Honors World History B Unit 8: WWII Flashcards

Study Notes

Key Terms and Definitions

Anschluss: The annexation of Austria by Germany in 1938, facilitated by German military occupation.
Appeasement: A diplomatic strategy of conceding to demands to prevent conflict, notably used in response to Hitler.
Axis Powers: The coalition of Germany, Italy, and Japan during World War II, opposing the Allies.
Francisco Franco: The fascist leader who led the Spanish Revolution, supported by Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy.
Nazi-Soviet Pact: A 1939 agreement between Germany and the Soviet Union pledging non-aggression and territorial division in Eastern Europe.
Neutrality Acts: Initial U.S. legislation aimed at preventing involvement in WWII by restricting loans to warring nations, later modified to allow aid to Allies.
Pacifism: The belief that violence and war are unjustifiable; advocates for peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Sudetenland: A region in Czechoslovakia with a significant German-speaking population, claimed by Germany.

Causes of World War II

Economic struggles in Germany post-World War I led to a rise in fascist ideologies, perceived as preferable to communism.
Appeasement policies reflected the trauma of World War I, causing hesitation among nations to engage in another conflict.
Germany's invasion of Poland in 1939 acted as the immediate trigger for World War II.

Effectiveness of the League of Nations

The League failed to prevent aggression from Germany, Italy, and Japan, undermining its authority and effectiveness.
Allowed violations of the Treaty of Versailles, including Germany's remilitarization of the Rhineland.

The Spanish Civil War's Role

Served as a testing ground for Nazi military technology and tactics.
Heightened tensions between Fascist and anti-Fascist forces, serving as a precursor to broader conflict.

Western Powers and Appeasement

Policies were driven by the desire to avoid war, despite leading to increased aggression by Axis powers.
Recognition that appeasement ultimately failed, with figures like Churchill predicting continuing aggression.

The Munich Pact and Its Implications

Churchill criticized the Munich Agreement as ineffective, stating it would only embolden aggressors.
Chamberlain defended appeasement as a means to maintain peace, believing it would deter further conflict.

Influence of the Nazi-Soviet Pact

The pact facilitated Hitler's invasion of Poland by ensuring Soviet neutrality, allowing for the outbreak of World War II without a two-front war.
Enabled Hitler to disregard previous agreements, showcasing the fragility of diplomatic pacts at the time.

Atlantic Charter

A pivotal 1941 agreement between President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston Churchill outlining post-war goals, emphasizing no territorial expansion from WWII.

Description

Test your knowledge on key terms related to World War II with these flashcards. This unit covers significant concepts such as Anschluss, appeasement, and the Axis powers. Enhance your understanding of this critical period in history.