24-25 test Flashcards
Fascism
Definition: A political system characterized by authoritarian power, extreme nationalism, suppression of opposition, and often militarism. It advocates for a centralized, dictatorial government.
Importance: Fascism led to the rise of dictatorial regimes, notably in Italy and Germany, and played a key role in the events leading to World War II. Fascist leaders like Mussolini and Hitler expanded their influence aggressively, setting the stage for global conflict.
Adolf Hitler
Definition: The leader of Nazi Germany, known for his dictatorial control, extreme nationalism, and the instigation of WWII. Hitler’s aggressive expansionism and anti-Semitic policies were central to the war’s outbreak.
Importance: Hitler’s leadership in Germany led directly to the aggression that precipitated WWII. His invasion of Poland, expansionist policies, and the Holocaust are major milestones in the war’s history.
Nazism
Definition: A far-right, authoritarian ideology associated with Adolf Hitler and his Nazi Party, marked by extreme nationalism, racism, anti-Semitism, and the pursuit of territorial expansion.
Importance: Nazism under Hitler was central to WWII, influencing Germany’s military strategies and leading to widespread atrocities, including the Holocaust, which defined the brutal nature of the war.
Similarities and Differences between Totalitarianism, Fascism, Nazism, and Communism
Totalitarianism: A political system where the state has total control over all aspects of public and private life, typically led by a dictator.
Fascism: A form of totalitarianism that emphasizes nationalism, militarism, and the suppression of opposition.
Nazism: A variant of fascism with an added focus on racial purity, specifically anti-Semitism, and Aryan supremacy.
Communism: A political ideology focused on class struggle, where the state controls all means of production to establish equality.
Importance: The different forms of totalitarianism and communism shaped the political landscape leading to WWII. Hitler’s rise as a fascist leader, Stalin’s totalitarian regime in the Soviet Union, and the contrast with democratic nations set the stage for global conflict.
Winston Churchill
Definition: The British Prime Minister during WWII, known for his leadership, speeches, and determination to resist Nazi Germany.
Importance: Churchill’s refusal to appease Hitler and his resolve during the Battle of Britain were critical to maintaining British morale and ultimately resisting Nazi aggression.
Appeasement
Definition: The policy of conceding to the demands of a potential enemy to avoid conflict, often at the expense of the rights of others.
Importance: The policy of appeasement, notably by British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain towards Hitler, failed to prevent WWII and only emboldened Nazi aggression.
Charles de Gaulle
Definition: Leader of the Free French Forces during WWII, who opposed the Nazi occupation of France and later became the President of France.
Importance: De Gaulle’s leadership was vital for organizing resistance to Nazi occupation and later re-establishing French power after the war.
Appeasement vs. Compromise
Appeasement is often seen as yielding to avoid conflict, while compromise involves mutual concessions. Appeasement failed to prevent war with Hitler, while true compromise could have offered a pathway to peace.
Resistance to Nazi Persecution of Jews
Some Europeans resisted Nazi persecution by providing shelter, falsifying documents, and participating in underground movements. The bravery of these individuals and groups helped save many lives and highlighted the moral resistance to Nazi policies.
Terms of Surrender Demanded by Hitler in 1940 and De Gaulle’s Reaction
Hitler demanded unconditional surrender and harsh terms from France in 1940. De Gaulle’s refusal to accept these terms and his commitment to resist from Britain marked his defiance and the beginning of the Free French movement.
Axis Powers
Definition: The coalition of Germany, Italy, and Japan that opposed the Allies in WWII.
Importance: The Axis Powers were responsible for initiating the war through aggressive expansion and were defeated by the Allied powers.
Allies
Definition: The nations, including the U.S., the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and others, that opposed the Axis Powers during WWII.
Importance: The Allies’ cooperation and military efforts ultimately led to the defeat of the Axis Powers and the end of WWII.
Lend-Lease Act
Definition: A U.S. policy that allowed the transfer of arms and supplies to Allied nations during WWII, without requiring immediate payment.
Importance: The Lend-Lease Act was a crucial step in supporting the Allies before the U.S. formally entered the war, reflecting a shift away from neutrality.
Atlantic Charter
Definition: A joint declaration between the U.S. and the UK outlining goals for a post-war world, including self-determination and free trade.
Importance: The Atlantic Charter established the foundation for international cooperation and set the ideological basis for the Allied war effort.
Why the United States Entered WWII
The U.S. entered WWII after Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, as well as growing tensions with Axis Powers and the desire to support the Allies in their fight for democracy.
Philip Randolph
Definition: A prominent African American leader who organized the March on Washington to protest racial discrimination in wartime employment.
Importance: Randolph’s efforts led to the desegregation of defense industries and were crucial in advancing civil rights during WWII.
How WWII Affected Life on the Home Front
WWII had a significant impact on American civilian life, with changes in employment, daily life, and social roles. Women and minorities entered the workforce, and the economy shifted toward wartime production.
Nisei
Definition: Japanese Americans born in the U.S. to immigrant Japanese parents.
Importance: Nisei were affected by internment policies during the war but also served in combat, particularly in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, becoming one of the most decorated units in U.S. military history.
Douglas MacArthur
Definition: U.S. General who led the Allied forces in the Pacific during WWII, known for his strategic leadership in the Pacific Theater.
Importance: MacArthur’s leadership and strategy were key in defeating Japan in the Pacific and securing Allied victory.
Manhattan Project
Definition: A U.S. project aimed at developing nuclear weapons during WWII.
Importance: The Manhattan Project led to the creation of atomic bombs, which were used on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, hastening Japan’s surrender and ending the war in the Pacific.
GI Bill of Rights
Definition: Legislation that provided financial support and educational benefits to World War II veterans.
Importance: The GI Bill helped to boost the post-war economy by offering veterans opportunities for education, home ownership, and healthcare.
Japanese Internment
Definition: The forced relocation and incarceration of Japanese Americans in camps during WWII, based on fears of espionage.
Importance: Japanese internment reflected wartime hysteria and racial prejudice, highlighting civil rights abuses during the war.
How the U.S. Economy Changed During WWII
The war mobilized the U.S. economy, with significant government spending, military production, and technological innovations. This transformed the economy and helped end the Great Depression.
D-Day
Definition: The Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied France on June 6, 1944, during Operation Overlord. It was the largest amphibious military operation in history.
Importance: D-Day marked the turning point on the Western Front. The successful invasion forced German troops to fight a two-front war, weakening their defenses. It accelerated the liberation of France and contributed significantly to the Allied victory in Europe.
