Europe: Ch3 Modern History Flashcards
Adolf Hitler
German dictator and Nazi leader, his aggression launched World War II
nationalism
a devotion and loyalty to one’s country; develops among people with a common language, religion, or history
alliance
an agreement to work together
trench warfare
a style of fighting common in World War I in which each side fights from deep ditches, or trenches, dug into the ground
Treaty of Versailles
the final peace settlement of World War I
Woodrow Wilson
President of the United States, he led the country through World War I and was a champion of world peace and democracy
Communism
an economic and political system in which the government owns all businesses and controls the economy
Vladimir Lenin
Russian revolutionary leader, he led the overthrow of the Russian government in 1917 to create the first Communist state
Great Depression
a global economic crisis that struck countries around the world in the 1930s
Benito Mussolini
Fascist dictator of Italy, he joined forces with Hitler during World War II and fought against the Allies
dictator
a ruler who has almost absolute power
Allies
Great Britain, France, the Societ Union, and the United States; they joined together in World War II against Germany, Italy, and Japan
Anne Frank
Victim of the Holocaust, she was a young girl who kept a diary of her life while her family hid from the Nazis
Axis Powers
the name for the alliance formed by Germany, Italy, and Japan during World War II
Holocaust
the Nazis’ effort to wipe out the Jewish people in World War II, when 6 million Jews throughout Europe were killed
Cold War
a period of distrust between the United States and Soviet Union after World War II, when there was a tense rivalry between the two superpowers but no direct fighting
superpower
a strong and influential country
arms race
a competition between countries to build superior weapons
Michail Gorbachev
Leader of the Soviet Union, his reforms led to the breakup of the Soviet Union, a thaw in the Cold War, and the fall of Communism in Europe
common market
a group of nations that cooperates to make trade among members easier
European Union (EU)
an organization that promotes political and economic cooperation in Europe
