IB HL topic 15 Flashcards
(104 cards)
1
Q
What was the primary aim of the Treaty of Versailles?
A
Punish Germany and hold it responsible for the war
Article 231, known as the war guilt clause, placed full blame on Germany justifying harsh reparations.
2
Q
What was the amount of reparations Germany was ordered to pay under the Treaty of Versailles?
A
123 billion gold marks
3
Q
What were the military limitations imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles?
A
Limited to 100,000 men with no tanks, airforce, or submarines
4
Q
Which territories were taken from Germany as a result of the Treaty of Versailles?
A
- Alsace-Lorrain returned to France
- Polish corridor created
- Saar Basin placed under League control
- Danzig became a free city
5
Q
How did many Germans view the Treaty of Versailles?
A
As a Diktat, or dictated peace, which was humiliating and unjust
6
Q
What economic impact did the Treaty of Versailles have on Germany?
A
Created hyperinflation due to crippling reparations
7
Q
What was a significant response in Germany to the Treaty of Versailles?
A
Fostered deep resentment contributing to the rise of extremist movements
8
Q
What was France’s perspective on the Treaty of Versailles?
A
Felt it wasn’t harsh enough regarding security
9
Q
Why did the US Senate refuse to ratify the Treaty of Versailles?
A
The US never joined the League of Nations
10
Q
What was the main aim of the Treaty of Saint Germain?
A
Dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian empire
11
Q
Which new nations emerged from the Treaty of Saint Germain?
A
- Czechoslovakia
- Yugoslavia
- Hungary
12
Q
What economic impact did the Treaty of Saint Germain have on Austria?
A
Led to economic collapse due to loss of industrial regions and limited resources
13
Q
What was a major issue regarding ethnic tensions after the Treaty of Saint Germain?
A
Many ethnic minorities faced discrimination in new countries
14
Q
What were the territorial losses imposed on Hungary by the Treaty of Trianon?
A
- Transylvania to Romania
- Slovakia and Ruthenia to Czechoslovakia
- Croatia and Slovenia to Yugoslavia
15
Q
What military restriction was placed on Hungary by the Treaty of Trianon?
A
Army limited to 35,000 troops
16
Q
What was a significant response in Hungary to the Treaty of Trianon?
A
Fostered a deep sense of betrayal and irredentism
17
Q
What was the main aim of the Treaty of Neuilly?
A
Punish Bulgaria for siding with the Central Powers
18
Q
What territorial adjustments were made to Bulgaria under the Treaty of Neuilly?
A
- Lost land to Greece
- Lost land to Yugoslavia
- Lost land to Romania
19
Q
What was the economic impact of the Treaty of Neuilly on Bulgaria?
A
Loss of Aegean access was a major economic blow
20
Q
What was the main aim of the Treaty of Sevres?
A
Dismantle the Ottoman Empire and distribute its territories
21
Q
What territories were lost by the Ottoman Empire as a result of the Treaty of Sevres?
A
- Syria and Lebanon became French mandates
- Palestine, Transjordan, and Iraq became British mandates
22
Q
What was a significant issue with the implementation of the Treaty of Sevres?
A
Terms were so harsh it was never fully implemented
23
Q
What was a major success of the League of Nations in the 1920s?
A
Aaland Islands dispute resolved peacefully
24
Q
What was one failure of the League of Nations during the 1930s?
A
Corfu Incident showed powerful states could manipulate the League
25
What was the Kellogg-Briand Pact aimed at?
Outlawing war as an instrument of national policy
26
What was the outcome of the Manchurian Crisis for the League of Nations?
Major blow to the League’s authority; revealed inability to enforce decisions
27
What was the political situation in Czechoslovakia post-WWI?
Most stable and democratic of the successor states
28
What authoritarian regime rose in Hungary after the Treaty of Trianon?
Admiral Horthy's regime
29
What was a significant challenge faced by Poland post-WWI?
Constant border disputes with neighboring countries
30
What type of economy did Romania have after WWI?
Agrarian economy; remained underdeveloped
31
What was the fate of the Baltic States by the 1930s?
All fell to authoritarian regimes
32
What were the aims of Mussolini's foreign policy?
Restore Italy to the glory of the Roman Empire, revise the Treaty of Versailles, promote Italian nationalism and fascist ideology abroad, create an empire in the Mediterranean, counteract communism, gain prestige, and distract from domestic economic issues.
## Footnote
These aims reflect Mussolini's desire to elevate Italy's status on the global stage.
