IB History HL 1-2 Key Terms

Key Term

SPERM Cat

Defined

Significance with Regard to the Unit

alienation

Economic/Resources

• The transformation of people’s own labor into a power which rules them

The alienation from labor work was a large focus for Marx where he criticized much of the alienation, arguing that when you are only a clog in a factory that you don’t see the bigger picture and therefore the benefits of your work, causing alienation. Treating the commodities high is another cause (iPhone doesn’t have value, we create it).

• Commodity fetishism

atheism

Religious/Ideological

• The lack of belief in a higher power, or participation in organized religion

During this time religion and government were practically the same thing, so to be unbelieving in god was to be unbelieving in government. Marx was an atheist and had many criticisms for the church, the church didn’t like him because of this.

Bernstein, Eduard

Religious/Ideological

• German socialist theorist and politician

• Argued for a peaceful transition rather than revolution

Alternative Marxist, belief in a combination of both Marxist ideas and a few capitalistic. Critical thinking skills to realize revolution would not be happening, conditions slowly improve over time making workers not wanting to go into revolution.

bourgeoisie

Economic/Resources

• the capitalist class who own most of society's wealth and means of production.

The enemy of Marx and the working class was capitalism, but those who benefitted from it were also hated. Marx believed all wealthy became that way through oppressing the lower classes. The bourgeoisie have mass amounts of power and abuse it.

capitalism

Economic

• An economic system based on private ownership and profit

• All items exist in a free market, where competition determines the supply and distribution of products

Marxism points out the flaws of capitalism, class divide, harsh labor conditions, poor pay, unsafe working conditions. Marxism changed the way capitalism currently is in many areas of the world.

class struggle

Economic/Resources

• Conflict between different economic classes

• Special emphasis on conflicting interests between the working class and the ruling class

Marx argued that class struggle is the driving force behind historical development and social change. He believed that the working class was being exploited by the wealthy elite. 

communism

Political

• Ideology birthed by Marx and Engels

• Society without classes or ranks

• Ensures freedom for proletariat, brings bourgeoises to justice

Marx is credited to have inspired or even created communism and is some of the first instances of no social classes between people. Communism is not the same as Marxism.

dialectic

Religious/Ideological

• Analyzing the truth behind one’s opinions 

Marx Dialects emphasize the importance of real world conditions and the presence of functional contradictions within social dynamics.

dialectical materialism

Religious/Ideological

• Materialist theory based on marx and engels

• Materialism, in the beginning, is what inspired idealism

Foundation of Marx’s theory. Provides a way of understanding the world and history.

Divine Right

Ideological 

• Idea that Monarchs have a God-given right to rule and hold power

Marx didn’t believe in religion because of this, the imbalance of power dictating on something not materialistic

Engels, Friedrich

Ideological

• German philosopher and political theorist

• Son of the bourgeoisie

• Marx’s closest friend and collaborator

Marx relied on Engels financially. With Engels, Marx crafted the Communist Manifesto. 

German Idealism / Classical German Philosophy

Religious/Ideological 

• Philosophical movement linked to Romanticism and revolutionary periods of the Enlightenment

• Introduced by Kant

• merging the idea that facts shape knowledge and the idea of knowledge is formed from experience

German Idealism significantly shaped Marx and Engels’ ideas, allowing them to go beyond philosophical systems. 

Partly due to German Idealism, Marx moved from an idealist perspective to a materialistic one. 

Hegel, Georg Wilhelm Friedrich

Religious/Ideological 

• German philosopher following Emmanuel Kant arguing that religion is rooted in reality and should be a science

• Believed that history only advances through the struggle between the oppressed and the oppressors

Engels sparks ultra-left interest into Marx on how the world and society is the way it is. Many of Marx's ideas were based on ideas from Hegel.

historical materialism

Religious/Ideological

• The combination of dialectics and materialism through a historical lens

This helped Marx predict and develop the steps towards communism. This is because of his study of human history patterns.

humanism

Religious/Ideological

• Divine right of kings vs. humans (who creates the value in the world).

• Individualism and freedom under Marxism

Marx believed that the mitigation of suffering and the establishment of social and economic equality were necessary for human prosperity. He argued that the proletariat or working class were deserving of just as much as the wealthy elite.  

Industrial Revolution

Economic

• An increase in industrialization of machinery at a rapid pace.

• 1760-1840

Allowed a period for workers to be easily exploited, and Marx could analyze capitalism better this way.

Kant, Immanuel

Ideological

• Separates religion from science and believes that God is unprovable.

• German Philosopher

Had an influence on Marx because of his German idealism and enlightenment.

Lenin, V. I.

Religious/Ideological

• Russian revolutionary, politician, and theorist

• First and founding head of government in Soviet Russia

Leninism, developed by Lenin, is a developed version of Marxism. Establishes the dictatorship of the proletariat. 

proletariat

Economic

• The working class

• The majority

This is the class Marx argued should revolt, leading revolution into communism.

revisionism

Ideological

• Revised marxism

• Prioritizes gradual reform over revolution

In Marxist thought, revisionism is the modification of fundamental Marxist principles

socialism

Political & Economic

• A society where the resources are owned and dispersed by the community

• Marxism (pre-communism)

Marx viewed socialism as a necessary bridge between capitalism and communism. 

Trotsky, Leon

Political

• Russian revolutionary (with Lenin)

• Democracy and communism

He helped carry out Marx’s Ideas in a whole country

utopianism

Ideological

• The creation of an ideal and perfect society with harmony, equality, and justice.

A lot of people view communism as a Utopia, a place where everyone is happy and equal.

Key Term

SPERM

Defined

Significance with Regard to the Unit

August Madness/ Spirit of 1914

M

• Major european countries mobilized, realized that July crisis was no longer a crisis + war = imminent

• Militarism, myth, mobilization in germany

• Beginning of WWI’s existence

• Marked the rising tension in europe (which led to wwi)

Blank Cheque

P

• Germany gave Austria a ¨Blank Cheque¨ in handling their punishment of Serbia regarding the assasination of the heir to the austrian throne

• This was vital in bolstering Austro-Hungarian leaders in their decision to embark on a war against Serbia.

• This was the first act of war which kickstarted ww1.  Austria was mad at Serbia, and blamed them for the assasination of the heir. 

• Germany, an ally of theirs, let them handle it however they wanted, which in this case meant war.

deterrence

M

• Deterrence was used to prevent to prevent either side from from attaching or too badly damaging the nation/alliance

• Deterrence is essentially convincing the opposing nation or party not to do something

• In the case of WWI, this meant building up your army so the opposition would not want to fight you. (It did not work.)

• The idea was that these countries would grow their armies, and other countries would not want to attack them

• In reality what ended up happening was an arms race would ensure, tensions would rise, resulting in the country attacking another, whith the hopes of taking them out before they could grow their army more.

Dreadnought

M

• Dreadnaughts were the main battleships of wwi.  

• They brought together for the first time a series of technologies which had been developing over several years.  Most importantly was her firepower, she was the first all big-gun battleship.

• The dreadnaughts played a large factor in the arms races and growing tensions

  • Britain and Germany raced back and forth in the development and stockpiling of these battleships.

• They were a huge step in naval warfare, similarly to machine guns which changed war forever.

Eastern Question

S

• The eastern question is a broad term which refers to how the world powers of the time; Russia, Great Britain, and France, and how they planned to see the slow collapse of the ottoman empire to maintain a balance of power amongst themselves.

• Evidently the ottoman empire was not akin to this idea

• Instability in the area led to increased tensions in the rest of Europe, mainly with Germany and the allies.

July Crisis

P

• A series of interrelated diplomatic and military escalations among the major powers of europe in the summer of 1914

• This led to the outbreak of wwi

• Increasing tension eventually snaps

• This is a label on the diplomatic and military issues between european nations which led to wwi

Live and Let Live

S

• the non-aggressive co-operative behavior that developed spontaneously during the First World War, particularly during prolonged periods of trench warfare on the Western Front

• It relates to our study of not only the facts, but also the emotions and the human aspect of wwi

• This demonstrates the humanity trying to push its way through all of the brutality during wwi

Lusitania/ Unrestricted submarine

M

• On may 7, 1915 a german submarine sunk an american passenger line of the coast of ireland

• US saw it as an act of war

• This was significant because it led the US into the war, which greatly benefited the allies.

militarism

M

A belief or a desire for a government to have a strong military in order for it to be superior to another nation. Very competitive. 

