WW2 Pt. 1 Flashcards
(7 cards)
Mussolini, Stalin, Hitler, and Japan
The individuals mentioned, Mussolini, Stalin, Hitler, and Japan (represented by Emperor Hirohito, were key figures in World War II and the years leading up to it. Mussolini led Fascist Italy, Stalin was the leader of the Soviet Union, Hitler led Nazi Germany, and Japan was ruled by Emperor Hirohito. These figures played a significant role in the political landscape of the time, often with aggressive ideologies and policies that contributed to the outbreak and progression of the war.
Berlin Olympics:
The Berlin Olympics, or the 1936 Summer Olympics, were a controversial event held in Berlin, Germany, from August 1 to August 16, 1936. While initially awarded to Berlin before the Nazis rose to power, the Games were held under the regime, leading to a complex mix of international reactions and Nazi propaganda.
Appeasement:
Appeasement is a foreign policy strategy where a nation makes concessions to another, often a hostile or aggressive nation, in an attempt to avoid conflict or war. It involves granting concessions, making sacrifices, and sometimes accepting terms that may not be in one’s own best interest. In history, appeasement is most famously associated with Britain’s policy towards Nazi Germany in the 1930s, particularly with Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain.
Fascism v Communism:
During World War II, fascism and communism represented opposing ideologies, though both were authoritarian and rejected democracy. Fascism, exemplified by Italy and Germany, emphasized nationalism, militarism, and authoritarian leadership, often with a cult of personality around the leader. Communism, as practiced in the Soviet Union, focused on state control of the economy, social equality, and a revolutionary overthrow of capitalism, leading to a one-party system. While both were authoritarian, fascism embraced nationalistic fervor and often glorified the state, while communism sought a classless society through a global revolution.
Nazi Soviet Pact:
The Nazi-Soviet Pact, also known as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, was a non-aggression treaty signed between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union on August 23, 1939, shortly before the start of World War II. It pledged the two nations to take no military action against each other for ten years. The pact also included a secret protocol dividing Eastern Europe into spheres of influence.
Miracle at Dunkirk:
The Dunkirk evacuation, also known as Operation Dynamo and the Miracle of Dunkirk, was a World War II evacuation of British, French, and Belgian troops from the beaches and harbour of Dunkirk in France to England between May 26 and June 4, 1940. Despite facing overwhelming German forces, over 338,000 soldiers were rescued, a feat that surprised many and became a symbol of resilience and determination.
Battle of Britain:
The Battle of Britain was a major aerial campaign fought during World War II between the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Luftwaffe, Germany’s air force, from July 10 to October 31, 1940. The primary goal of the Luftwaffe was to achieve air superiority over Britain in preparation for a potential invasion. The battle was a critical turning point, as the RAF’s victory prevented the invasion and allowed Britain to continue fighting the war.
