Unit 8: Interwar Instability and the Second World War

Totalitarianism

A form of government where the state exercises absolute control over every aspect of public and private life.

Fascism

An ultranationalist, antidemocratic ideology emphasizing the glorification of the state and a single charismatic leader.

Communism (Stalinist)

A one-party state ideology promoting a classless society, sharing structural similarities with fascism through state control.

Black Shirts

Mussolini's paramilitary militia that used violence to intimidate opponents.

March on Rome (1922)

Event where Mussolini demanded government dissolve, leading to his appointment as prime minister.

Lateran Agreement (1929)

An agreement recognizing the Vatican as an independent state, gaining Catholic Church support for Mussolini.

Weimar Republic

Germany's post-WWI democracy plagued by hyperinflation and political instability.

Beer Hall Putsch (1923)

Hitler's failed coup attempt; led to his writing of Mein Kampf.

Lebensraum

The concept of 'living space' advocated by Hitler as a key element of his expansionist policy.

Enabling Act (1933)

Legislation that gave Hitler dictatorial powers, effectively dismantling the Weimar Republic.

Dawes Plan (1924)

A financial strategy where US loans helped stabilize European economies post-WWI.

Stock Market Crash (1929)

Event that halted US capital flow and contributed to the Great Depression in Europe.

Scandinavia's Response to Depression

Adopted a 'Middle Way' of cooperative social action, state-funded public works, and welfare programs.

Great Britain's Response to Depression

Focused on balanced budgets and controlled spending for a slow, steady economic recovery.

Germany's Response to Depression

Utilized totalitarian strategies for recovery, including public works and rearmament under Hitler.

Axis Powers

The coalition of Germany, Italy, and Japan during World War II.

Grand Alliance

The coalition of Britain, the USA, and USSR opposing Axis Powers in World War II.

Appeasement

The policy of giving concessions to an aggressor to avoid conflict, notably adopted by Western democracies.

Remilitarization of the Rhineland (1936)

Hitler's violation of the Treaty of Versailles, initially met with inaction from Britain and France.

Anschluss (1938)

The annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany.

Munich Conference (1938)

Meeting where Britain and France conceded the Sudetenland to Germany in the hope of avoiding war.

Blitzkrieg

A military tactic used by Germany characterized by swift and forceful attacks.

Battle of Stalingrad

The bloodiest battle of WWII, marking a turning point with a Soviet victory against Germany.

D-Day (June 6, 1944)

The Allied invasion of Normandy, marking the opening of a second front in Europe.

Nuremberg Laws (1935)

Laws stripping Jews of German citizenship and prohibiting intermarriage with non-Jews.

Kristallnacht (1938)

A state-organized pogrom against Jews, resulting in widespread destruction of property and synagogues.

Final Solution (1942)

Nazi plan formalized at the Wannsee Conference to systematically exterminate the Jewish population.