• Governments believed that a large military would help to prevent outbreaks of war

• A large arms race

• The ideology of militarism prompted a large arms race and a global urgency for the production of guns, artillery, bombs, etc

• A new era of fighting grew out of this 

• Toxic gas and other disturbing weapons were invented to strengthen the performance of the nation

nationalism

P

A belief or ideology based around loyalty to your nation and an idea that your nation is superior to others. 

• Based on social Darwinism

• Fitter and stronger triumph over weaker nations

• Stimulated by international competition

• Many of the nations involved in World War 1 had a strong nationalist belief. 

• This impacted how each country interacted in the war

• The nation's competition and need for victory led to international strife

“Neutral Buffer Zone”

P

• Referred to territories or regions that were intended to remain neutral or unoccupied 

• Many territories remained neutral or unoccupied during this time and countries like Switzerland despite being surrounded by belligerent forces, is still to this day 

• The powers could not fight against or ally with these forces or use their resources.

• The US was neutral for a part of the war but later joined as a response to a naval attack

New Imperialism

E

• Referenced by a period of colonial expansion by European powers, the United States, and Japan during the late 19th century and early 20th century

• A policy in which a strong nation seeks to dominate other countries politically, socially and economically.  

• New imperialism led to many countries wanting more power and territory

• During World War One this was extremely prevalent as most major powers were eager to strengthen their power and occupy more of the globe

• There were also many resources in these areas that these powers wanted to seek out

• All these areas already had inhabitants, culture, and governments that were disregarded when New Imperialism ideology became a growing practice

• “Many Pacific Islands were occupied by the United States, Japan, Germany, France, and Britain. Korea was subjugated (conquered) by Japan. This rapid expansion of colonization around 1880 is often called "New Imperialism”(Khan Academy). 

No-Man’s Land

M

• The area between the two sides of the trenches

• Was the easiest way of getting killed during trench warfare

• Mines, barbed wire, and exposure to machine guns were the consequences of stepping into No-Man’s Land

• When one side charged the other, troops ran through No-Mans Land, often tripping on barbed wire, being blown up by mines, or being shot immediately. 

• A brutal aspect of trench warfare was the organized trenches

• These trenches were strategically placed far enough from each other that one could still shoot and reach the other side

• The No- Man’s Land was where many of the casualties took place as the men that charged to the other side were often killed before they reached the trenches

November Criminals

P

• While signing the Treaty of Versailles in June 1919 the German government became very unpopular

• The German military leaders claimed that the officals who made this decision stabbed the German army and people in the back by ending the war 

• Several of the politicians who signed the treaty were leaders of the Weimar government. Their opponents began to call them the 'November Criminals' and accused them of betraying the German army and people.

• The Treaty of Versailles .

• Land was taken from Germany and given to other countries 

• Germany had to accept responsibility for starting the war

• Germany was fined 

• Germans army including air force and armed force was limited 

• German population felt humiliated

• The signing of the treaty led to peace and the end of World War One

• The “November Criminals” were hated by their nation for admitting guilt and signing the treaty. 

• The military leaders felt that the offficals were not being fair to the German people and army

• A lot of that tension and anger led to the rise of Hitler

primacy of the offensive vs. defensive

m

Offensive: a tactic that composes military strategies where an army causes the initial attack against its opponents

+Defensive:  the idea that a nation’s military should primarily focus on defending its territories and population through defensive strategies 

• Create counter-attacks for invading opponents that disrupt society 

• Maintain the status quo, and prevent further conflict by not supporting the initial attacks (offensive) 

• Offensive and defensive primacy represents the major military tactics European powers utilized within the war. Whether to attack offensively, or protect territory defense, were influenced by the nation's foreign reputation on military strength. 

Realpolitik vs. Weltpolitik

p

Realpolitik: Government policies based on practical/realistic objectives and material needs, but do not consider ethical concepts

• Example: prioritization of inexpensive material manufacturing, that does not consider workers’ needs 

Weltpolitik: idea of expanding Germany’s colonial empire/foreign influence, through industrialization and navy building

• Intended to create national pride among discontented working classes 

• This related to Germany's desire to expand as an imperial power, through both military strength and economic growth. This influenced the establishment of colonies for natural resources, and industrial centers that maximize profitability over humanitarian need.

Schlieffen Plan

m

Proposed military strategy, where Germany participates in a two-front war. One front would be in France, while the other one would have been in Russia  

• Attack (offensively) on one front, while keeping the other one from invading German borders

• Once the initial front, attacked by offensive forces, is defeated: all forces will be dedicated to fighting the  other front 

• This plan was supposed to enable Germany to fight a two-front war, while also achieving victory. However, it was not implemented effectively during the war. Although Germany was victorious against Russia on the eastern font, it was not able to defeat France in the west. 

shell-shock

m

A medical condition that refers to an individual experiencing extreme anxiety from trauma

• Symptoms include impaired vision/hearing, sleep difficulties, inability to reason, loss of awareness

• This medical condition was prominent during WW1, especially for soldiers serving in the trenches. This had long lasting medical effects and trauma for young generations serving in the war. 

Social Darwinism

R

+Applied Darwin’s theory of “survival of the fittest” to human societies 

+The social idea developed from Darwin’s theory of the survival of the fittest, where nations with “developed” technology and social norms should conquer other nations 

• Individuals with higher social status should maintain their power over lower classes, to maintain balance and stability in society 

• Lower classes and conquered peoples are not “fit” to have self-governments and agency 

• This philosophical thinking motivated many western  nations, such as Britain and Germany, to display their social and industrial “superiority” to other European powers and foreign nations through imperialism. This also included the mass production of military technologies to defend their empires from enemy invasions.  

stalemate

p

• +Opposing sides are unable to progress and create strategies that enable them to have certain advantages and win  

• After the dawn of the first world war within 1914, the Allied European powers experienced stalemates when fighting against Germany in the western front.

Total War (as opposed to limited war)

p

• Where each side is willing to sacrifice resources, territories, urban centers, and their populations to gain a complete victory.

• The scale of the first world war, from technological innovation that enabled greater efficiency toward the destruction of properties and human lives, enabled modern warfare to appear within daily society. This enabled warfare to be fought outside a citizen’s doorstep. 

Treaty of Brest-Litovsk 1918

m

• This treaty marked russia's final withdrawal from wwi

• I resulted in major territorial losses for russia

• The baltic states were ceded to germany from russia

• Marked russia's loss and ending in the war

“War by Timetable”

m

• Military strategy

• Conduct of war is governed by a rigid schedule or pre-established timeline, rather than adapting to the unpredictable realities of battle. 

• During World War 1 the most prominent example of war by timetable is the German Schlieffen Plan which was designed to help Germany fight against France and Russia

• The plan was that, in the event of war, Germany would first focus its efforts against France, defeating them quickly, and then shift to the eastern front to confront Russia

• There was little room for flexibility or adaptation 

War of Attrition

m

• A type of conflict

• Each side seeks to wear down the other through continuous losses of resources, rather than aiming for a rapid victory

• The idea is that over time, the opponent will be unable to replace their losses

• The war of attrition was a central feature of the conflict on the Western front between the Allied powers and the Central powers (particularly Germany). 

• The two powers engaged in grueling warfare that aimed at wearing down the enemy until they could no longer fight

• Germany lost food resources fast and many of their men died of malnutrition. 

Key Term

SPERM

Defined

Significance

Anti-Campaigns (Three and Five)

SE

• 3 anti-campaign launched in 1951 to target business ppl in order to tax and distribute wealth

  • Targeted members of the ccp, old gmd members, bureaucrats 

• 5 anti-campaign during the korean war, aimed to be rid of private property (very anti-bourgeois)

• Helped enforce the CCP’s rule on China

• Caused mass psychological scares on China’s people and businesses as well as many deaths through execution/suicide

Boxer Rebellion & Taiping Rebellion

SP

• A group called “boxers” rallied to drive foreigners from China. The original aim was to destroy the Qing dynasty and the westerners that supported the opium wars. 

• The Taiping rebellion, starting in 1850 was a large scale rebellion against the Quing dynasty by peasants. The death toll reached 20-30 million and when the Qing dynasty won, there was a huge loss of economic and political stability. 

