World History: Causes of WWII
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following groups were NOT targeted for extermination by the Nazis during WWII?

  • Union members
  • Farmers (correct)
  • Jews
  • Roma/Gypsy

In what specific year did the Nazis begin relocating Jewish people from ghettos to concentration camps?

  • 1940
  • 1941
  • 1943 (correct)
  • 1939

What was the rationale behind the Nazi policy known as 'Euthanasia Aktion T-4'?

  • To reduce overcrowding in German cities
  • To address a shortage of medical personnel
  • To eliminate all Jewish people
  • To promote Aryan racial purity (correct)

Once in concentration camps, what were individuals stripped of, symbolizing their loss of identity?

<p>Their names and identities (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the information provided, what was the purpose of the Einsatzgruppen?

<p>To carry out mass killings of Jewish communities (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason for the policy of appeasement adopted by Western nations in the lead-up to World War II?

<p>Fear of military confrontation and the desire to maintain peace. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which event marked Hitler's first violation of the Treaty of Versailles?

<p>The reoccupation of the Rhineland. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome for the Jewish refugees aboard the S.S. St. Louis?

<p>They were forced to return to Europe and most were killed in the Holocaust. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant action did Germany take in 1938 that further expanded its territory?

<p>Incorporated Austria into its empire. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Britain and France respond to Germany's actions during the late 1930s?

<p>They largely disregarded the threats posed by Germany. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact did Hitler's success in Europe have on his foreign policy?

<p>It led him to pursue a more aggressive foreign policy. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of noncompliance by Western nations during Hitler's reoccupation of the Rhineland?

<p>It strengthened Germany's military capabilities. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one prominent tactic used by Soviet forces to hinder German advancement?

<p>Scorched Earth Policy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What consequence did the 'No One Step Backward' rule have for Soviet soldiers?

<p>It allowed for immediate execution of fleeing soldiers. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many German and Soviet soldiers faced each other during the conflict discussed?

<p>2.5 million German vs 5.5 million Soviet (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the estimated number of Soviet men killed by Stalin during the conflict?

<p>150,000 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What group supported Mussolini’s rise to power by using violence and intimidation?

<p>The Black Shirts (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of the Black Shirts in Italy?

<p>To support Mussolini's vision of fascism (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy did the Russians implement to defend their territory?

<p>Scorched Earth Policy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What event marked the end of the German advance toward Moscow?

<p>Russian winter and resistance (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What tactic did Soviet soldiers use in response to German advancements aside from direct combat?

<p>Scorched Earth Policy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant action was taken by the German army regarding Rome on June 4th, 1944?

<p>Rome was declared an open city. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason America got involved in WWII?

<p>The attack on Pearl Harbour. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Approximately how many American men fought in Europe before the end of WWII?

<p>2 million (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a major consequence experienced by the crew of the USS Indianapolis after it was sunk?

<p>They faced dehydration and hunger. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the War Measures Act passed by Canada primarily intended for?

<p>To address the threat posed by Nazi Germany. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Allies ultimately manage to gain control of Rome?

<p>By breaking through German defenses over several attempts. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many men were reportedly eaten by sharks after the sinking of the USS Indianapolis?

<p>150 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome for Mussolini after the fall of Ortona?

<p>He was executed and hung in public. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which Allied countries received support from America under the Lend-Lease Act?

<p>Britain, Soviet Union, and China. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant event happened on Christmas Day in 1943?

<p>The battle in Ortona continued. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Black Shirts play in Mussolini's rise to power?

<p>They created an atmosphere of fear to justify centralized control. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant event did the Black Shirts help facilitate in 1922?

<p>Mussolini's March on Rome. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the status of the Black Shirts after Mussolini's fall from power in 1943?

<p>They were disbanded. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Mussolini’s alliance with Hitler in 1936 impact Italy's involvement in World War II?

<p>It aligned Italy with Nazi Germany, leading to eventual conflict. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What event marked the beginning of the Italian Campaign in 1943?

<p>The invasion of Sicily. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome for Mussolini by late July 1943?

<p>He was still in power but faced increasing opposition. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many Canadian soldiers participated in the Italian Campaign?

<p>Over 90,000. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurred during the battle at Ortona in December 1943?

<p>Canadians faced fierce urban combat resulting in high casualties. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What strategy did Canadian troops use to navigate through buildings in Ortona?

<p>They blew through walls to move between buildings. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the official date of the Italian government's surrender during World War II?

<p>September 8, 1943. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Appeasement

A policy of making concessions to an aggressor in order to avoid conflict.

Isolationism

A foreign policy approach where a nation refrains from involvement in international affairs.

Rhineland Occupation

Germany's violation of the Treaty of Versailles by sending troops into the Rhineland, a demilitarized zone established after World War I.

Nonaggression Pact

A 1939 agreement between Germany and the Soviet Union, where both nations agreed to not attack each other.

