Study guide questions Flashcards
What was the state of affairs (political, economic, military, internationally, etc.) of the following nations during the Interwar Period: United States, Soviet Union, Germany, Japan, China? What, if anything, about their situations contributed to the beginning of WWII?
They were all political.
Germany’s revanchism, militarism, and ideology were the most direct cause.
Japan’s imperialism and attacks on China escalated global tensions.
US isolation and delayed involvement gave Axis powers space to grow.
Soviet Union’s pact with Germany enabled the initial Axis offensives.
China was a victim but its war with Japan broadened the conflict’s scope.
What are the similarities and differences between Fascism and Communism?
Similarities
One-party totalitarian states
Propaganda, censorship, secret police
No free elections or civil liberties
Differences
Fascism is a nationalist, authoritarian ideology that supports private property under state control and maintains social hierarchies. It emphasizes national unity, often led by a dictator, and values order and loyalty to the nation.
Communism seeks a classless, stateless society with collective ownership of resources. It focuses on eliminating class distinctions, opposes nationalism, and aims for global working-class unity.
Which nations comprised the Axis Powers? The Allied Powers? What comparisons can you draw between the government styles and systems between these two groups?
The main Axis Powers during World War II were
Germany
Italy
Japan
The major Allied Powers included
United States
Soviet Union
United Kingdom
China
France
Axis nations focused on centralized control, nationalism, and suppression of freedoms, while Allied nations, despite their diversity, generally promoted democracy, individual rights, and open societies
What was the long term impact, if any, of the League of Nations? What was it intended to accomplish? Was it successful?
The League of Nations intended goal was to prevent war, promote diplomacy, and improve global cooperation.
Was not successful. The League of Nations, though unsuccessful in preventing World War II, had a lasting impact on global affairs. It laid the groundwork for the creation of the United Nations by introducing the concept of collective security and international cooperation. The League also contributed to the development of international law and promoted humanitarian efforts in areas like health, refugee aid, and labor rights.
Why was the Great Depression so prevalent globally? How was it a problem domestically for the United States and also globally across the world?
the Great Depression was globally prevalent because of the interconnectedness of world economies, the financial and trade relationships between countries, the collapse of banking systems, and the failure of the global economic structures like the gold standard and international trade. Domestically, the U.S. faced catastrophic unemployment, poverty, a banking collapse, and a massive decline in industrial production. The social fabric was torn apart as millions of people lost their livelihoods and faith in the economic system
