The coming of war, 1935–1941 Key Terms

Treaty of Versailles

The peace treaty that ended World War I, imposing heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany.

Munich Agreement

A settlement reached in 1938 that allowed Nazi Germany to annex the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia.

Appeasement

The policy of making concessions to dictatorial powers to avoid conflict, notably practiced by Britain and France towards Hitler.

Collective Security

An arrangement where nations agree to take collective action to prevent aggression, which failed during the interwar period.

Munich Agreement

The 1938 settlement permitting Nazi Germany's annexation of the Sudetenland in Czechoslovakia.

Poland Invasion

The military invasion of Poland by Germany on September 1, 1939, marking the start of World War II.

Axis Powers

The coalition led by Germany, Italy, and Japan during World War II, opposing the Allies.

Allied Powers

The alliance of countries, including the United States, the Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom, that opposed the Axis Powers in World War II.