World War II Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What were the causes of WWII?

Treaty of Versailles

Political instability in Europe

Rise of Fascism

All of the above (correct)

What was one of the effects of the political instability and economic devastation in Europe after WWI?

Worldwide depression

What is Fascism?

Political philosophy in which total power is given to a dictator and individual freedoms are denied

Who were some of the Fascist leaders during WWII?

Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, Hideki Tojo, Emperor Hirohito Signup and view all the answers

How did Japan get involved in WWII?

Japan wanted to prove superiority and expand territory, leading to the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Signup and view all the answers

What were the Axis Powers?

Germany, Italy, Japan Signup and view all the answers

Who were the Allies in WWII?

United States, Great Britain, Canada Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Soviet Union join the Allies?

They were invaded by Germany. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Non-Aggression Pact?

An agreement between Germany and the Soviet Union not to fight each other and secretly divide Poland. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the Allied leaders during WWII?

FDR, Harry S. Truman, Winston Churchill, Josef Stalin Signup and view all the answers

What was the gradual change in American policy towards WWII?

Isolation, Economic Aid to the Allies, Direct Involvement Signup and view all the answers

What was the Neutrality Act?

A law aimed at ensuring American neutrality during conflicts. Signup and view all the answers

What were 'Cash and Carry' policies?

Materials are provided to those who pay in cash and carry on their own ships. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Destroyers for Bases deal?

Trading destroyers for control of military bases in the Western Hemisphere. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Lend Lease Program?

Lending war materials to Britain to be paid back later. Signup and view all the answers

What event led to U.S. direct involvement in WWII?

Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941. Signup and view all the answers

What caused rising tension between the U.S. and Japan?

Japanese aggression in Asia. Signup and view all the answers

What was the U.S. embargo on Japan?

Japan was no longer allowed to purchase essential war materials such as oil and steel. Signup and view all the answers

What happened during the attack on Pearl Harbor?

Japan attacked the United States without warning. Signup and view all the answers

What action did the U.S. take after Pearl Harbor?

The U.S. declared war on Japan, and Germany declared war on the United States. Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the Atlantic Charter?

U.S. goes to war against Germany first. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Atlantic Charter?

An agreement between Great Britain and the U.S. defining goals for the post-war world. Signup and view all the answers

What were the goals of the Atlantic Charter?

Seeking no territory, supporting self-determination and a permanent system of security. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Munich Conference?

A meeting allowing Germany to annex Sudetenland in exchange for not taking more territory. Signup and view all the answers

What started the war in Europe?

Germany invaded Poland. Signup and view all the answers

What did Germany do in France during WWII?

Germany invaded France and captured Paris. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Maginot Line?

A system of defenses in France along the border with Germany. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Vichy Government?

A puppet government in France controlled by Hitler. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Battle of Britain?

An air battle between the Luftwaffe and the British RAF. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Causes of WWII

Oppressive Treaty of Versailles led to widespread discontent in Germany.
Political and economic instability in post-WWI Europe fueled extremist ideologies.
Rise of Fascism characterized by totalitarian regimes denying personal freedoms.

Economic Crisis in Europe

Worldwide Great Depression caused severe economic downturns.
Germany faced crippling war debt and hyperinflation.
Unemployment soared, reaching 25% in the U.S. in 1932.

Fascism Defined

Total power centralized under a dictator, suppressing individual rights.

Key Fascist Leaders

Adolf Hitler (Germany), Benito Mussolini (Italy), Hideki Tojo and Emperor Hirohito (Japan).

Japan's Involvement in WWII

Desire for territorial expansion and dominance prompted aggressive actions.
Pearl Harbor attack aimed to incapacitate the U.S. Pacific fleet.

Axis Powers

Comprised of Germany, Italy, and Japan, led by respective fascist leaders.

Allies

Formed by democratic nations including the U.S., Great Britain, and Canada.

Soviet Union's Shift

Initially aligned with Axis through the Non-Aggression Pact.
Joined Allies after Germany's invasion in 1941.

Non-Aggression Pact

Agreement between Germany and the Soviet Union to avoid conflict.
Secretly included plans for dividing Poland.

Allied Leaders

Notable figures: FDR and Harry S. Truman (U.S.), Winston Churchill (GB), Josef Stalin (USSR).

U.S. Policy Evolution

Transitioned from isolationism to active support for Allies, culminating in military involvement.

Isolationism

Emphasized neutrality through laws such as the Neutrality Act.

Economic Support for Allies

Measures included "Cash and Carry," "Destroyers for Bases," and the "Lend Lease Program."

Cash and Carry Policy

Arms and materials supplied to Allied nations only if paid for in cash and transported by their own ships.

Destroyers for Bases Agreement

U.S. traded naval destroyers in exchange for military base rights in the Western Hemisphere.

Lend Lease Program

Allowed the U.S. to furnish war supplies to Allies with the expectation of future repayment.

Direct U.S. Involvement

Marked by the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

Rising Tensions with Japan

Increased hostilities due to Japanese aggression in Asia, particularly against China.

U.S. Embargo on Japan

Exports of vital materials like oil, steel, and scrap metal were prohibited.

Pearl Harbor Attack

Surprise military strike by Japan on U.S. naval base, resulting in significant casualties.

U.S. Response After Pearl Harbor

Immediate declaration of war on Japan followed by Germany's declaration of war on the U.S.

Atlantic Charter Significance

A joint declaration by the U.S. and Britain outlining post-war objectives including self-determination for nations.

Goals of the Atlantic Charter

Emphasized no territorial expansion, democratic governance rights, and a general security system.

Munich Conference

Agreement permitting Germany to occupy Sudetenland to avert further territorial claims, an act of appeasement.

Start of the European War

Germany's invasion of Poland in September 1939 prompted the outbreak of war, followed by Soviet incursions.

Germany's Actions in France

Successful invasion led to the capture of Paris and the establishment of Nazi control.

Maginot Line

A defensive fortification intended to protect France, which was bypassed by German forces.

Vichy Government

Puppet regime in occupied France led by General Pétain, operating under Nazi control.

The Battle of Britain

Intense air conflict between German Luftwaffe and the Royal Air Force (RAF) of Britain, critical to defending British sovereignty.

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Description

Explore the key causes and events that led to World War II through these informative flashcards. Understand the oppressive impacts of the Treaty of Versailles, political unrest, and the economic factors that shaped Europe in the lead-up to the war. Perfect for students of history looking to solidify their knowledge.