Second World War Cheat Sheet

Key Definitions

• Axis Powers: Alliance of Germany, Italy, and Japan.

• Allied Powers: Coalition including the USA, UK, USSR, and China.

• Blitzkrieg: "Lightning war" strategy emphasizing speed and surprise.

• Holocaust: Systematic genocide of Jews and others by Nazi Germany.

Important Concepts

Causes of WWII

• Treaty of Versailles: Harsh penalties on Germany post-WWI.

• Expansionism: Aggressive territorial ambitions of Axis Powers.

• Economic Factors: Great Depression leading to instability.

Major Events

• Invasion of Poland (1939): Triggered the war; Germany's first major act.

• Pearl Harbor (1941): Japanese attack that brought the USA into the war.

• D-Day (1944): Allied invasion of Normandy; turning point in Europe.

Key Formulas

• Military: Armed forces losses.

• Civilian: Non-combatant losses.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Common Mistake: Confusing dates of major events (e.g., D-Day vs. VE Day).

Memory Tricks

Tip: "GAP" — Germany, Allies, Pearl Harbor for remembering key players/events.

Key Diagrams

   Axis Powers
      |
   Allies
      |
   Major Battles
   (e.g., Stalingrad, Midway)