33
What event is associated with the Fiume crisis?
Nationalist poet D’Annunzio seized Fiume, which Mussolini praised, embarrassing the sitting Italian government.
## Footnote
This influenced fascist tactics and highlighted the nationalistic sentiments in Italy.
34
What was the outcome of the Corfu incident in 1923?
Mussolini bombarded and occupied Greek islands after an Italian general was killed; Greece paid compensation but Italy's reputation in Europe suffered.
## Footnote
This incident showcased Mussolini's aggressive foreign policy but ultimately harmed Italy's standing.
35
What was significant about the Abyssinia crisis from 1935 to 1936?
Italy invaded Ethiopia using brutal tactics and chemical weapons, leading to ineffective League sanctions and Italy's withdrawal from the League in 1937.
## Footnote
This invasion initially gained land for Italy but resulted in long-term political isolation.
36
What role did Italy play in the Spanish Civil War (1936-39)?
Italy supported Franco's nationalist forces with troops, tanks, and air support, strengthening fascist ties in Europe but draining resources.
## Footnote
This involvement had costly implications for Italy leading up to WWII.
37
What was the Rome-Berlin Axis established in 1936?
An agreement that strengthened ties between Mussolini and Hitler, marking a shift from previous distrust of Germany.
## Footnote
This alliance had significant implications for Europe leading up to WWII.
38
What was the purpose of the Pact of Steel with Germany in 1939?
It bound Italy and Germany militarily and politically, leading to Italy's involvement in WWII unprepared.
## Footnote
Mussolini expected more time before the war began, but the pact forced Italy's hand.
39
What were the aims of Hitler's foreign policy?
Revise the Treaty of Versailles, rebuild the German military, create a Greater Germany, establish Lebensraum, destroy communism and the Jewish threat, and undermine the post-WWI peace system.
## Footnote
These aims reflect Hitler's aggressive expansionist ideology.
40
What was the significance of Hitler's withdrawal from the League of Nations in 1933?
Hitler used France's refusal to disarm as justification for leaving, leading to secret rearmament.
## Footnote
This marked the beginning of Germany's aggressive military buildup.
41
What was the impact of the Anglo-German Naval Agreement in 1935?
It allowed Germany to build a navy up to 35% the size of Britain's, undermining the Treaty of Versailles and giving Hitler legitimacy.
## Footnote
This agreement was a significant step in Hitler's rearmament strategy.
42
What was the outcome of the remilitarization of the Rhineland in 1936?
Hitler militarized the buffer zone in violation of the Treaty of Versailles, facing no serious response from Britain and France.
## Footnote
This was a strategic victory for Hitler that boosted his confidence.
43
What were the aims of collective security?
Prevent further wars through diplomacy, protect the post-WWI settlement, and resolve conflicts by peaceful means.
## Footnote
Collective security aimed to maintain peace but faced significant challenges.
44
What were the main issues faced by collective security in the 1930s?
The USA's absence from the League, lack of enforcement mechanisms, national interests prioritizing over collective action, and economic depression reducing willingness to enforce sanctions.
## Footnote
These issues severely limited the effectiveness of collective security measures.
45
What were the aims of British foreign policy from 1919 to 1939?
Maintain peace and stability in Europe, avoid another major war, protect trade and the empire, and encourage German integration and peaceful revision of Versailles.
## Footnote
These aims were shaped by public sentiment and economic considerations.
46
What was the context of the Munich Crisis in 1938?
Hitler demanded the Sudetenland; Chamberlain met with him to negotiate, leading to the Munich Agreement without Czechoslovakia's consultation.
## Footnote
This event is often cited as a failure of appeasement.
47
What was the consequence of the Munich Agreement?
Czechoslovakia was not consulted, leading to its invasion by Hitler in March 1939 and public disillusionment with appeasement.
## Footnote
This shift in policy marked a move towards deterrence.
48
49
What were the harsh terms imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles?
War guilt, reparations, territorial loss
## Footnote
These terms created resentment and a desire for revision, fueling nationalism in Germany.
50
What was a significant failure of the League of Nations?
Ineffective in stopping aggression in Manchuria, Abyssinia, and the Rhineland
## Footnote
The League lacked enforcement mechanisms, which contributed to its ineffectiveness.
51
What was the weakness of collective security during the interwar period?
Britain and France were reluctant to act
## Footnote
Additionally, the USSR was isolated diplomatically in the 1930s.