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S.S. St Louis

A ship carrying Jewish refugees who were denied entry to Cuba and the United States, highlighting the global response to the Jewish refugee crisis during World War II.

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Holocaust

The systematic, bureaucratic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of six million Jews by the Nazi regime and its collaborators.

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Declaration of War In 1939

A declaration of war made by Britain and France against Germany after the invasion of Poland.

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Ghettos during WWII

Designated areas where Jews were forced to live during World War II, characterized by extreme overcrowding, poor sanitation, and food shortages.

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Euthanasia Aktion T-4

Nazi policy implemented in the 1930s to eliminate individuals deemed 'unworthy of life,' targeting people with mental or physical disabilities, with the aim of promoting Aryan racial superiority.

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Einsatzgruppen

Mobile killing units responsible for carrying out mass killings of Jewish communities starting in the 1930s, preceding the establishment of formal concentration camps.

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Concentration Camps

Camps established by the Nazi regime during World War II where millions of Jews, political opponents, homosexuals, and other groups were imprisoned, subjected to forced labor, and systematically murdered.

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The Holocaust

The systematic, state-sponsored persecution and killing of six million Jews by the Nazi regime and its collaborators during World War II.

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Soviet Advantages in WW2

The Soviet Union's vast size, harsh weather conditions, and massive population gave them a significant advantage in the war against Germany.

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Stalin's Ruthless Tactics

Joseph Stalin's ruthless strategy involved mobilizing millions of people, including women, into military service and employing harsh tactics like the "No One Step Backward" rule, which resulted in the execution of retreating soldiers.

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Scorched Earth Policy

The Scorched Earth Policy was a strategy implemented by the Soviet Union to deny German forces access to resources and weaken their advance. This involved destroying infrastructure, crops, and other valuable assets.

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Who were the Black Shirts?

The Black Shirts were a paramilitary force associated with Benito Mussolini's Fascist Party in Italy. They played a crucial role in his rise to power, using violence and intimidation to suppress political opposition.

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Black Shirts' Goal

The Black Shirts' primary goal was to support Mussolini's fascist ideology. They aimed to establish a totalitarian regime in Italy by suppressing any form of dissent and opposition.

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Black Shirts Activities

The Black Shirts were involved in a variety of activities to achieve their goals, including disrupting strikes, silencing protests, and engaging in violent confrontations with their political adversaries.

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Black Shirts' Impact

The Black Shirts served as a key instrument in Mussolini's ascent to power, helping to create a climate of fear and control that enabled the establishment of a fascist dictatorship in Italy.

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What was the Battle of Ortona?

The Battle of Ortona was a fierce and bloody battle during World War II, fought between the Italian and Allied forces in 1943. The battle took place in the town of Ortona, located in central Italy.

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Key features of the Battle of Ortona

The Battle of Ortona was characterized by intense urban warfare, house-to-house fighting, and heavy casualties on both sides. The town was heavily fortified and defended by the German forces.

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Fall of Ortona

The Germans withdrew from Ortona after a fierce battle that spanned over Christmas Day of 1943.

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Allied Objective: Rome

The Allies' goal was to capture Rome, the capital of Italy, to weaken the German presence in the region.

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Rome Offensive

The Allies, composed of British, American, French, Polish, and Canadian forces, launched four major attempts between January and May 1944 to breach German defenses and capture Rome.

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Rome Declared Open City

The German army declared Rome an open city, meaning it would not be defended, and allowed the Allies to take possession on June 4th, 1944.

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US Involvement in WWII

The American involvement in World War II began in March 1941 following the attack on Pearl Harbor.

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Lend-Lease Act

The Lend-Lease Act was passed to aid countries fighting against the Axis Powers. It allowed the US to provide weapons and financial support to allies such as Britain, the Soviet Union, and China.

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USS Indianapolis Sinking

The sinking of the USS Indianapolis occurred on July 30, 1945, after it was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine. Over 1200 men were onboard, and the ship sank in 12 minutes, killing 300 men.

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USS Indianapolis Survival

The surviving crew of the USS Indianapolis endured four agonizing days adrift in the ocean, facing dehydration, hunger, heat, hallucinations, and shark attacks. Only 316 men out of 1200 survived.

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Canadian Declaration of War

Canada declared war on Germany in September 1939, after a vote in Parliament.

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War Measures Act

The War Measures Act granted the Canadian government broad powers during World War II, including the ability to detain suspected enemies, censor the news, and control the economy.

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Black Shirts

A paramilitary group in Italy that enforced fascist policies and suppressed opposition. They played a critical role in establishing Mussolini's authoritarian regime.

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Benito Mussolini

The Italian dictator who led Italy into World War II alongside Hitler.

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Italian Campaign

The period during which Canadian soldiers fought in Italy during World War II.

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Italy's Surrender

The event that marked the official surrender of Italy in World War II.