• The Taiping Rebellion resulted in mass death and starvation

• The boxer Rebellion resulted in a stronger sense of nationalism in China

  • The people started to have great pride in their county and community

CCP (Chinese Communist Party) 

SP

• The Chinese Communist Party, created by Mao Zedong, is the controller of modern China. 

• It models after Marxism and is composed of the lower class peasants that bond together in fight for equality of economics and life status. 

This is the party that fought against the nationalists in the Chinese Revolution that focused on distribution of foods, clothes, and goods as well as land reform which strongly appealed to the peasants 

Comfort Women

SM

• Comfort women were women forced into sexual activities by the Japanese Imperialist army during the Chinese Civil war 

The Japanese army would rape and force sex slavery on to women as a way to assert dominance in the towns and control northern China. The soldiers had almost no remorse for this → Chpt 2 of the rape of Nanking "Perhaps when we were raping her, we looked at her as a woman," Azuma wrote, "but when we killed her, we just thought of her as something like a pig.”

Comintern

P

• A communist organization started by the Soviet Union that advocated for world communism 

Parts of the CCP were seen as extensions of Comintern. It shows the Russian influence on the Chinese government. 

Confucianism

R

• Popular religion in china that prevailed society

• Taught how stuff is classified between yin and yang 

Led to dehumanization of women as they were classified as yin and inherently must submit to men as they are yang

cooperative and collective farms (define and distinguish the difference between)

E

• Cooperative - land has owner but everyone works the land

• Collective - land was owned and maintained by collective

• Not necessary but funny- Lysenkoism (using traditional farming practices) was touted as multiplying yields by 16 times 

• Part of the push to communism/socialism and away from private ownership.

• Got pushed too far during the great leap forward and ended up starving much of the peasantry

Cultural Revolution 

S

Removal of the four olds (thought, culture, practices, customs)

Used by Mao to purge the party of his detractors 

Students got a lil out of control (public confessions, beatings, and destruction of monuments)and police were ordered to not intervene

Denunciation / Humiliation / Purges (Begins 1949)

p

• Practices like public struggle sessions implemented during 3 anti campaigns made people report on eachother.

• Political adversaries were constantly purged through continuous revolution  and insubordinate groups were purged through things like anti-rightist campaign and cultural revolution

• Allowed Mao to keep and maintain complete control over the CCP and China

• Number of informants allowed mao to have more control over population than any other dictator in history

Double Tenth and the Qing Dynasty

P

• 1911 revolution that overthrew the qing dynasty

• Result of unhappiness with weakness of qing dynasty and inability to stop foreign influence

• Ended thousands of years of imperial rule 

• Installed republic of china

Five Year Plans

E

• The first Five Year Plan - emphasized rapid industrial development and it was heavily funded, the agricultural side was forced to rely on its own capital. Iron and steel, electric power, coal, heavy engineering, building materials, and basic chemicals were given first priority; in accordance with Soviet practice.

• The second Five Year Plan - the policy of the Great Leap Forward was announced. In agriculture this involved forming communes, abolishing private plots, and increasing output through greater cooperation and greater physical effort. 

• Determined social/economic reforms and enforced principles of communism. Followed the USSR model.

• Instead of stimulating the economy, the five year plans and great leap forward resulted in 35-40 million deaths from starvation and famine.

Foreign Enclaves (aka: concessions; Treaty of Nanjing; end of the Opium War)

P

• Territories belonging to one country that are totally surrounded by another

• China - territories ruled by foreign powers

  • Ex. shanghai, tianjin, hong kong(?)

• Many foreigners would use this to their advantage to violate/undermine Chinese law

• Contributed to china’s dislike of foreigners and imperialism

The Fourth of May Movement

P

• cultural/anti imperialist political movement

• Grew out of May 4 1919 student protests in tiananmen square in which students protested the government’s lack of response to the japanese empire retaining territory in shandong (treaty of versailles)

• Led to nationwide protests, increase in nationalism, political mobilization away from cultural activities, move towards populism/away from elites

• Marked turning point in the cultural revolution

GMD 

(aka: Guomindang, sometimes KMT)

P

• “Nationalist Party of China” - right-wing political party

• Sole ruling party of republic of china 1928-1949 

  • Not a lot of control over territory due to civil war w/ ccp

• Defeated by ccp in 1949, retreated to taiwan

• Opposing party that fought against the CCP during the civil war

Great Leap Forward

(1958-1962)

E

• economic/social campaign led by CCP to reform country from agrarian (agricultural) society to industrialized society through formation of people’s communes

• Led to the great chinese famine, which killed millions (largest in human history)

• Very unsuccessful, badly implemented

• Wanted to remodel China under the CCP

• Follow communist values

Guerilla Warfare

(blockhouses; mobile defense; strategic retreats)

M

• Military action carried out by a small force/army

• Tactic of performing smaller attacks (greater in quantity)

• Fought by non-members of a government’s military

  • Individual forces

• Fast moving attacks

• Preferred method of attack for Mao’s CCP

• Used against nationalist forces due to their weak/lack of military strength

• contributed to the rise of the CCP due to their ability to pick up recruits to join the party in attacks

  • Used to take down the GMD

Jiangxi Soviet (1927-1934)

P

• Soviet area governed by ccp

• Largest component of the chinese soviet republic, home to its capital (Ruijin)

• Encirclement campaigns from the GMD targeted this area

• Defeated by GMD encirclement campaign 1933-1934, caused the Long March

Long March (1934-1935)

M

• Military retread by chinese red army and ccp from GMD forces from october 1934-1935

• 100k troops retreated from Jiangxi Soviet to Yan’an

  • 8k troops survived

• Allowed ccp army to recuperate/rebuild in the north

• Gave CCP a positive reputation among the peasant class, which was then used by the CCP to win the war

• Used as propaganda by the CCP

Mukden Incident

M

• Japan lightly explodes their own rail way and uses it as pretext to invade China

• Start of second sino-japanese war

Sun’s Three Principles

P

• Nationalism

• democracy

• livelihood of the people

• Pretty good principles that he thought up but was never in control long enough to execute. GMD also failed to deliver leading to lack of support from the people

Treaty of Versailles

P

• The treaty which ended World War One, signed on June 28th, 1919

• Known for its harsh repercussions for Germany, including military cuts, economic damages, and war guilt

• Intended to prevent further conflict but sewed the seeds for the Second World War

• Played a significant role in fueling widespread resentment and nationalism in China due to its decision to hand over former German territories in Shandong Province to Japan

  • This was perceived as betrayal by the Japanese people 

• This lead to the May the Fourth movement and further instability within the country 

  • This created conditions that allowed for the rise of political factions that led to the civil war 

The Twenty-Eight Bolsheviks

(aka Best Name for a Band Ever)

P 

• Group of Moscow graduates that briefly led the CCP. 

• Took control from yuan yixian. 

• Formally removed during zunyi conference. 

• They tried to conventionally warfare their way out of the 5th encirclement which did not work so well. 

• Represented the immense amount of effort the comintern was putting into the CCP

United Front

PM

• Alliance bwtn gmd/ccp to unify china

• First was against warlords

• Second was against japan when jiang jieshi was captured

• First - ended the warlord era, unified china

• Second - ccp used to perfect guerilla warfare, did not fully remove japanese

Warlord Era

(1916-27)

PM 

• Time after the republic of china but before the first united front where regional warlords and their militias had control of china

• Background for first united front

• An era of political instability/ transition where the power in china was up for grabs

White Terror

(1927)

PM

• GMD ends the United front by killing communists

• In the end around 250 000 dead

• Communists forced up into the Jiangxi mountains to escape 

• Official start of the civil war

Key Term

Dates

Defined

Significance

Amau Doctrine

1934

• declared that China does not have the right to seek foreign assistance or to resist Japan in establishing a new order under the aegis of an East Asian League

• Japan reserves the right to act unilaterally in order “to preserve peace and order in East Asia.”

• The Doctrine was made to  make the currently weak China into a client state and to establish Japan as the dominant power in the Pacific 

• China was japan's main source of raw resources so they wanted power over it 

Anglo-Japanese Alliance

1902-1923

• Alliance between japan and the united kingdom 

• First military pact between western and non western countries 

• Japan gained international prestige through the alliance

• Alliance angered the US and some british dominions and led to them forming more hostile opinions 

Collective Security (Article 16 of League of Nations Charter)

1920

• all members promised to join in common action against any other which made war in violation of the Covenant

• empowered the Council to expel a member which violated the Covenant

• Aimed to deter aggression and maintain peace through collective action.

