Prelude to WWII
What treaty created conditions that helped Hitler rise to power?
The Treaty of Versailles.
What event officially started WWII in 1939?
Germany’s invasion of Poland.
Where is the movie set?
Warsaw, Poland.
What year was The Great Dictator released?
1940
Which European group first encountered the major American civilizations?
The Spanish.
Why did the "appeasement" fail to prevent war?
It encouraged Hitler’s aggression and gave him time to expand.
Which two countries declared war on Germany after Poland was invaded?
Britain and France.
What did Antonina and Jan Żabiński use the zoo for during the war?
To hide and protect Jewish refugees.
Which real leaders inspired Hynkel and Napaloni in the film?
Hitler and Mussolini.
Which civilization built Chichén Itzá and excelled in astronomy and calendars?
The Mayans
What economic event in 1929 destabilized Europe and increased extremist support?
The Great Depression.
What military tactic did Germany use to rapidly conquer countries in 1939–1940?
Blitzkrieg.
How did the zoo’s animals symbolize the destruction caused by war?
Their deaths or removal reflected the loss of innocence and normal life.
Why was the film considered politically risky at the time?
It openly mocked fascism before the U.S. entered WWII.
What caused the rapid fall of the Aztec Empire?
Superior weapons, disease, alliances with enemy tribes.
How did the League of Nations failed to stop aggression?
It had no army, slow decision making, and major powers did not enforce actions.
What was the importance of the Battle of Britain?
It stopped Hitler’s invasion plans and proved air power could defend a nation.
What was one act of resistance carried out by the Żabińskis?
Smuggling people, forging documents, or coordinating with the resistance.
What was the importance of Chaplin’s final speech.
It condemned dictatorship, promoted democracy, and appealed to humanity.
What was one major achievement of the Inca Empire.
Road system, terrace farming, engineering, record-keeping.
Scenario: Germany remilitarizes the Rhineland in 1936. Why didn't Britain and France intervene?
Fear of another war, sympathy for Germany’s grievances, and internal political issues.
Scenario: You are a general in September 1939. What are two reasons why Poland fell so quickly?
Germany’s blitzkrieg strategy, Poland’s lack of modern equipment, two-front attack with the USSR.
Scenario: The Żabińskis risked their lives to save hundreds. What are two qualities that made them effective rescuers?
Courage, strategy, compassion, connections to resistance networks, ability to hide people.
Why did European powers like Britain and France avoid confronting Hitler during the 1930s?
Fear of another war, economic recovery struggles, and belief that concessions would satisfy Germany.
What are two ways European contact transformed Indigenous American societies?
Disease outbreaks, forced conversions, destruction of empires, cultural suppression, new trade patterns.