Rise of the Fascists-Prelude to WW2

blitzkrieg

"Lighting war", typed of fast-moving warfare used by German forces against Poland in 1939

Adolf Hitler

1889-1945, Nazi dictator of Germany, born in Austria: Chancellor 1933-45; dictator 1934-45.

Munich Conference

1938 conference at which European leaders attempted to appease Hitler by turning over the Sudetenland to him in exchange for promise that Germany would not expand Germany's territory any further

Non-Aggression Pact

1939-Secret agreement between German leader Hitler and Soviet Leader Stalin not to attack one another and to divide Poland

Lend-Lease

1941 law that authorized the president to aid any nation whose defense he believed was vital to American security

totalitarianism

A form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or opposition etc.)

appeasement

A policy of making concessions to an aggressor in the hopes of avoiding war. Associated with Neville Chamberlain's policy of making concessions to Adolf Hitler.

isolationism

A policy of nonparticipation in international economic and political relations

Nazism

An extreme form of facism shaped by Hitler's fanatical ideas about German nationalism and racial superiority

Four Freedoms

Freedom of Speech, Religion, Want, from Fear; used by FDR to justify a loan for Britain, if the loan was made, the protection of these freedoms would be ensured

Benito Mussolini

Italian fascist dictator (1883-1945)

Neutrality Acts

The U.S. created four neutrality acts before WWII that were designed to try to keep the U.S. out of the war in Europe.

Josef Stalin

The leader of Russia during WWII - wanted to spread communism throughout the world

Hideki Tojo

This general was premier of Japan during World War II while this man was dictator of the country. He gave his approval for the attack on Pearl Harbor and played a major role in Japan's military decisions until he resigned in 1944

Cash and Carry

policy adopted by the United States in 1939 to preserve neutrality while aiding the Allies. Britain and France could buy goods from the United States if they paid in full and transported them.

facism

political system based on a strong centralized government headed by a dictator