• Signaled an early attempt at international cooperation to prevent conflict escalation.

Fascism (and Ultranationalism/ Radical Nationalism)

1920s-1930s

• Far-right political ideology: Dictatorial leader, centralized power, militarism, suppression of opposition, belief in social hierarchy, regimentation of society and economy.

• ultra nationalism: Xenophobia, authoritarianism, charismatic leader, mythical unity with the nation.

• Propagated extreme nationalism and authoritarian rule.

• Promoted militarism, suppression of opposition, and the cult of charismatic leadership.

Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere

1940

• a pan-Asian union that the Japanese Empire tried to establish. Initially, it covered Japan (including annexed Korea), Manchukuo, and China, but as the Pacific War progressed, it also included territories in Southeast Asia.

• objectives of this union were to ensure economic self-sufficiency and cooperation among the member states, along with resisting the influence of Western imperialism and Soviet communism.

• Served as a Japanese imperialistic concept during World War II.

• Aimed to establish Japanese hegemony in Asia under the guise of economic cooperation and liberation from Western colonialism.

Hull Note

Nov 26 1941

• officially the Outline of Proposed Basis for Agreement Between the United States and Japan, was the final proposal delivered to the Empire of Japan by the United States of America before the attack on Pearl Harbor (December 7, 1941) and the Japanese declaration of war

• its text repeats previous American demands for Japan to withdraw from China and from French Indochina.

• The Hull Note signifies a crucial juncture in US-Japan relations, precipitating heightened tensions.

• It served as a catalyst for the United States' eventual entry into World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Kwantung Army (and Mukden Incident/ Manchuria)

Sep 18 1931

• The Mukden Incident was when Japanese troops seized the city of Mukden, now Shenyang, China. 

• This led to the invasion of all Manchuria and the creation of the Japanese-controlled state of Manchukuo. Many believe the incident was orchestrated by the Japanese army to justify their actions, contributing to Japan's isolation and the start of World War II.

• The Kwantung Army's actions in the Mukden Incident triggered a major international crisis.

• This event marked the beginning of Japan's aggressive expansion in East Asia and strained relations with the international community, ultimately leading to broader conflict in the Pacific region.

League of Nations

Founded 1920, ended 1946

• the first worldwide intergovernmental organisation whose principal mission was to maintain world peace.

• Countries: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Bolivia, the British Empire, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, El Salvador, France, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Italy, Liberia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Persia/Iran, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Siam, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay, Venezuela, Yugoslavia, Austria, Bulgaria, Finland, Luxembourg, Albania, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, the Irish Free State, Ethiopia, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Turkey, Iraq, the Soviet Union, Afghanistan, and Ecuador.

• The League of Nations stands as a good experiment in international collaboration, offering enduring lessons in diplomacy and conflict resolution.

• Its legacy highlights the challenges and imperatives of achieving global peace, shaping modern approaches to diplomacy and international relations

London Naval Treaties / Washington Naval Conference

1921 - 1922

• world’s largest naval powers gathered in Washington, D.C. for a conference to discuss naval disarmament and ways to relieve growing tensions in East Asia.

• demand that the United States engage its two principal competitors in the naval arms race, Japan and the United Kingdom, in negotiations for disarmament.

• The London Naval Treaties and Washington Naval Conference reshaped global naval dynamics, fostering arms control and diplomatic cooperation.

• These agreements set precedents for international negotiations, demonstrating the efficacy of diplomacy in averting arms escalation and promoting peace.

Lytton Report

1931

• the findings of the Lytton Commission, by the League of Nations in an attempt to evaluate the Mukden Incident

• stated that Japan was the aggressor, had wrongfully invaded Manchuria, and that it should be returned to the Chinese

• The Lytton Report served as a pivotal document in assessing the Mukden Incident and its implications for international relations.

• Its findings and recommendations influenced global perceptions of Japanese expansionism and the League of Nations' ability to address aggression effectively.

Manchukuo

1932-45

• Puppet state of Japan in China 

• Little international recognition 

• Manchukuo was a brief state during Japan’s asian expansion and displayed the colonial and expansionist sentiments

• For raw materials (resources), military, political, and ideological  

Meiji Emperor/Meiji Restoration

1867-1912

• Emperor who reigned 1867-1912

• Westernized Japan (military, trade, society, government structure) caused Japan to become the world power it was  

• Prior to the Meiji restoration, Japan had been ruled by the shogunate and was fractured and relatively weak.

• Meiji adopted western practices like the diet and military following commodore perry’s opening of Japan 

Open Door Policy

1899- present

• US policy that said everyone gets equal access to trade in china (spheres on influence) 

  • Wasn’t official enforced / no official treaty just agreed upon policy

• Was to stop europe from dicing up China like they did with Africa 

• Destabilized China 

• Policy collapsed when Japan took over Manchuria and implemented Manchukuo there

Radical Nationalism/

Ultranationalism

—-

• Super extreme nationalism (pride in country)

• Puts one nation (your nation) above all others

  • And above other views, can lead to facism, genocide, etc  

• Japan was ultranationalist during the Second Sino Japanese war and 

Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact (Nazi-Soviet Pact)

1939 - 1941

• Non agression pact between nazi germany and soviet union

• Secret protocol established soviet and german spheres of influence across eastern europe

• Allowed germany to avoid a two-front war

  • Enabled aggressive german expansion in europe

• Soviets signed neutrality pact w/ japan to ensure peaceful intentions w/ germany

• Eventually contributed to japan joining a military alliance w/ germany and italy (tripartite pact)

Russo-Japanese War

Feb 8 1904 - sept 5 1905

• War fought btwn russia/japan over manchuria and korea

• Won by japan

• Led to treaty of portsmouth

  • Gave japan control over port arthur and south sakhalin

• Japan emerged as a great power, being the first asian power to defeat a european power in a long time

• Sparked decline in russia’s prestige among european powers (ultimately led to russian revolution)

Shōwa Emperor/Hirohito

Reigned 1926 - 1989

• 124th emperor of japan

• Reigned during japanese rise to militarism, wwii, and postwar economic boom

• Oversaw japanese expansionism and militarism

• Authorized going to war against the u.s.

Sino-Japanese Wars (x2)

July 1894 - april 1895, july 1937 - sept 1945

• First - japan defeated qing china, gaining taiwan + influence over korea

• Second - japan invades china

  • Nanjing massacre

• First - boosted militarism + expansionist policies

• Second - prompted even further aggressive expansion

Stimson Doctrine

1932

• Us policy stating it will not recognize territories acquired by force

• Response to japanese invasion of manchuria and establishment of manchukuo

• Demonsrates international opposition to japanese expansion

• Worsens us/japan relations

Taisho Democracy

1905- 1926

• Liberal and democratic trend across political, economic, and cultural fields in japan

• Marked by rise of political parties, labor movements, universal male suffrage

• Provides alternative to militarism before japan shifted towards authoritarian rule

• People demanded limited government and began thinking for themselves

Tripartite Intervention (not pact!)

23 april 1895

• Diplomatic intervention by russia, germany, and france over the terms of japan’s treaty of shimonoseki

• Japan forced to return liaodong peninsula after first sino-japanese war

• Enraged citizens, fueled further desire for expansion + hatred towards russia

• One of the causes of the russo-japanese war

Tripartite Pact

27 sept 1940

• Military alliance between germany, italy, and japan

• Directed primarily at the usa

• Loose alliance; defensive clauses never invoked, did not oblige signatories to fight a common war

• Encouraged japanese expansion in the pacific (germany would take over europe)

• Heightened us/japan tensions

21 Demands

18 jan 1915

• Set of demands made by japan during wwi

  • Would greatly extend japanese control over china

  • Would give japan decisive voice in chinese finance, policing, and gov affairs

• Shows how aggressive japan wanted to be with its expansion + taking over china

• Damaged relations w/ us + britain

Zaibatsu

1868 - end of wwii (1945)

• Japanese business conglomerates dominating the economy

• I.e. mitsubishi, sumitomo, mitsui, yasuda

• Provided financial + industrial support to japanese militarism

• Showed how japanese government was run by wealth/zaibatsu interests

REVIEW KEY TERMS

Mandate

1914

• Territories administered by foreign power under oversight of league of nations

• Japan gained former german pacific colonies

  • Marinara, caroline, marshall islands

• Expanded japanese territorial reach

• Served as strategic military bases for further expansion

Racial Equality Clause

1919

• Proposition by japan at paris peace conference calling for racial non-discrimination

• Rejected by western powers (us, australia)

• Led to japanese resentment and increased nationalism

• Encouraged japan to pursue own imperialist policies (rather than aligning w/ west)

• Propaganda tool for japanese ideology during wwii

Key Term

Date

(as relevant)

Defined

Context

ABCD line

1940

- Economic blockade by America, Britain, China, and the Dutch against Japan before WWII.

