7.4.1 Buildup to WW2 Flashcards
What was the Good Neighbor Policy?
FDR’s policy (1933) stating no country could interfere in another’s affairs; focused on economic ties over military.
Who took over Japan in 1926?
Emperor Hirohito
What was the Weimar Republic?
Germany’s struggling post-WWI government before Hitler took over.
What was the Nazi Party?
National Socialist German Workers’ Party; led by Hitler; nationalist & anti-Semitic.
What is fascism?
Extreme patriotism, militarism, anti-communism, and suppression of opposition.
Who led Italy’s Fascist Party?
Benito Mussolini
What did the Neutrality Act of 1937 do?
Banned Americans from traveling on Allied ships; weapons sales required cash payment & non-U.S. ships for transport.
How did the Neutrality Act of 1939 change U.S. policy?
Allowed U.S. to sell wartime goods to warring nations.
What was the Lend-Lease Act?
Allowed the U.S. to sell wartime goods to any nation vital to U.S. security.
What were the goals of the Atlantic Charter?
Self-determination, free trade, global cooperation, freedom of seas, world peace.
What event started WWII?
Germany invaded Poland (Sept 1939).
What does Blitzkrieg mean?
“Lightning war” – fast, powerful military takeover.
Which countries made up the Allied Powers?
United Kingdom, France, Soviet Union
Which countries made up the Axis Powers?
Germany, Italy, Japan
What was the America First Committee?
A group that supported U.S. isolationism, included Charles Lindbergh, had 800K+ members, and many were anti-Semitic.
What was the Panay Incident?
Japan attacked a U.S. ship rescuing Americans in China, leading to U.S. sanctions.
What happened on December 7, 1941?
Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, leading the U.S. to declare war.
What was FDR’s reaction to Pearl Harbor?
He called for war, and Congress declared war on Japan; Axis Powers declared war on the U.S.
What was the Europe First Strategy?
U.S. & Allies focused on defeating Germany first, then Japan.