52
Who were the key authoritarian leaders that rose to power in the 1920s and 1930s?
Hitler in Germany, Mussolini in Italy, militarists in Japan
## Footnote
All sought expansion and revision of the post-WWI order.
53
What were Hitler's foreign policy aims?
Lebensraum, destroy Versailles, unite German-speaking peoples
## Footnote
These aims drove aggressive actions leading up to WWII.
54
What significant action did Hitler take in 1936?
Reoccupation of the Rhineland
## Footnote
This was a direct violation of the Treaty of Versailles.
55
What was the Munich Agreement of 1938?
Czechoslovakia forced to cede Sudetenland
## Footnote
This agreement emboldened Hitler and was seen as a failure of appeasement.
56
What was the outcome of the invasion of Czechoslovakia in March 1939?
Broke Munich promises and ended the policy of appeasement
## Footnote
This act demonstrated the failure of diplomatic efforts to contain Hitler.
57
Fill in the blank: The Treaty of Versailles created resentment in Germany due to its harsh terms, which included _______.
war guilt, reparations, territorial loss
58
True or False: The League of Nations effectively stopped aggression in the 1930s.
False
## Footnote
The League was ineffective in addressing conflicts in Manchuria, Abyssinia, and the Rhineland.
59
What was the Nazi-Soviet Pact?
Non-aggression agreement between Germany and USSR with a secret clause to divide Poland.
## Footnote
It allowed Hitler to avoid a two-front war.
60
When did Britain and France declare war on Germany?
3 September 1939
## Footnote
This declaration followed Germany's invasion of Poland.
61
What military strategy did Germany use in Poland?
Blitzkrieg, involving fast coordinated attacks.
## Footnote
This led to a quick Polish defeat.
62
How long did it take for Poland to fall to Germany?
4 weeks
63
What was the outcome of the Fall of France in 1940?
France collapsed in 6 weeks, leading to the creation of the Vichy regime.
## Footnote
Germany bypassed the Maginot line via the Ardennes forest.
64
What was the Battle of Britain?
A 1940 conflict where the Luftwaffe bombed British airfields and cities known as the Blitz.
## Footnote
The RAF successfully defended the UK, causing Hitler to abandon Operation Sea Lion.
65
What was Operation Barbarossa?
Hitler's attempted invasion of the USSR, the largest military operation in history.
## Footnote
Initially successful, but failed to capture Moscow or Leningrad due to harsh winter conditions.
66
What was a significant turning point in the war?
Battle of Stalingrad in 1942
## Footnote
Soviets encircled and destroyed the German 6th army.
67
What happened at El Alamein in 1942?
Axis forces were defeated.
## Footnote
Allies also landed in Morocco and Algeria.
68
What was D-Day?
A massive amphibious invasion of Normandy.
## Footnote
It led to the liberation of France by August 1944.
69
What was Operation Bagration?
A June 1944 operation where the USSR destroyed German Army Group Centre in the East.
70
What significant event occurred in May 1945?
Soviets captured Berlin; Hitler committed suicide on April 30, and Germany surrendered on May 8.
## Footnote
This date is known as V-E Day.
71
What was the Grand Alliance?
The alliance of USSR, UK, and USA during WWII.
## Footnote
Despite differing ideologies, they united to destroy Hitler.
72
What was the Lend-Lease policy?
A program where the US supplied the USSR and UK with vital materials.
73
What was the 'Europe First' policy?
An agreement that defeating Nazi Germany was the top priority.
74
What economic factors contributed to the Axis defeat?
Allied production capacity dwarfed Axis, with US GDP exceeding all Axis powers combined.
## Footnote
USSR recovered and produced more tanks and artillery than Germany.
75
What were some strategic and military failures of the Axis powers?
Overstretch by fighting on too many fronts, failure of Operation Barbarossa, and lack of coordination between Axis powers.
## Footnote
Allied strategic bombing also crippled German war production.
76
What technological advantages did the Allies have?
Allied codebreaking (e.g., Ultra, Enigma) and advancements in radar, sonar, and logistics.
77
What factors contributed to the Allied victory?
Human and material resources, leadership and unity, geography, and strategic bombing.
## Footnote
Allies had larger populations and industrial power, while the Axis suffered from internal rivalries.
78
Fill in the blank: The USSR mobilized over ______ troops.
20 million
79
What role did geography play in the Axis defeat?
USSR’s vast terrain absorbed German invasions and multiple fronts overwhelmed German logistics.
