20th Century Political Glossary
Key Terms and Definitions
Coup (d’état): A sudden and often violent overthrow of a government by a small group of people, usually with the help of the army.
Popular Front: The union of left-wing parties that narrowly won the Spanish election of 1936.
Crimes Against Humanity: Crimes committed against a large group of civilians who are innocent, which are planned or accepted by the government.
Satellite State: An independent country that is controlled or strongly influenced by another country.
SS (Schutzstaffel): The security and military organization in Nazi Germany that controlled the Gestapo and ran the Nazi concentration and extermination camps.
Cuban Missile Crisis: A confrontation in 1962 between the USA and the Soviet Union caused by the installation of Soviet missiles in Cuba to protect it from possible US aggression.
Superpower: A state with a dominant position in international relations that has more power and influence globally than other countries.
NATO: The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, an intergovernmental military alliance of European and North American countries.
Mobilization of the Population and Economy for Military Purposes
The Second World War had a significant impact on civilian populations due to bombings aimed at terrorizing cities, demoralizing the population, and disrupting industrial and economic infrastructure. The war also required state intervention in the economy to mobilize production, science, and technology for military purposes, leading to the emergence of military-industrial complexes and changes in the organization of production.
Countries like Great Britain, the United States, and Japan saw the large-scale mobilization of women into the workforce, while Germany relied on the exploitation of foreign workers. Shortages of food and consumer goods led to rationing and efforts to control social unrest.
Collaboration and Resistance
During World War II, collaborationist governments in occupied countries actively colluded with the Germans. Industrialists seeking profit and segments of the population attracted to the Nazi ideology or fearing brutality also collaborated. However, many people, particularly members of left-wing parties, resisted the occupation and joined clandestine armed groups.
The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)
The Battle of Madrid (August 1936 – March 1937)
Rebel troops advanced on Madrid but were held off by Republican forces, including the army, militia volunteers, and members of the International Brigades.
The Battle of the North (April 1937 – October 1937)
Franco’s army bombed cities on the Cantabrian coast, including the devastating bombing of Guernica. The Basque Country fell into rebel hands.
The Battle of the Ebro and the End of the War (January 1938 – April 1939)
The Battle of the Ebro was the longest and bloodiest of the Civil War. After the Republican retreat, Catalonia and eventually Madrid fell to Franco’s troops, ending the war on April 1, 1939.
The Revolution of October 1934
A left-wing coup attempt in Spain, primarily successful in Asturias, aimed to prevent the entrance of CEDA ministers into the government. The insurrection was suppressed, leading to casualties and repression.
The Division of Spanish Armed Forces in the Spanish Civil War
The Spanish army split between loyalists and rebels, with the rebels having the advantage of the well-equipped African army. The Republic faced a shortage of experienced officers and equipment.
The Lebensraum
The Lebensraum was a concept in Hitler’s foreign policy that aimed to expand German territory eastward to acquire resources and living space for the growing population.
The Danzig Ultimatum and the Beginnings of World War II
Hitler’s demand for the Polish Corridor, which separated Germany, was rejected by Poland with support from France and the UK. Germany declared war on Poland on September 1, 1939, leading to the outbreak of World War II.
The Post-War World
After World War II, the Allied powers met to organize the post-war world. Agreements were made to divide Germany and Berlin, establish spheres of influence in Eastern Europe, and create the United Nations to prevent future conflicts. The world became divided into two major spheres of influence: one led by the USA and the other by the USSR.