World War II Flashcards

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.

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.