80
What impact did strategic bombing have on the Axis powers?
It crippled German infrastructure and economy, diminishing their ability to move supplies and troops.
81
What was the primary target of the German bombing campaign known as the Blitz?
London, along with cities like Coventry, Liverpool, and Birmingham
## Footnote
The Blitz occurred primarily from 1940 to 1941.
82
Approximately how many civilian casualties were reported during the Blitz?
Approx. 43,000 civilians killed; hundreds of thousands injured.
## Footnote
These figures reflect the severe impact of the bombing on British civilians.
83
How many people were evacuated from cities to the countryside for safety during the Blitz?
Over 3.5 million people, mostly children.
## Footnote
This evacuation was part of efforts to protect civilians from bombings.
84
What psychological effects did the Blitz have on the British population?
Mixed reactions — trauma, resilience, increased national unity ('Blitz spirit').
## Footnote
The term 'Blitz spirit' reflects the communal strength and determination during difficult times.
85
What types of shelters were used by Londoners during the Blitz?
Anderson shelters and communal shelters; Underground stations.
## Footnote
These shelters provided refuge from bombings.
86
What was introduced in Britain in 1940 to ensure equitable distribution of food?
Rationing for meat, sugar, fats, and later clothes and fuel.
## Footnote
Rationing aimed to maintain public health during wartime shortages.
87
What campaign did the Ministry of Food promote to encourage food production during the war?
'Dig for Victory'.
## Footnote
This campaign aimed to boost food production through home gardening.
88
By 1944, what percentage of Britain's GDP was war-related?
55%.
## Footnote
This reflects the significant shift in the economy towards wartime production.
89
How many men were conscripted into National Service by 1941 in Britain?
3.5 million men.
## Footnote
National Service included women being drafted into work as well.
90
What roles did women take on during the war due to labor shortages?
Factories, transport, civil service, and military auxiliary roles (e.g., ATS, WAAF).
## Footnote
Women's contributions were crucial to maintaining wartime production.
91
How many women were employed by 1943 in Britain?
7 million women.
## Footnote
This marked a significant increase in female workforce participation during the war.
92
What was the role of the Ministry of Information during the war?
Controlled press, cinema, and radio to maintain morale.
## Footnote
Censorship of bad news was part of their efforts to boost public spirit.
93
What was the primary outcome of the Beveridge Report (1942)?
Introduced post-war welfare planning, promising cradle-to-grave care.
## Footnote
This led to the establishment of the NHS in 1948.
94
What was the estimated number of civilian casualties in the Soviet Union during World War II?
Est. 13–17 million civilians died.
## Footnote
Many casualties were due to starvation, siege, or reprisals.
95
What was Operation Barbarossa?
A German invasion of the USSR in 1941 that devastated western regions.
## Footnote
It involved a scorched earth policy and the evacuation of industrial enterprises.
96
How many Soviet citizens were left homeless by 1945?
25 million.
## Footnote
The war caused massive displacement across the Soviet territories.
97
What was the duration of the Siege of Leningrad?
900 days (1941–44).
## Footnote
This siege resulted in over 1 million civilian deaths, primarily from starvation.
98
What extreme measures did civilians in Leningrad resort to during the siege?
Ate pets, wallpaper paste, and human corpses.
## Footnote
Rations were drastically reduced, leading to dire survival conditions.
99
What were the consequences of Nazi occupation in Soviet territories?
Mass executions, destruction of villages, and forced labor.
## Footnote
Einsatzgruppen and SS units were responsible for many atrocities, including the Holocaust by bullets.
100
What was the impact of the war on Soviet agricultural production?
Dropped by over 40%.
## Footnote
Severe shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies were widespread.
101
How many women served in the Red Army during World War II?
800,000 women.
## Footnote
Women took on roles as snipers, medics, and pilots, exemplifying their contributions to the military effort.
102
What was Stalin's propaganda strategy during the war?
Embraced nationalism and the Orthodox Church to rally morale.
## Footnote
The portrayal of the 'Great Patriotic War' emphasized survival and righteousness.
103
What were the punishments for desertion or defeatism in the Soviet Union during the war?
Harsh punishment, including arrest or execution.
## Footnote
The NKVD monitored loyalty and dissent on both the home front and frontlines.
104
What happened to ethnic minorities like the Crimean Tatars during the war?
Deported en masse under suspicion of collaboration with the Germans.
## Footnote
This reflects the severe repression faced by various ethnic groups during the war.
