of anti-Jewish programs by Nazis across Germany on November $9$ and $10$, $1938$.

Code Talkers

Native Americans who used their language as secret military codes.

Rosie the Riveter

A symbol representing women working in factories during WWII.

D-Day

The Allied invasion of Normandy in $1944$ that turned the war in Europe.

Kamikaze

Japanese suicide pilots who attacked U.S. ships.

Lend Lease Act

A policy where the U.S. sent weapons and supplies to allies before officially entering the war.

Battle of Britain

A conflict where Britain stopped German air attacks and prevented an invasion.

Buffer zone

Land between enemies used for protection, which the USSR wanted in Eastern Europe.