Social Studies Flashcards
World War 2 (33 cards)
What years did World War 2 take place?
1930s-1945
Who were the main Axis Powers?
Germany, Italy, Japan
Who were the main Allied Powers?
Great Britain, The Soviet Union (after 1941), The U.S. (after 1941), China, France (until Germany invaded)
What is totalitarianism?
A system in which the government acts as absolute ruler with complete control over every element of life.
How did totalitarianism start in Europe?
It started with dictators who promised to change poverty, instability, and dissatisfaction after WW1.
Who was Benito Mussolini?
He came to power as a leader of a fascist totalitarian movement in Italy.
What is fascism?
A form of totalitarianism that emphasizes nationalism and conformity.
What are the three main characteristics of fascism?
- Total power given to dictator 2. Individual freedoms denied 3. Emphasized nationalism and racism
Who were the leaders of the Axis Powers?
Germany-Adolf Hitler, Italy-Benito Mussolini, Japan-Hideki Tojo
Who were the leaders of the Allied Powers?
USA-FDR and Harry S. Truman, England-Winston Churchill, USSR-Joseph Stalin
What is appeasement?
Compromise; giving something up in order to maintain peace.
What was the Rome-Berlin Axis?
An alliance formed between Hitler and Mussolini in 1936.
What was the Non-Aggression Pact?
An agreement between Stalin and Hitler not to attack each other and to divide Poland.
How did Hitler come to power?
Germany felt humiliated after the Treaty of Versailles, leading to economic collapse and desperation for a strong leader.
What were the causes of World War 2?
- Worldwide Depression 2. High unemployment 3. High war debt in Germany 4. High inflation
How did World War 2 start?
In 1939, Germany invaded Poland, prompting Britain and France to declare war.
What were the Neutrality Acts?
Laws passed to keep the U.S. neutral by preventing arms sales and loans to foreign nations.
What was the Selective Training and Service Act?
The first peacetime draft in American history.
What was the Lend-Lease Act?
An act that allowed the U.S. to sell or lend weapons and supplies to the Allies.
What was the Atlantic Charter?
A statement of shared goals between the U.S. and Britain regarding post-war visions.
What happened at Pearl Harbor?
A surprise attack by Japanese aircraft on the American naval base, leading to U.S. entry into the war.
What was the reason for the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor?
The Japanese feared U.S. intervention in their expansion efforts in Asia.
What is isolationism?
A national policy of remaining apart from the political and economic affairs of other nations.
What was the America First Committee?
The largest isolationist organization in America that opposed the Lend-Lease Act.
