Causes of WW2 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What were the five main Allies of WW2?

China (correct)

France (correct)

Russia (correct)

Italy

Germany

U.S (correct)

Britain (correct)

What were the three main Axis countries of WW2?

Britain

Italy (correct)

Japan (correct)

Germany (correct)

Russia

What were the five main causes of WWII?

Fascism, Appeasement, Treaty of Versailles, The Great Depression, Imperialism.

How did Fascism contribute to causing WW2?

Extreme nationalism, racism, militarism, inherently imperialistic all of which made war more likely. Signup and view all the answers

How did Appeasement contribute to causing WW2?

Giving into the aggressors to avoid conflicts usually emboldens them. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Treaty of Versailles contribute to causing WW2?

It led to The Great Depression, imposed harsh restrictions on Germany, and created resentment. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Great Depression contribute to causing WW2?

It caused people to adopt more extreme political viewpoints and militarize. Signup and view all the answers

How did Imperialism contribute to causing WW2?

Global powers disapproved of other countries' expansion, creating tensions. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the connection between Fascism and Appeasement.

Allies didn't like fascism but considered it better than communism. Signup and view all the answers

Name three things Hitler did that violated agreements made in the Paris Peace Conference.

Sending troops into the Rhineland, remilitarizing beyond troop limits, and annexing Austria. Signup and view all the answers

What four leaders met at the Munich Conference, and what did they discuss?

Chamberlain, Daladier, Hitler, Mussolini. They discussed a treaty to settle disputes peacefully. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Hossbach Memorandum?

A record of a meeting where Hitler outlined future expansionist policies. Signup and view all the answers

Name two key pieces of evidence that suggest Hitler had a master plan to conquer Europe.

Mein Kampf, Hossbach Memorandum. Signup and view all the answers

Name two pieces of evidence suggesting Hitler was improvising rather than following a master plan.

Germany's military spending was comparable to other nations, and Lebensraum was a popular idea. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Allies and Axis Powers

Main Allies: Britain, France, China, Russia, United States
Main Axis Powers: Germany, Japan, Italy

Major Causes of WWII

Key causes: Fascism, Appeasement, Treaty of Versailles, The Great Depression, Imperialism

Impact of Fascism

Characterized by extreme nationalism, racism, militarism, and imperialism, increasing the likelihood of war.

Role of Appeasement

Allies' concession to aggressors led to emboldened nations, resulting in increased aggression from Germany, Italy, and Japan.

Consequences of the Treaty of Versailles

Imposed harsh reparations on Germany, contributing to economic turmoil and resentment.
Failed to meet promises to Italy and Japan, fostering discontent.
Weakened the League of Nations, particularly with the absence of U.S. participation.

Influence of the Great Depression

Heightened political extremism from economic hardships such as hunger and unemployment.
Countries remilitarized to stimulate economies during the depression.

Effects of Imperialism

Global tensions escalated due to established powers resisting expansion by emerging imperialistic nations.

Connections Between Causes

Fascism & Appeasement: Allies saw fascism as a buffer against communism.
Fascism & Treaty of Versailles: Provided propaganda for Hitler and Mussolini to blame for issues.
Fascism & Imperialism: Promoted the idea that expansion was essential for national strength.
Fascism & Great Depression: Increased desire for strong leadership as democracies faltered.
Appeasement & Treaty of Versailles: Ignored German military build-up despite the treaty's restrictions.
Appeasement & Great Depression: League members preoccupied with internal issues became lenient towards aggression.
Imperialism & Treaty of Versailles: Germany's imperial ambitions fueled resentment and harsh treatment.
Imperialism & Great Depression: War was viewed as a means to revive struggling economies.
Treaty of Versailles & Great Depression: Reparations led to economic collapse in Germany.

Violations by Hitler Pre-Munich Conference

Sent troops into the Rhineland, remilitarized beyond limits, and annexed Austria.

Munich Conference Leaders

Leaders: Chamberlain (UK), Daladier (France), Hitler (Germany), Mussolini (Italy).
Discussed settling disputes through negotiation and agreed to Hitler's territorial demands in Czechoslovakia.

Hossbach Memorandum

Documented Hitler's meeting outlining future expansionist policies, intended for execution even after his potential death.

Evidence for Hitler's Master Plan

Mein Kampf and the Hossbach Memorandum indicate a long-term strategy to conquer Europe.
Supported by historian Hugh Trevor-Roper.

Evidence Against a Master Plan

Historian AJP Taylor argues that Germany's military spending was comparable to other nations, and Lebensraum was a common ideology, suggesting opportunistic actions rather than a defined plan.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the key causes and alliances of World War II with these flashcards. Explore the main Allied and Axis powers, as well as the fundamental causes that led to the conflict. Perfect for history enthusiasts or students preparing for exams.