Allies: The countries that fought against Germany, Italy, and Japan during World War II. The makeup of the Allied powers changed over the course of the war. The first major Allied countries were Great Britain and France. Germany defeated France in 1940 but some Free French forces continued to fight with the Allies until the end of the war. The Soviet Union and the United States joined the Allies in 1941.

Axis: The countries that fought together against the Allies. Germany, Italy, and Japan formed the first coalition; eventually, they were joined by Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Finland, and Bulgaria.

Bar exam: A test lawyers must pass in order to become certified; the bar is a term that encompasses all certified lawyers—those who have passed all official requirements (the bar exam).

"Hoovervilles": The nickname given to makeshift camps that homeless people set up during the...