Flashcards: World War II and Environmental Change — 33 cards

When was the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact signed?

In August 1939.

Which countries were assigned to the Soviet sphere in the pact's secret protocol?

Finland, the Baltic states, eastern Poland, and Bessarabia.

Which area did Germany receive in the pact's secret additional protocol?

Western Poland.

What security benefit did the pact provide Stalin?

It gave Stalin security guarantees and time to prepare for war.

What strategic advantage did Hitler gain from the pact?

He secured his eastern flank in case of war with Western powers over Poland.

What was the reaction in France to the public announcement of the pact?

The Communist Party was banned and its members of parliament imprisoned.

What did some communists do in France after the pact's announcement?

Some communists left the party.

When did Germany invade Poland starting World War II?

On 1 September 1939.

When did Warsaw surrender to Germany as the last Polish city?

On 29 September 1939.

Why did Britain and France declare war on Germany after Poland's invasion?

Because they had committed to defending Polish independence in the spring.

Did Britain and France begin military operations immediately after declaring war on Germany?

No, they did not yet begin military operations.

What happened to Poland after German military pressure in 1939?

Poland rapidly collapsed under German military pressure.

Which country invaded Poland after Germany and occupied assigned territories?

The Soviet Union invaded Poland after Germany.

What agreement assigned territories to the Soviet Union in Poland's invasion?

The Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact assigned territories to the Soviet Union.

What defines the growing season in terms of temperature?

Daily average temperature stays permanently above 5 degrees.

By how much has Finland's growing season lengthened per century?

About 10 days per century.

How much could Finland's growing season lengthen this century?

Up to two months depending on emissions.

What effect does earlier warming have on plant leaves?

Leaves emerge earlier in spring.

How does earlier warming affect insect flight seasons?

Insect flight seasons become longer.

What change occurs in migratory birds due to earlier warming?

They arrive and begin nesting weeks earlier.

What forms an ecological niche for a species?

Living and non-living environmental factors adapted by the species.

What happens if a species' environment changes too quickly?

The species disappears or moves to new areas.

Which climate factors change due to warming besides temperature?

Precipitation, winds, sea level, snow and ice cover, and ocean acidity.

Why does ocean acidity increase with climate warming?

More atmospheric carbon dioxide dissolves into the seas.

Why are tundra species in Finland especially affected by climate change?

They cannot move farther north beyond the Arctic Ocean and are extremely endangered.

Which tundra species in Finland are especially affected by climate change?

The snowy owl and arctic fox.

What challenges do many Baltic Sea species face due to climate change?

Warmer and less saline water conditions.

Why are eelgrass and bladderwrack important in the Baltic Sea?

They are key species of the Baltic Sea ecosystem.

What change occurred after the last Ice Age regarding human land use?

Hunter-gatherers began cultivating land and raising livestock.

Where did early agriculture especially develop?

On fertile floodplains in the lower courses of large rivers.

Name some rivers where early agriculture developed.

The Nile, Indus, Ganges, and Yellow River.

Did humans remain dependent on nature in agricultural societies?

Yes, humans remained dependent on surrounding non-living and living nature.

How did industrialization affect agriculture's environmental impact?

It intensified effects through machines, insecticides, herbicides, and bred varieties.