- Increased Japan’s hostility toward Western nations and contributed to the attack on Pearl Harbor.

B-29 Superfortress

1942-1960

- Advanced U.S. bomber used in WWII.

- Carried out firebombing raids and dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

- Played a crucial role in ending the war in the Pacific by devastating Japanese cities.

Bataan Death March

1942

- Forced march of U.S. and Filipino prisoners by the Japanese in 1942.

- Thousands died due to harsh conditions.

- One of the worst war crimes committed by Japan, fueling American resolve in the Pacific War.

Bombing of Darwin

February 1942

- 1942 Japanese air raid on Australia’s northern city.

- Largest attack on Australia during WWII.

- Showed Japan’s ability to strike far from home and increased Australia’s reliance on the U.S. for defense.

Burma Railway

Built in

1940-1943

Closed in 1947

- Railway built by forced labor under Japanese control in 1942–1943.

- Thousands of civilians died.

- Example of Japanese war atrocities, later leading to war crime trials.

Burma Road

1937-1938

- A supply route from British-held Burma to China.

- Used to support Chinese forces against Japan.

- Key route for Allied supplies before Japan cut it off in 1942.

Doolittle Raid

April 1942

- U.S. air raid on Tokyo in 1942.

- Led by Lt. Col. James Doolittle.

- Boosted American morale and forced Japan to rethink its defenses.

Double V Campaign

1942

- A movement advocating for victory against both fascism abroad and racial discrimination at home.

- Highlighted the contradictions of fighting for freedom abroad while segregation persisted in the U.S.

Executive Order 9066

1942

- U.S. order that led to the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII.

- Violated civil rights and remains a dark chapter in U.S. history.

Firebombing of Tokyo

March 1945

- March 1945 bombing that destroyed much of Tokyo.

- Killed over 100,000 people.

- Deadliest bombing raid in history, showing the destruction of total war.

Hibakusha

After 1945

- Japanese term for atomic bomb survivors.

- Faced discrimination in post-war Japan.

- Their testimonies highlight the human cost of nuclear warfare.

“The Hump”

1942-45

- Air supply route over the Himalayas from India to China.

- Used after the Burma Road was cut off.

- Kept China in the war against Japan despite extreme conditions.

Interim Committee

May 1945

- Group that advised the U.S. government on nuclear policy during WWII.

- Influenced the decision to drop the atomic bombs.

Island Hopping

1942

- U.S. strategy of capturing key islands while bypassing others.

- Helped the U.S. advance toward Japan with fewer casualties.

Kamikaze

1944

- Japanese suicide pilots who attacked Allied ships.

- Showed Japan’s desperation in the final stages of the war.

Manhattan Project

Began 1942-6

- Secret U.S. project to develop atomic bombs.

- Led to the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, ending WWII.

Manzanar / Japanese Internment Camps

1942

- Camps where Japanese Americans were detained during WWII.

- A violation of civil rights based on wartime fear and prejudice.

Potsdam Declaration

1945

- U.S. ultimatum demanding Japan’s surrender in July 1945.

- Japan’s rejection led to the atomic bombings.

Quit India Movement

August 1942

- 1942 Indian independence movement against British rule.

- Weakened British control and contributed to India’s independence in 1947.

“Three Alls Policy”

1940

- Japanese scorched-earth strategy: “Kill All, Burn All, Loot All.”

- Led to massive civilian casualties in China.

Tokyo Rose

1949

- Name given to female Japanese radio broadcasters who spread propaganda to demoralize Allied troops.

- Example of psychological warfare in WWII.

Treaty of San Francisco

September 1951

Enforced April 1952

- 1951 treaty that officially ended the war between Japan and the Allies.

- Allowed Japan to rebuild and rejoin the international community.

Tripartite Pact

September 1940

- 1940 alliance between Germany, Italy, and Japan.

- Solidified the Axis Powers and made WWII a global conflict.

Unit 731

1937-1945

- Secret Japanese military unit that conducted biological warfare experiments.

- Responsible for horrific war crimes, similar to Nazi experiments.

USS Indianapolis

Launched March 1930

- Ship that delivered the atomic bomb parts before being sunk by a Japanese submarine.

- Most of the crew died in shark-infested waters.

- One of the worst naval disasters in U.S. history.

WAAC / Women's Army Corps

1942-1978

- Women’s branch of the U.S. Army during WWII.

- Allowed women to serve in non-combat roles and contributed to the war effort.

Yamato-Damashii

      1939-45

- Japanese concept of “spirit of the samurai” or warrior ethos.

- Justified extreme nationalism and kamikaze tactics in WWII.

Key Term

Dates

Defined

Unit Context/Significance

Anti-Comintern Pact

(EXAMPLE!)

Nov 1936 (Germany, Japan);

Nov 1937 (Italy

Communist International(Comintern) = an international organization set up by the USSR in 1919 with the goal of spreading world revolution.  In case of an attack by the Soviet Union on Germany, Italy, or Japan, signatories would consult on how to safeguard their “common interests.”  Also agreed not to make any political treaties with USSR and recognize Manchukuo.  This essentially formed the Axis powers.  

Seen as a key turning point for Italy,  as it drew them closer to Nazi Germany.  Signaled that Nazis were remilitarizing (despite Treaty of Versailles).  Showed that all three signies were no longer isolated on the international stage.  Broken by Nazis when they signed Nazi-Soviet Pact in 1939.  Tripartite Pact (27 September 1940) re-established the relationship set by the Anti-Comintern Pact.

*appeasement

1930s

• Appeasement refers to the policy of making concessions to an aggressor in order to avoid conflict or war. It involves giving into demands or compromising principles in the hopes of maintaining peace or avoiding further aggression. 

• Germany: Appeasement, notably pursued by British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, involved giving in to some of Hitler's demands in the hopes of preventing war. 

• Italy: The policy of appeasement towards Italy involved diplomatic efforts to accommodate Mussolini's ambitions, such as the 1938 Munich Agreement, which indirectly signaled acceptance of Italy's conquests in Abyssinia (Ethiopia).

*Autarky

1933-19

• Autarky is an economic concept that refers to a situation where a country, region, or entity is self-sufficient and does not engage in international trade or economic relations with other countries. In an autarkic system, the goal is to rely entirely on internal resources to meet all the needs of the economy without importing goods or services from other nations.

• Autarky was important for Germany and Italy during World War II because it helped them meet military needs and align with their ideological goals. However, it showed the difficulty of sustaining closed economies in a world interconnected by trade.

*collective security

1945

• system where states collectively commit to the prevention of aggression and the maintenance of peace. It involves mutual defense agreements and collective responses to threats against any member state.

• collective security mechanisms, such as those embodied by the League of Nations, failed to effectively deter aggression by Germany and Italy in the lead-up to World War II. This failure highlighted the limitations of international cooperation in maintaining peace and preventing conflict during that critical period.

*fascism

n/a

• Fascism is a political ideology that emerged in the early 20th century, particularly in Europe, characterized by authoritarian and nationalist tendencies. It emphasizes centralized government under a dictatorial leader, often with suppression of opposition and strong regimentation of society and the economy. Fascist regimes typically advocate for a strong, centralized state with significant control over individual liberties, often coupled with aggressive nationalism and, at times, racist or xenophobic ideologies.

• The fascist regimes of Germany and Italy contributed to the outbreak and escalation of the war, with their ambitions for territorial conquest and imposition of totalitarian rule across Europe. The defeat of these regimes marked the end of fascism's dominance in Europe and highlighted the catastrophic consequences of its policies, including genocide and widespread devastation.

*Great Depression

1929-1939

• a severe worldwide economic depression that took place during the 1930s. It began with the crash of the stock market in the United States in October 1929 and had profound effects on economies around the world. The depression lasted until the late 1930s

• Impact on the political landscape of Germany and Italy, paving the way for the rise of authoritarian regimes that ultimately played significant roles in triggering World War II. The economic turmoil of the Depression heightened nationalist sentiments. 

