World History Chapter 31 Aggressors Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Why did the Japanese invade Manchuria?

Because Manchuria was rich in iron and coal.

Why did Britain and France take no action against Italian aggression?

They were trying to avoid war.

Why did isolationists want the Neutrality Acts passed?

They wanted to stay out of another war and European affairs.

What were some effects of Hitler's invasion of the Rhineland?

Expansion of territory, sped military, strengthened Hitler's power, and changed the balance of power in Germany. Signup and view all the answers

What were the immediate results of Japan's invasion of China?

China was no match for Japan, and major cities fell to the Japanese. Japanese killed 10,000 civilians. Signup and view all the answers

Why was the Munich Conference considered unsuccessful?

Because it did not prevent further aggression from Germany towards Czechoslovakia and Poland. Signup and view all the answers

How did other countries help Franco's Nationalist forces?

Hitler and Mussolini sent troops, tanks, and airplanes to help Franco. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Stalin sign an agreement with Fascist Germany?

To prevent conflict between the two countries. Signup and view all the answers

What did Germany and the Soviet Union agree to in their secret agreement?

To divide Poland between them. Signup and view all the answers

What strategy did Hitler use to conquer Poland?

Blitzkrieg, which involved fast-moving airplanes and tanks to overwhelm enemy defenses. Signup and view all the answers

What was Hitler's plan for conquering France?

To sweep through the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. Signup and view all the answers

What happened at Dunkirk?

Great Britain rescued trapped French troops, carrying 330,000 to safety. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Battle of Britain?

Britain was heavily bombed but never surrendered, and Hitler called off the attack. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the siege at Tobruk?

Hitler had to bolster Mussolini's forces that were dominated by the British. Signup and view all the answers

How did Hitler's invasion of Russia compare to Napoleon's invasion?

Both faced difficulties with Russian scorched earth policies, and many people died during Hitler's siege of Leningrad. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Japan's Expansion in Asia

1931: Japan invaded Manchuria due to its abundant iron and coal resources, fueling Japanese industrial growth.
1937: Japan launched a full-scale invasion of China, leading to significant Chinese casualties, including the death of thousands of civilians.

Italian Aggression in Africa

1935: Mussolini invaded Ethiopia, marking Italy's imperial ambitions.
Britain and France chose inaction against Italian aggression to avoid conflict, reflecting a policy of appeasement.
The U.S. Congress enacted the first of three Neutrality Acts, driven by isolationist sentiments to prevent involvement in European wars.

German Militarism and Expansion

1936: Hitler's troops moved into the Rhineland, violating the Treaty of Versailles; this action increased Hitler's power and marked a territorial expansion for Germany.
1938: The Munich Conference was held but deemed unsuccessful as it failed to address German expansion in Czechoslovakia and Poland.

The Road to World War II

1939: Franco became the Spanish dictator as Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union signed a Non-Aggression Pact, consolidating their control in Europe.
Under the Non-Aggression Pact, Germany and the Soviet Union agreed to divide Poland, leading to the invasion of Poland by Hitler in September.
Hitler employed the "Blitzkrieg" strategy, effectively utilizing rapid attacks by air and ground forces to overwhelm Polish defenses.

Key Events of 1940 and Beyond

1940: In April, Hitler invaded Denmark and Norway; by June, France surrendered to German forces.
The German Luftwaffe commenced bombing campaigns over British cities in September, while Italy launched its campaign to seize Egypt and the Suez Canal.
The rescue mission at Dunkirk succeeded in evacuating trapped British and French troops, with approximately 330,000 soldiers saved.

Warfare and Strategy

The outcome of the Battle of Britain demonstrated Britain's resilience; Hitler abandoned plans for an invasion after failed bombing campaigns.
In February 1941, Hitler sent Rommel to assist Italian forces in North Africa, striving for control over Egypt and the Suez Canal.
In June 1941, Hitler invaded the Soviet Union, facing fierce resistance and employing brutal siege tactics, particularly evident in Leningrad, which caused heavy casualties among both military and civilian populations.

Comparison to Historical Events

Hitler's invasion of the Soviet Union drew parallels to Napoleon's failed campaign, with both forces encountering severe resistance and logistical challenges on Russian soil.

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Description

Explore key events of aggression in the early 20th century through this set of flashcards. Review Japan's invasion of Manchuria in 1931 and Mussolini's invasion of Ethiopia in 1935. Understand the geopolitical context and the responses of major powers during this period.