World War II Key Events & Concepts

A form of government where the state has total control over all aspects of life, including politics, the economy, and the social sphere. Often characterized by suppression of opposition, censorship, propaganda, and cult of personality.

The book written by Adolf Hitler, outlining his political ideology, racial beliefs, and plans for Germany's future. It served as a blueprint for Nazi Germany and its expansionist ambitions.

A set of aggressive policies used by Germany before World War II, including militarism, imperialism, nationalism, and totalitarianism. This aggressive approach contributed to the outbreak of the war.

A policy of giving in to the demands of an aggressor in order to avoid conflict. This approach was used by Britain and France in response to Hitler's early territorial ambitions.

The stance of not taking sides in a conflict. Many nations were neutral at the start of World War II, but some eventually joined the war.

A program that allowed the United States to provide military aid to Allied nations, effectively circumventing the limitations of neutrality and providing support to those fighting against Nazi Germany.

A document signed by the United States and Great Britain, outlining their shared goals for post-war peace and establishing a framework for international cooperation. This document paved the way for the establishment of the United Nations.

The attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese Imperial Navy on December 7, 1941. This event marked the entry of the United States into World War II, as it was a surprise attack that brought the war to American shores.

The period of time in the United States during World War II when civilians contributed to the war effort through various measures, including rationing, production, and volunteering.

A government agency established during World War II to coordinate and oversee the war production efforts. This agency also introduced ‘cost-plus contracts’ to stimulate production and meet the immense needs of the war.

A cultural icon that represented the women who entered the workforce during World War II. This symbol epitomized women's contributions to the war effort, filling roles previously dominated by men.

A system of limiting the consumption of certain goods and services during wartime to ensure sufficient supplies for the military.

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, followed by the United States enacting an embargo, which ultimately led to the attack on Pearl Harbor by Japan. This attack aimed to cripple the US Pacific Fleet and prevent the US from interfering with its conquests in Asia.

The forced relocation of Japanese Americans (over 120,000) to internment camps during World War II. This decision, based on fears of espionage and disloyalty, was highly controversial and remains a stain on American history.

A Supreme Court case that upheld the constitutionality of the Executive Order 9066, which allowed the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. This verdict, based on the notion of national security, has been widely criticized as a violation of civil rights.

A program during World War II that brought Mexican laborers to the United States to work in agriculture and other industries. This program helped address the labor shortage during the war but also contributed to the complex history of Mexican immigration to the US.

A series of riots that erupted in Los Angeles in 1943, targeting young Mexican Americans who wore zoot suits. These riots highlight racial tensions and prejudice that existed during the war.

Navajo code talkers were Native Americans who used their language to create an unbreakable code during World War II. Their contributions were vital to the Allied victory, demonstrating the value of cultural diversity in the face of adversity.

A campaign that advocated for both victory against Nazi Germany (double-v) and victory against racial discrimination in the United States. This campaign highlighted the link between fighting for freedom abroad and fighting for equality at home.

A military tactic used by Germany during World War II. This tactic involved rapid and surprise attacks using mechanized forces, aiming to quickly overrun enemy defenses and achieve rapid breakthroughs.

A major turning point in World War II. This battle saw the US Navy defeat the Japanese fleet, ending Japanese naval expansion and shifting the balance of power in the Pacific.

The invasion of Italy by Allied forces in 1943. This invasion was a major effort to liberate Italy from Nazi control and put pressure on Germany from the south.

The D-Day landings, June 6, 1944, marking the beginning of the Allied invasion of Normandy, France. This operation was a crucial step in liberating Western Europe from Nazi control and turning the tide of the war in Europe.

A major battle that occurred in the Ardennes region of Belgium, during which German forces launched a surprise offensive against Allied positions. This battle represented the last major German offensive in the war and resulted in significant casualties for both sides.

A code word for Victory in Europe. It was declared on May 8, 1945 to mark the formal surrender of Nazi Germany. This marked the end of the war in Europe.

Japanese pilots who carried out suicide attacks using their aircraft as weapons against US ships. This desperate tactic was employed in the final stages of the war, reflecting the desperation of the Japanese forces, and is associated with heavy casualties on both sides.

The battle of Iwo Jima was a major battle fought between the US Marines and the Japanese Imperial Army on the island of Iwo Jima, crucial for control of the Pacific theater. The resulting image of the flag raising at Iwo Jima became an iconic symbol of the war.

A major battle fought between the US Marines and the Japanese Imperial Army on the island of Okinawa, crucial for control of the Pacific ocean. This battle was one of the bloodiest of the war, involving intense air, land, and sea battles.

The code name for the American project to develop the atomic bomb during World War II. The Manhattan Project was a massive scientific and engineering undertaking, culminating in the creation of this weapon which dramatically changed the course of the war.

The systematic murder of millions of Jews and other minorities by the Nazi regime in Germany during World War II. This horrific event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of intolerance and prejudice.