*League of Nations

1920-1946

• an international organization established after World War I, with the goal of promoting peace and preventing future conflicts through collective security and diplomacy. It was created by the Treaty of Versailles in 1919 and officially began its operations in 1920.

• was significant in the context of WWII regarding Germany and Italy due to its role in shaping the post-WWI international order, attempting to enforce peace and disarmament measures, and ultimately demonstrating its inability to prevent aggressive actions by expansionist powers like Italy and later Germany.

*Nazism / NSDAP

1920-1945

• Nazism, short for National Socialism (in German, Nationalsozialismus), refers to the far-right political ideology that emerged in Germany in the early 20th century, particularly associated with 

Adolf Hitler and the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP). 

• The NSDAP, commonly known as the Nazi Party, was founded in 1920 and gained prominence in the 1930s, culminating in Hitler's appointment as Chancellor of Germany in 1933.

• Nazism was a defining force in World War II, shaping Germany's actions and policies, and forming critical alliances with Italy and other Axis Powers. Its impact extended far beyond the war years, leaving a lasting legacy of devastation and tragedy in Europe and beyond.

*Pact of Steel 

May 22th, 1939

• was a military and political alliance signed on May 22, 1939, between Fascist Italy under Benito Mussolini and Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler. This pact solidified the relationship between the two countries and was significant in shaping the course of World War II.

• The Pact of Steel was a critical agreement that solidified the Axis alliance between Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, significantly impacting the course and outcome of World War II by reshaping alliances, strategies, and the geopolitical landscape of Europe.

* Rome-Berlin Axis

1936-1945

• a political and military alliance formed between Fascist Italy under Benito Mussolini and Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler. This alliance, officially established in October 1936, aimed to create a closer relationship between the two authoritarian regimes and coordinate their foreign policies.

• played a pivotal role in shaping the course of World War II by aligning the interests and military capabilities of Italy and Germany, contributing significantly to the Axis powers' efforts to challenge and confront the Allied nations.

*Spanish Civil War

1936-1939

• The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) was a conflict fought in Spain between the Republicans, who were loyal to the democratic Spanish Republic, and the Nationalists, a rebel group led by General Francisco Franco.

• shaped the prelude to World War II. Germany and Italy's involvement demonstrated their willingness to support fascist movements abroad and previewed the tactics and technologies that would be used in the subsequent global conflict.

*spazio vitale &  Lebensraum

n/a

• Lebensraum, meaning "living space" in German, was a geopolitical concept adopted by Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime. It referred to the belief that the German people needed more territory (especially in Eastern Europe) to sustain their population and achieve their economic and strategic goals.

•  Spazio vitale, which translates to "living space" or "vital space" in Italian, was a similar concept promoted by Italian Fascist leader Benito Mussolini. Like Lebensraum, it emphasized the need for territorial expansion to accommodate Italy's growing population and establish dominance in the Mediterranean region.

• Both Lebensraum and Spazio Vitale were expansionist ideologies that justified aggressive territorial conquests by Germany and Italy during WWII. These concepts played a significant role in shaping the course of the war, leading to conflicts over territories and resources in Europe and beyond. The pursuit of Lebensraum and Spazio Vitale ultimately contributed to the devastation of the war and the defeat of the Axis powers.

Abyssinian Crisis

1935

• Also the Walwal incident (a town in Ethiopia)

• Dispute between fascist italy and ethiopian empire

• Dispute over the Walwal town 

• League of nations ruled against italy which created economic sanctions (despite not being applied)

• The sanctions caused italy to leave the league

• Caused alliances with UK and France

• Helped them win the territory in the Second Italo-Ethiopian War

Acerbo Law (1923)

1923

• Italian electoral law

• Gave mussolini’s fascist party many deputies

• Used in the general  elections until 1946

• Gave mussolini more power following him becoming the prime minister 

• No longer needed to rely on the coalition

• Helped change the voting system to proportional voting which gave mussolini a majority

Albania (Italian Invasion)

1939

• IMilitary campaign launched by Italy against Albania

• Happened as a result of Mussolini’s imperialist policies

• Succering Albania was important to italy because it was a strategic position

• Albania was made into a part of the Italian empire as a protectorate

• LON failed to protect Albania as neither Britain or France

Balbo, Italo

1896 - 1940

• Air marshall in Italy who was killed by Italian guns

• Led blackshirts in the March on Rome in 1922

• He helped Mussolini develop an airforce

• Led the blackshirts who promoted and facilitated the spread of facism throughout Italy

• Helped Mussolini establish himself

Battle for Grain

1925

• A propaganda campaign formed by Mussolini

• Goal was to make Italy self sufficient in producing grain

• Was a successful campaign

• Step towards Autarky for italy

• Caused economic strain in italy due to reduced exports - farmers replacted what they were trading to foreign nations with grain)

*Blackshirts

1919, officially 1923 - 1943

• Volunteer based armed squad who consisted of Italian Fascists

• The actual black shirt was their uniform

• THey attempted to destroy socialists and communists, along with republicans, catholics, trade unionists, and others later

• Essentially eliminate anyone who became a threat to fascists

• Played a large role in consolidating fascist influence in Italy

• They direct riddance of opponents

• Used intimidation tactics that pushed fascist ideology onto public

• The public was regulated by the blackshirts

Ciano, Galeazzo

Born 1903

Died

1944

• Italian statesman and diplomat

  • Argentina

  • Brazil

  • China

• Married Benito Mussolini’s daughter (1930)

• Member of the fascist grand council

• Italian foreign minister

• Played a big role in bringing Italy into ww2

• Advocate for the italian german friendship

  • Wary of Hitler

• Began to advocate for a peace treaty with the Allies in 1943

• Forced Mussolini’s resignation

Corfu Incident

1923

• Italian occupation of greek island corfu

• Bombing of the island 

  • Italian soldiers were killed on greek soil

• Greece appealed to the LON

  • Forced italy to leave corfu

  • Demonstrated that LON still held some power

• Greece was forced to pay Italy indemnities

Emperor Haile Selassie

Born 1893

Died

1975

• Emperor of Ethiopia 

  • 1930-1974

• Rastafarian

• Established Ethiopia in post ww2 african politics

• Made ethiopia the center for the soon to be African Union

• Brought Ethiopia to LON

Futurism

Started in 1909

• Artistic and cultural movement in Italy

• Focused on liberating Italy from its past

• Mainstreamed the idea of modernization

• Ideologically predeceased Fascism

  • Mussolini was a futurist

• Helped main stream Fascism

  • Propaganda

Fiume Affair

Post ww1

• Land dispute between Italy and Yugoslavia

  • Over the port of Fiume

• Italy claimed that the paris peace conference outlined Fiume as theirs

• Italian poet formed a coalition and took it over

  •  Gabriele D’Annunzio

• Treaty of Rocallo

  • Italian govt. Kicked out the poet

  • Co-owned Fiume w Yugoslavia

Gentile, Giovanni

1875- 1944

• Italian philosopher

  • Educator

  • Politician

• Italian idealist philosophy

• Held seat in Fascist grand council

  •  Supreme Council of Public Education

• Known as the philosopher of fascism

• Influenced heavily by Hegel

  • Same philosopher who influenced Marx

• Denied the existence of individual minds

  • Assisted in fascist teachings

*Hoare-Laval Pact

1935

• Secret offer made by britain

• Offered Mussolini most of Ethiopia in return to ending war in Ethiopia

• Word got out and was no longer secret

  • Created distrust with Africa and rest of Europe

Italia irridenta

• The idea of territories inhabited by an ethnic Italian population but still under foreign rule

  • areas like Trentino, Trieste, and Istria, which were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire before World War I.

• rallying cry for Italian nationalists,

  •  including Mussolini's Fascist Party,

  •  who sought to unify all Italian-speaking territories under Italian control.

•  This sentiment fueled Italian expansionism and was a contributing factor to Italy's involvement in WWII.

Italian Nationalist Association

1910

• An organization founded in 1910 that advocated for Italian nationalism and the expansion of Italian territory.

• The Italian Nationalist Association contributed to the ideological groundwork for Mussolini's Fascist Party.