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Battle of Ortona

A fierce battle fought in December 1943 by Canadian soldiers in a medieval town in Italy, where house-to-house fighting resulted in heavy casualties.

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Totalitarian State

A type of government where one party has absolute control over all aspects of society, using violence and propaganda to maintain power.

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Violent Tactics

The forceful and violent actions used by the Black Shirts to instill fear and justify Mussolini's control.

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March on Rome

The event where Mussolini marched his supporters on Rome, leading to his appointment as Prime Minister.

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Resistance Suppression

The suppression of all opposition by Mussolini's regime.

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Mussolini-Hitler Alliance

The alliance forged between Mussolini's Italy and Hitler's Germany.

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Grueling Battle

The brutal fighting that occurred during the Italian Campaign.

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Canadian Casualties

The heavy casualties sustained by the Canadians in the Italian Campaign.

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Black Shirts' Role

The impact of the Black Shirts on Mussolini's rise to power.

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Propaganda

The use of propaganda and misinformation to control the population.

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Black Shirt Violence

The violent tactics used by the Black Shirts to maintain order.

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Study Notes

Causes of WWII

  • The 1920s in Europe were marked by insecurity, frustration, and an economic crisis.
  • People sought leaders who could bring change.
  • Totalitarian leaders emerged in many countries.

Characteristics of a Totalitarian Leader

  • A charismatic leader with complete control.
  • Control over all aspects of the country (political, military, economic, social, and cultural).
  • Highly nationalistic use of flags, salutes, rallies, and uniforms.
  • Strict controls and laws.

The Treaty of Versailles

  • An armistice signed in 1918, involving the big three (USA, Britain, and France).
  • Germany was blamed for the war, forced to surrender land, pay reparations, and reduce their military.
  • These actions caused severe economic hardship and lowered morale.
  • The treaty led to new national borders and minorities being stuck in countries dominated by the majority.

Failure of the League of Nations

  • An organization of countries aiming to prevent future wars.
  • Ineffective in preventing conflicts like the Rape of Nanking and the Ethiopian invasion.
  • Lack of action from world leaders gave other countries the incentive and opportunity to wage war.

The Rise of Hitler

  • Born in 1889 in a border town between Germany and Austria-Hungary.
  • Believed in German superiority and expansion.
  • Became leader of the National Socialist German Workers' Party (Nazi party) in 1919
  • Promised to fix Germany's economic problems, and create a stronger Germany.
  • Persuasive speaker and used propaganda to gain support.
  • Became Chancellor of Germany in 1933 and established total control.
  • Hitler and the Nazi party did not win any elections.
  • The Enabling Act gave Hitler power to make laws without approval, effectively ending democracy in Germany.

The Policy of Appeasement

  • A policy of giving concessions to avoid conflict.
  • Britain and France practiced appeasement towards Hitler's aggressive actions.
  • Hitler used this policy to expand Germany's territory.

WWII Timeline: Initial Events

  • 1936: Germany sent troops to Rhineland (outside of French border).
  • 1938: Germany annexed Austria and the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia.
  • 1939: Germany signed a Nonaggression Pact with Russia, and then proceeded to invade Poland, triggering the war.

WWII Timeline: Continued

  • 1940: Germany controlled much of Europe using blitzkrieg.
  • Miracle of Dunkirk: The evacuation of allied soldiers from Dunkirk during WWII.
  • Battle of Britain: A battle that took place in the air. A conflict between the German and British Air Forces.
  • 1941: Operation Barbarossa- Germany invaded the Soviet Union.
  • 1941: Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour.
  • 1942: The Wannsee Conference (Nazi decision to exterminate Jews and other groups).

Holocaust

  • Systematic annihilation of Jews and other groups by the Nazi regime.
  • Stages: fostering biased attitudes, stripping of rights, segregation, concentration, extermination.
  • Nuremberg Laws, establishing discriminatory laws against Jewish people.
  • Concentration Camps (e.g., Auschwitz, Treblinka) where millions were murdered.
  • Extermination camps where mass murder took place using poisoning gas (Zyklon B), starvation, and shootings.

The Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

  • The U.S. dropped atomic bombs on Japan in 1945 (to end the war quickly and prevent further loss of American and other allied lives).
  • At 8:15 AM on August 6, 1945, the U.S. dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Roughly 70,000-135,000 people died.
  • On August 9th, 1945, the U.S. dropped the second bomb on Nagasaki. Roughly 70,000-80,000 people died.
  • These attacks brought an end to WWII.

Aftermath of WWII

  • 1945: Formation of the United Nations
  • Cold War (between the U.S. and Soviet Union)

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Unit 4 WWII Study Notes PDF

Description

Explore the pivotal events and factors that led to World War II, including the rise of totalitarianism, the impact of the Treaty of Versailles, and the failures of the League of Nations. Understand how economic and political instability shaped the world during this tumultuous period.

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