Map of Europe Pre WW2 Flashcards

Key Countries and Cities

• Great Britain, with its capital London, played a significant role in Europe pre-WW2, known for its global influence and power.
• The Soviet Union was a major political entity poised for expansion, comprising multiple republics under a communist regime.
• Albania, a small Balkan nation, had an unstable political landscape and was surrounded by larger powers.
• Spain's capital is Madrid; prior to WW2, Spain was recovering from its civil war and remained neutral during the conflict.
• Italy, led by Mussolini from Rome, pursued aggressive expansionist policies, impacting relationships in Europe.

Geographic Features

• The Black Sea serves as a crucial sea route linking Europe with Asia, bordered by several important countries.
• The Baltic Sea is bordered by countries like Germany and Sweden, playing a significant role in trade and military mobility.
• The Atlantic Ocean is the vast body of water separating Europe from the Americas, crucial for maritime navigation and trade.
• The Adriatic Sea lies between Italy and the Balkan peninsula, significant for its strategic coastal ports.

Key Regions and Landmarks

• The Rhineland region of Germany was demilitarized by the Treaty of Versailles, but later reoccupied in an effort to restore national pride.
• The Mediterranean Sea is a key maritime route for trade and cultural exchange, surrounded by southern European countries.
• The Rhine River flows through important industrial regions in Germany, contributing to its economy and transport.

Important Nations and Capitals

• France, with Paris as its capital, was a leading power in Europe, known for its cultural influence and history of conflicts.
• Czechoslovakia was a new democracy formed post-WWI, facing ethnic tensions and rising threats from Germany.
• Switzerland remained neutral during WWII, famous for its policy of armed neutrality and banking secrecy.

Lesser-Known Countries

• Hungary, with its capital in Budapest, was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire pre-WWI and faced territorial losses afterward.
• Bulgaria was allied with the Axis powers during WWII and had a significant impact on Balkan politics during this era.
• Norway maintained a neutral stance during the war but was invaded by Germany in 1940.

Post-War Context

• Vichy France refers to the regime established in southern France during the German occupation, infamous for collaboration with the Nazis.