•  Its emphasis on national pride and territorial expansion aligned with fascist principles 

  •  influenced Italy's aggressive foreign policies during WWII.

Lateran Treaties/ Roman Question

1929

• Agreements signed in 1929 between the Kingdom of Italy and the Holy See,

  •  which resolved the Roman Question, e

• establishing the Vatican City as an independent state

  •  granting the Pope temporal sovereignty.

• The Lateran Treaties marked the reconciliation between the Italian state and the Catholic Church,

  •  which had been in conflict since the unification of Italy.

•  This agreement strengthened Mussolini's regime by gaining the support of the influential Catholic Church 

  •  providing political legitimacy to fascism.

Liberal Italy (Liberal Democracy)

• Refers to Italy's political system before the rise of fascism,

  •  characterized by liberal democratic institutions 

  • and parliamentary governance.

• The failure of liberal democracy in Italy, created fertile ground for the rise of fascism. 

  • marked by political instability, economic turmoil, and social unrest

• Mussolini's March on Rome in 1922 effectively ended liberal democracy in Italy

  •  paving the way for fascist rule.

March on Rome

October 1922

• A mass demonstration in October 1922 organized by Benito Mussolini and the National Fascist Party

  •  culminating in Mussolini being appointed Prime Minister by King Victor Emmanuel III.

• The March on Rome marked the ascension of Mussolini and the Fascist Party to power

  •  establishing Italy as the first fascist state. 

• It demonstrated the effectiveness of fascist mobilization tactics 

  • set a precedent for the use of force to seize political control.

National Fascist Party

1921- 1943

• The political party founded by Benito Mussolini in 1921, 

  • which governed Italy under fascist rule from 1922 to 1943.

• The National Fascist Party was the driving force behind the establishment of fascist dictatorship in Italy.

  •  It implemented authoritarian policies, 

  • suppressed opposition, 

  • and pursued aggressive expansionist goals

  •  aligning Italy with Nazi Germany during WWII.

Opera Nazionale Balilla

1926

• An Italian Fascist youth organization established in 1926,

  •  aimed at indoctrinating young people with fascist ideology 

  • preparing them for military service.

• The Opera Nazionale Balilla played a significant role in fostering loyalty to the fascist regime among Italy's youth. 

• It promoted militarism, nationalism, and obedience to authority,

  •  contributing to the militarization of Italian society

  •  support for Mussolini's aggressive foreign policies.

*Romanita Movement

• A cultural and ideological movement in fascist Italy

  •  that emphasized the revival of ancient Roman values and traditions.

• The Romanità Movement was part of Mussolini's efforts to legitimize fascist rule by associating it with Italy's glorious past.

  •  It promoted the glorification of Roman civilization, 

  • Militarism,

  •  and imperial expansion, 

• serving as a propaganda tool to rally support for fascist policies.

Treaty of London (1915)

1915

• An agreement signed between Italy, France, and the United Kingdom during World War I

  •  in which Italy entered the war on the side of the Allies

  •  in exchange for territorial gains.

• The Treaty of London laid the foundation for Italy's irredentist claims and territorial aspirations,

  •  which became significant factors leading to Italy's involvement in WWII.

•  Italy's dissatisfaction with the post-war settlement

  • particularly regarding territorial rewards,

  •  contributed to the rise of fascist sentiment and Mussolini's eventual rise to power.

*Anschluss

1938

• Translates to connection

• Translates to Joining

• Italian word

• Nazi Germany annexed Austria, which they named the Anschluss

• Nazis violated the treaty of versailles and the treaty of Saint Germain

Alsace-Lorraine

1918/194-

• Series of events that occurred when the region of Alsace-Lorraine passed from German to France sovereignty

• Happened at the end of wwI

• Germany Reoccupied in 1940

• Linked to domestic troubles like the German revolution

• Became incorporated into the Greater German Reich

• Never formally annexed

Beer Hall Putsch

1923

• Munich Putsch

• Failed coup d’état by the Nazi Party

• 2,000 Nazi’s marched into the Feldhernnhalle (city center) and got killed/hurt

• Though it originally failed, it gave Nazi’a national attention

• Was apart of propaganda that proved successful

• Nazi party was banned, and Hitler was sent to jail where he wrote Mein Kampf

*Brownshirts (SA, Sturmabteilung)

1921 - 1945

• Called Brownshirts because the SA wore brown colored uniforms

• Another version of Mussolini’s blackshirts

• Was the SA/radical anti-capitalists

• Formed by Hitler in Munich (1921)

• Often violently intimated political opposition

• Start of Nazi party formation

Dawes Plan (and Young Plan)

1924/ 1923

• Germany’s annual reparation payments would be reduced and increase overtime as it’s economy improved

• Left the full amount undetermined, but to be pay

• Young plan attempted to reduce amount of war reparations/defer the payments and created a 58 year period for it to be payed

• Started new currency - Reichsmark

• Helped Germany’s economy improve

Four Year Plan

1936 - 1940

• Alternative governmental structure created by Hitler/Nazi party

• Included things like the SS and German police forces like the Gestapo

• Essentially a series of economic measures

• Provided rearmament to Germany

• Prepared the country for Autarky

*German Hyperinflation

1921 - 1923

• German currency suffered from inflation during WWI during Weimar republic

• German government poorly funded their war leading to inflation and debt

• Reparations continually increased their debt

• Impoverished millions of Germans

• Paved the way for the rise of the Nazi party

• Left instability and desire for new rule in Germany

Gestapo

1933- 1945

• Official secret state police

• Formed under the nazi party/four year plan

• Was in Germany and german occupied europe

• Were given authority to investigate treason, espionage, sabotage, and criminal attacks on Nazi party/germany

• Created Gestapo law - leaving gestapo to operate without judicial review (above the law)

“Spirit of Locarno” (Kellogg-Briand Pact)

1926

• Condemned “recourse to war for the solution of international controversies and renounce it as an instrument of national policy in their relations with one another”

• Promoted expectations for continual peaceful settlements

• Made concrete when germany joined the league in 1926/withdrawal of troops in rhineland

• Locarno treaties marked a dramatic improvement in the political climate of Western Europe

• Marked end of war and German cooperation

• Hitler in 1936 denounced the pact and reoccupied Rhineland

Mefo bills

• Germany through MEfo bills began to print money without increasing inflation

• Allowed billions in military and public funding

• Marked the aggressive expansionism and militarism and infrastructure producing in Germany

• Enabled German Reich to inflate economy while rearming

*Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact

Aug 23, 1939 - JUly 1940

• Treaty of non-aggression between Germany and Soviet union

• Secret protocol that partitioned central and eastern europe between them

• Also the Hitler-Stalin pact or Nazi-Soviet pact

• Ensured guaranteed peace between the two

• Germany was able to therefore focus their goals without fear of a soviet attack

• Germany could thus avoid a two front war

• In 1940 it failed as Hitler wanted to attack the Soviets after defeating france

Nuremberg Trials

1945-1946

- Post-World War II trials.

- Punished top Nazi leaders for war crimes.

- Set important legal standards.

- Punished top Nazis for war crimes.

- Set standards for prosecuting such crimes.

- Helped document the atrocities of the Holocaust.

Polish-German Non-Aggression Pact

1934

- Signed in 1934.

- Aimed to maintain peace and settle disputes.

- Did not prevent the German invasion of Poland in 1939, leading to World War II.

- Tried to keep peace.

  - Didn't stop Germany's invasion of Poland in 1939, starting World War II.

Re-Occupation of the Rhineland

1936

- 1936 event violating treaties.

  - Hitler sent troops to demilitarized zone.

  - Signaled expansionist goals, tested Allies' response.

- It violated treaties and demonstrated Hitler's expansionist ambitions.

- The lack of significant opposition encouraged further aggression.

- It initiated the remilitarization of Germany, contributing to the destabilization of Europe before World War II.

Reichstag fire (and the Enabling Act)

1933

- 1933 event.

  - Allowed Hitler to consolidate power.

  - Enabled passage of Enabling Act, granting Hitler dictatorial authority.

- Enabled Hitler to consolidate power.

- Established Nazi dictatorship in Germany.

- Undermined democracy and civil liberties.

Rosenberg, Alfred

1920s-1945

- Rosenberg, Alfred:

  - Influential Nazi ideologue.

  - Promoted anti-Semitic policies and Aryan supremacy.

  - Held high-ranking positions within the Nazi regime.

