WW2 Flashcards
(32 cards)
What were the causes of war in Europe?
Hitler’s aggressive foreign policy (e.g. expansionism), appeasement, and the failure of the Treaty of Versailles.
How and why did the Nazis seek to destroy European Jews in the Holocaust?
Through a policy of genocide based on racist ideology, aiming to remove Jews from society permanently.
How and why was Germany defeated?
Due to strategic errors, lack of resources, Allied bombing, and the strength of the USSR and Allied forces.
What were the causes of war in Asia?
Japanese militarism, expansionism, and conflicts with China and the USA.
What was Australia’s involvement in World War II?
Australia fought in Europe and the Pacific, mobilized society for war, and shifted alliances from Britain to the USA.
How and why was Japan defeated?
Through US island-hopping, loss of resources, and the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
What were Hitler’s main foreign policy goals? (3)
1) Overturn the Treaty of Versailles, 2) Unite all Germans (Anschluss), 3) Gain lebensraum (“living space”) in Eastern Europe.
Why did the UK and France follow appeasement before 1939?
To avoid another war, due to economic weakness and sympathy for some of Germany’s demands.
Why did the UK and France declare war on Germany in 1939?
Because Germany invaded Poland, violating the Munich Agreement.
What is blitzkrieg?
“Lightning war” — a fast, powerful military strategy using tanks, planes, and infantry to quickly overwhelm enemies.
Why did France surrender in 1940?
France was quickly defeated by Germany’s blitzkrieg and internal divisions weakened resistance.
Why did the UK continue fighting in 1940?
Under Churchill’s leadership, Britain resisted invasion and won the Battle of Britain.
Which three nations formed the Axis Alliance in 1940?
Germany, Italy, and Japan.
Why was Germany unable to conquer the USSR?
The harsh winter, extended supply lines, and Soviet resistance in battles like Stalingrad.
Which three nations led the Allied Powers from 1941?
The USA, the UK, and the USSR.
What were the main reasons for Germany’s defeat in 1945?
Failure to defeat the USSR and UK, Allied bombing, lack of resources, and internal collapse.
What is genocide?
The deliberate, systematic extermination of a racial, national, or religious group.
What is the Holocaust?
The Nazi genocide of six million Jews during WWII.
What was the purpose of the ghettos?
To isolate and control Jewish populations in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions.
What was the SS Einsatzgruppen?
Mobile killing squads that executed Jews and other enemies in Eastern Europe.
What was the Wannsee Conference?
A 1942 meeting where Nazis planned the “Final Solution” — the mass extermination of Jews.
What was the purpose of extermination camps like Treblinka?
To carry out industrial-scale murder of Jews and other targeted groups.
What is militarism?
The belief in maintaining a strong military and using it to achieve national goals
Why did Japan invade China in 1937?
To expand its empire and access natural resources.
