Key Concepts Leading to World War II

Key Terms

  • Lebensraum: German policy for territorial expansion in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union to support a growing population. Key to Hitler's ideology and expansionist policies before WWII.

  • Adolf Hitler: Leader of Nazi Germany, promoted aggressive territorial policies including Lebensraum, central to WWII outbreak.

  • Fascism: Authoritarian ultranationalist ideology with a dictatorial leader, militarism, and suppression of opposition. Responsible for expansionist policies leading to WWII.

  • Anschluss: Political merger of Austria and Germany via pressure and intimidation. Essential step in Hitler's plan for a greater empire.

  • Sudetenland: Region in Czechoslovakia annexed by Germany post-Munich Agreement, exemplified the policy of appeasement and set a precedent for further aggression.

  • Munich Agreement: 1938 pact allowing German control of Sudetenland. Viewed as betrayal, it encouraged further aggression and contributed to WWII.

  • German Invasion of Poland: September 1, 1939 invasion without war declaration; marked the official start of WWII in Europe.

  • Appeasement: Policy of conceding to Hitler's demands to prevent war, ultimately failing and emboldening his aggression.

  • Great Depression: Economic downturn impacting European policies, leading to appeasement towards Hitler as nations feared war.

  • Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact: 1939 non-aggression treaty between Germany and the USSR, allowed Germany to invade Poland without Soviet intervention.

  • Treaty of Mutual Defense: Pact between Poland and allies like the UK and France, leading to declarations of war post-Poland invasion.

  • Benito Mussolini: Fascist leader of Italy, expansionist policies included the conquests leading up to WWII.

  • Conquest of Ethiopia: 1936 Italian invasion seen as a demonstration of military power and part of Mussolini's empire agenda.

  • Italian Exceptionalism: Belief in Italy's unique destiny, fueling territorial expansion and involvement in WWII.

  • Invasion of Albania: 1939 military occupation, destabilized Europe and indicated growing tensions contributing to WWII.

  • League of Nations: Post-WWI organization aimed at peace, failed to halt aggression like Japan's annexation of Manchuria, leading to disillusionment.

  • Rome-Berlin Axis: 1936 treaty solidifying alliance between fascist Italy and Germany, contributed to WWII.

  • Meiji Restoration: Japan's modernization leading to desires for territorial expansion preceding WWII.

  • Annexation of Manchuria: 1931 takeover by Japan, weak League response weakened international credibility and foreshadowed WWII.

  • Second Sino-Japanese War: Conflict from 1937 to 1945, Japanese atrocities including the Nanking Massacre strained Japan's resources.

  • Nanking Massacre: Atrocities by Japanese forces in 1937; significant for historical tensions between Japan and China.

  • Invasion of French Indochina: Early 1940s occupation aiding Japan's strategy for resources and territorial control in the Pacific.