- Shaped Nazi ideology, promoting anti-Semitism and racism.

- Advised Hitler and influenced cultural and educational policies.

- Contributed to the persecution of minorities and Nazi expansionism.

Ruhr Crisis

1923

- Germany couldn't pay reparations to France.

  - France occupied the Ruhr, a vital industrial area.

  - Led to German workers' passive resistance and hyperinflation.

- Revealed economic instability after World War I.

- Increased tensions between France and Germany.

- Sparked German workers' resistance and hyperinflation.

- Exposed weaknesses in the post-war settlement, leading to future conflicts.

Stresa Front

1935

Britain, France, and Italy agreed.

- Aimed to oppose Hitler's military expansion.

- Showed early Western unity against Nazi aggression.

- Attempt to unite Western powers against Hitler's militarization.

- Initial demonstration of Western opposition to Nazi aggression.

- Illustration of early efforts to uphold the Treaty of Versailles.

- Ultimately unsuccessful attempt to prevent Hitler's expansionist policies.

Sudetenland Crisis

1938

- Was about a dispute over Sudetenland, where ethnic Germans lived.

  - Hitler wanted it for Germany.

  - Led to the Munich Agreement, giving Sudetenland to Hitler and not stopping Nazi expansion.

- Showed the failure of appeasement.

- Encouraged Hitler's aggression.

- Highlighted diplomatic efforts' ineffectiveness.

- Set the stage for World War II.

Third Reich

1933-1945

- Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler's rule.

  - Characterized by totalitarianism, militarization, and aggressive expansionism.

  - Implemented racist and anti-Semitic policies, culminating in the Holocaust and the genocide of millions of Jews and other minorities.

- Represents totalitarianism and unchecked power.

- Sparked World War II through aggressive expansionism.

- Committed the Holocaust, one of history's worst atrocities.

- Its defeat marked a turning point toward international cooperation and human rights awareness.

*Treaty of Rapallo

1922

- Signed in 1922.

  - Between Germany and Soviet Russia.

  - Established diplomatic and economic relations.

  - Enabled both countries to circumvent Treaty of Versailles restrictions.

- Allowed Germany and Soviet Russia to bypass Treaty of Versailles restrictions.

- Established diplomatic and economic relations.

- Facilitated military cooperation and secret rearmament projects.

- Signaled a shift in international alliances after World War I.

Weimar Culture

1919-1933

- Flourished during the Weimar Republic (1919-1933).

- Embraced artistic innovation and social liberalism.

- Included movements like Expressionism, Dadaism, and Bauhaus.

- Challenged traditional norms but faced political and economic challenges.

- Fostering artistic innovation amid political upheaval.

- Promoting freedom of expression and challenging norms.

- Contributing to modern art, literature, and architecture.

- Reflecting the complexities of the Weimar Republic.

Key Term

Defined

WWII Europe Significance

Anti-Comintern Pact

• 1936 agreement between Germany and Japan

• Aimed to oppose communism/the USSR.

• Signaled the formation of Axis powers

• Set the stage for cooperation in WWII

• Increased diplomatic isolation of the USSR

Argentine coup d'état (1943)

• Military coup ousting conservative civilian gov

• Led by nationalist officers

• Marked shift from neutrality toward alignment with Axis-sympathetic factions

• led to Argentina declaring war on Germany in 1945

Atlantic Charter

- 1941 joint declaration by FDR and Churchill

- Set ideological foundation for Allied unity

- Influenced creation of the UN

- Used as propaganda against Axis powers

Battle of Britain

- 1940 air battle between the RAF and German Luftwaffe

- First major defeat of Hitler's military forces

- Prevented German invasion of Britain

- Boosted Allied morale

- Marked turning point in air warfare

Battle of El Alamein

- 1942 Allied victory in North Africa

- Led by Montgomery against Rommel

- Prevented Axis access to Middle Eastern oil

- Set stage for Italian invasion

Blitzkrieg

- “Lightning war” strategy using rapid attacks

- Combined air power, armor, and infantry

• Enabled swift German victories early in the war

• Overwhelmed Poland, France, etc

  • Unsustainable in long term i.e. against ussr

Bombing of Dresden

- 1945 Allied bombing raid

- Created a firestorm, killing thousands

- Highly controversial due to civilian casualties

- Symbol of total war and Allied power

- Affected postwar views on aerial warfare

Brazilian Expeditionary Force

- Brazil’s military force in Italy (1944–45)

- Only Latin American troops in European theater

- Marked Brazil's contribution to Allied efforts

- Helped secure final victory in Italy

Commissar Order

- 1941 Nazi directive to execute Soviet political officers, violated laws of war

- Example of Nazi brutality on Eastern Front

- Fueled Soviet hatred and resistance

- Used as evidence in war crimes trials

Double V Campaign

- African American call for victory against fascism abroad and racism at home

- Highlighted racial tensions in Allied societies

- Laid groundwork for postwar civil rights

Enigma Machine

- German cipher device used for secret communication

- Decoded by British intelligence (Bletchley Park)

- Gave Allies critical intelligence (Ultra)

- Shortened the war significantly

- Showcase of wartime cryptography

Hossbach Memorandum

- 1937 meeting summary outlining Hitler’s expansionist aims

- Considered a blueprint for aggression

- Evidence of premeditated war planning

- Used at Nuremberg to prove intent

Kunstschutz

- German policy of “art protection”

- Often used to justify looting

- Highlighted cultural plunder by Nazis

- Impacted postwar art restitution efforts

- Example of war crimes against culture

Lebensborn

- Nazi program to promote Aryan birthrate

- Included maternity homes and child abduction

- Reflected Nazi racial ideology

- Involved in war crimes against families

Maginot Line

- French fortifications on German border

- Intended to prevent invasion

- Germans bypassed it via Belgium (1940)

- Symbol of strategic failure

Nuremberg Tribunal

- 1945–46 trials of top Nazi leaders

- Established legal precedent for crimes against humanity

- First international war crimes tribunal

- Helped define modern human rights law

- lowk didnt result in any actual punishment for nazis, but was symbolic

Operation Barbarossa

- 1941 German invasion of USSR

- Largest military operation in history

- Opened brutal Eastern Front

- Failed to conquer USSR, turning point

- Led to vast destruction and genocide

Operation Overlord

- Allied invasion of Normandy (D-Day) June 6 1944

- Opened Western Front against Germany

- Coordinated massive military effort

- Led to eventual defeat of Nazi regime

Siege of Leningrad

- German blockade of Soviet city (1941–44)

- Caused mass starvation and death

- One of the longest and deadliest sieges

- Symbol of Soviet resilience

Thiaroye Massacre

- 1944 French killing of West African soldiers in Senegal

- Soldiers protested unfair treatment

- Exposed colonial racism in Allied forces

- Sparked anti-colonial movements

- Often omitted from mainstream WWII narratives

V-Rockets

- Terrorized British civilians

- Represented advanced technology

- Precursor to Cold War arms race

Vichy France

- Nazi-collaborationist regime in southern France

- Led by Marshal Pétain

- Administered French colonial empire

- Collaborated in deporting Jews

Wannsee Conference

- 1942 Nazi meeting on the “Final Solution”

- Coordinated extermination of Jews

- Formalized Holocaust planning

- Documented bureaucratic genocide

- Key evidence at Nuremberg

Warsaw Uprising

- Symbol of Polish resistance

- Led to destruction of Warsaw

Type

Distinguishing Features

WWII Historical Example(s)

firebombing

• uses incendiary bombs to create large-scale fires

• targets flammable cities, especially those with wooden structures

• designed to cause destruction, terror, and civilian casualties

• often results in firestorms

• Tokyo (1945)

• Dresden (1945)

• Hamburg (1943)

precision bombing

• targets specific military or industrial objectives

• aims to avoid or limit civilian casualties

• requires accurate intelligence and weather conditions

• used mostly in daylight raids by USAAF

• Schweinfurt ball-bearing factories (1943)

• German oil refineries and transportation hubs
  
  

strategic bombing (area bombing, carpet bombing are types of strategic bombing)

• targets enemy’s economy, infrastructure, and morale

• area bombing targets entire cities or districts

• carpet bombing saturates wide areas with explosives

• The Blitz on British cities (1940–41)

• Allied bombing of Hamburg, Berlin, and Dresden

• US bombing of Japanese cities before atomic bombs