All Flashcards
When was the Treaty of Versailles signed?
- It imposed harsh terms on Germany, contributing to resentment and instability.
When did Germany invade Poland?
- This event triggered declarations of war from Britain and France, starting WWII.
When was the Battle of Britain?
- The UK successfully defended against German air attacks, a crucial turning point.
When was Pearl Harbor attacked?
December 7, 1941. This event brought the US into WWII.
When was the Battle of Stalingrad?
1942-1943. A major turning point on the Eastern Front, with Soviet forces defeating the Germans.
When was D-Day?
June 6, 1944. The Allied landing in Normandy marked the beginning of the liberation of Western Europe.
When were Atomic Bombs dropped on Japan?
August 6 and 9, 1945. The US dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, leading to Japan's surrender.
When did Germany surrender (V-E Day)?
May 8, 1945. Marks the end of WWII in Europe.
When was the Invasion of Italy?
- Allied forces landed in Sicily, leading to the downfall of Mussolini.
When did Germany invade the USSR?
- This opened the Eastern Front, a brutal and decisive theater of WWII.
Who was Adolf Hitler?
The leader of Nazi Germany, responsible for aggressive expansion and the Holocaust.
Who was Benito Mussolini?
The fascist dictator of Italy, who sought to rebuild the Roman Empire.
Who was Joseph Stalin?
The leader of the Soviet Union during WWII, known for his brutal regime and strategic importance in defeating Germany.
What role did Neville Chamberlain play?
British Prime Minister known for his policy of appeasement towards Hitler before WWII.
What was Hideki Tojo's role?
Prime Minister of Japan during much of WWII; advocated for aggressive expansion.
Who was Franklin D. Roosevelt?
The President of the United States during WWII, led the country after Pearl Harbor.
What was Winston Churchill known for?
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during WWII, known for his strong leadership and defiance against Hitler.
Who was Emperor Hirohito?
The emperor of Japan during WWII, a symbol of Japanese nationalism and militarism.
Who was Charles de Gaulle?
The leader of the Free French forces during WWII, symbolizing French resistance.
What was Erwin Rommel known for?
A German field marshal known as the 'Desert Fox' for his campaigns in North Africa.
Compare the Western and Eastern Fronts of WWII.
Western Front: Primarily involved Britain, France, and the US against Germany; D-Day was a key event. Eastern Front: Germany vs. Soviet Union; brutal fighting, Battle of Stalingrad was a turning point.
Compare the roles of Britain and France in the lead-up to WWII.
Both initially pursued appeasement. However, after the invasion of Poland, they declared war on Germany, marking the start of WWII.
Compare the motivations of Germany and Japan in WWII.
Germany sought territorial expansion and racial dominance in Europe. Japan aimed to establish a dominant presence in Asia and acquire resources.
Compare the strategies of the Allies in the European and Pacific theaters.
Europe: Direct confrontation with Germany, strategic bombing, and invasion. Pacific: Island hopping to get closer to Japan, naval battles.
Compare the impacts of WWII on Germany and Japan.
Germany was divided and occupied, its economy devastated. Japan was occupied by the US, underwent democratization, and experienced an economic boom.
Compare Fascism and Communism.
Fascism: Nationalistic, hierarchical, private property allowed but regulated. Communism: Internationalist, classless society, state ownership of property.
Compare the Treaty of Versailles and the Marshall Plan.
Treaty of Versailles: Punitive towards Germany, contributed to instability. Marshall Plan: Provided aid to rebuild Europe, fostered stability.
Compare the Battle of Britain and the Battle of Midway.
Battle of Britain: Air battle, prevented German invasion of Britain. Battle of Midway: Naval battle, turning point in the Pacific.
Compare the leadership styles of Hitler and Stalin.
Hitler: Charismatic, focused on racial ideology, aggressive expansion. Stalin: Paranoid, totalitarian control, focused on consolidating power.
Compare the early war strategies of Germany and Japan.
Germany: Blitzkrieg tactics, rapid conquest of Europe. Japan: Surprise attacks, expansion in Asia.