World History Spring Exam Study Guide Flashcards
(36 cards)
What was Social Darwinism?
The idea that some countries and people were stronger than others, used as an excuse for rich countries to take over weaker ones.
Social Darwinism justified imperialism by promoting the belief that it was natural for the strong to dominate the weak.
What was the Berlin Conference?
A meeting in 1884-1885 where European countries divided up Africa without consulting African people.
This conference led to the arbitrary borders that disregarded ethnic and cultural divisions in Africa.
What was the Opium War?
A conflict where Britain forced China to allow the sale of opium, resulting in China’s defeat and the opening of its ports for trade.
China also had to cede Hong Kong to Britain as a result of the war.
What was the Boxer Rebellion?
A fight in China against foreigners, started by a group called the Boxers who wanted to expel foreign influences.
The Boxers were motivated by resentment towards foreign control of Chinese trade.
What year did WWI start?
1914
What were the long term MAIIN causes of WW1?
Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, Industrialization, Nationalism
Each factor contributed to the tensions that led to the outbreak of the war.
What region was called the ‘powder keg’ of Europe and why?
The Balkans, due to the many groups seeking independence and the conflicts over control.
This region was highly volatile and contributed to the outbreak of WWI.
What was the short term cause of WW1?
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by a Serbian nationalist.
What does total war mean?
A war where the whole country is involved in the war effort, including civilians.
This included production of weapons and food for soldiers, as well as sacrifices on the home front.
How was propaganda used in WW1?
To gain public support for the war and portray the enemy negatively.
Propaganda encouraged enlistment and the purchase of war bonds.
How did people feel after WW1 during the interwar period?
Sad, angry, and confused, often losing faith in their leaders.
Why did fascist governments arise in places like Italy and Germany after WW1?
Due to anger about losing the war and economic problems.
Fascism involves strong leadership, total control, and prioritizing the nation over individuals.
What was Anschluss?
The annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany in 1938.
How did The Treaty of Versailles lead to WW2?
It punished Germany harshly, causing anger and economic hardship that helped Hitler rise to power.
What was ‘The Lost Generation’?
The young people who fought in WWI, many of whom were changed or died due to the war.
What were the Nuremberg Laws?
Unfair rules created by the Nazis that stripped Jewish people of their rights.
What was Kristallnacht?
A night in 1938 when Nazis attacked Jewish homes, businesses, and synagogues in Germany.
Why did the Weimar Republic have hyperinflation after WW1?
Due to printing too much money to pay war debts, leading to money becoming worthless.
How did Japan justify its imperial expansion after WW1?
By claiming the need for land and resources for its growing population and the desire to lead Asia.
What is appeasement associated with the 1938 Munich Conference?
Giving Hitler part of Czechoslovakia to avoid war, which ultimately failed.
What happened to China in the interwar period?
A civil war between the Nationalists and Communists, with a brief cooperation against Japan.
What were the Pacific and Atlantic theaters in WWII?
The Pacific Theater involved fighting against Japan, while the Atlantic Theater involved fighting against Germany and Italy.
Why were the Soviet Union and United States allies during WWII?
They united to defeat Nazi Germany despite having different ideologies.
Who was Josef Stalin?
The dictator of the Soviet Union known for his oppressive regime and transforming the USSR into a superpower.
