AP Euro Unit 8

Spielvogel Chapters 23,24, & 25

Second Industrial Revolution

A transformative period that occurred between the late 19th and early 20th centuries characterized by unprecedented industrial growth and a plethora of technological advancements. This era is notably marked by innovations in steel production methods, the widespread utilization of electricity, and the expansion of the factory system. The introduction of key technologies like the internal combustion engine and the telegraph revolutionized transportation and communication, leading to substantial economic development and profound social changes, including shifts in labor patterns and urbanization.

Henry Bessemer

Renowned as the inventor of the Bessemer process, a groundbreaking technique for steel production that revolutionized the steel industry. His method for converting pig iron into high-quality steel efficiently and at lower costs facilitated mass production. This innovation not only made steel more widely available for construction and manufacturing applications but also significantly contributed to the growth and reliability of industries such as railroads and construction during the Second Industrial Revolution.

Factory Act of 1833

A pivotal piece of legislation enacted in the United Kingdom that aimed to improve working conditions for children in factories. This Act limited the working hours of children, stipulating that those aged 9 to 13 could work a maximum of 8 hours per day, while those aged 14 to 18 were restricted to 12 hours. Furthermore, it mandated that children receive at least two hours of education each day, thus laying the groundwork for the modernization of labor laws and contributing to broader efforts to enhance education and welfare for young workers in industrial sectors.

Melun Act of 1851

An important legislative action taken in France during the Industrial Revolution that sought to reform labor laws and improve the working conditions for laborers, especially women and children. This Act implemented regulations limiting work hours, established safety standards in workplaces, and sought to enhance workers' rights in the face of the challenging conditions prevalent in factories at that time. Its intention was to address the exploitation experienced by workers and to promote fairness and safety in the labor environment.

Congress of Berlin 1878

A significant diplomatic conference held among the major European powers in the aftermath of the Russo-Turkish War, which aimed to reorganize the political landscape of the Balkans. The Congress addressed territorial disputes and sought to balance the interests of various nations. Critical decisions made during this conference had a lasting impact on the geopolitical stability of Europe and the Balkan region, setting the stage for future conflicts.

Gottlieb Daimler

A pioneering figure in the automobile industry, credited with the invention of the high-speed gasoline engine, which was essential for the development of motor vehicles. His innovations laid the foundation for modern automotive engineering, and his work contributed significantly to the emergence of the automobile as a dominant means of transportation in the 20th century.

Middle class characteristics

A social class defined primarily by economic stability, characterized by individuals engaged in professional occupations who enjoy a moderate level of wealth and social influence. Members of the middle class during the Second Industrial Revolution often sought better education and work opportunities and played a crucial role in shaping societal norms and political dynamics.

Urban redesign in the Second Industrial Revolution

A comprehensive transformation of major urban centers aimed at addressing the challenges posed by rapid industrial growth. Cities underwent significant redesign efforts that included the development of improved sanitation systems, infrastructure enhancements, and the creation of public spaces to accommodate growing populations, thereby enhancing the quality of urban life amidst industrialization.

Social problems addressed by governments in the Second IR

Governments during the Second Industrial Revolution began to prioritize a variety of pressing social issues, including labor rights advocating for fair working conditions, women's rights seeking equality and suffrage, and public health concerns aimed at improving sanitation and health standards in rapidly industrializing communities.

Social obstacles faced by women

Women during the Second Industrial Revolution encountered numerous societal barriers, including significant restrictions on their voting rights, limited access to education and professional opportunities, and widespread societal norms that upheld traditional gender roles, hindering their social and economic advancement.

Political feminism

A growing social movement advocating for women's rights and gender equality, particularly the right to vote (suffrage), which gained momentum as industrialization progressed. The movement was galvanized by the broader changes in society that challenged traditional views on women's roles and contributed to the fight for legal and societal reforms.

Virginia Woolf

A prominent modernist writer and feminist thinker whose works have significantly influenced literary and feminist discourse. Woolf is renowned for her innovative narrative techniques, particularly stream of consciousness, which explores complex themes of identity, gender, and the human experience in society.

Labor and socialism

A series of social movements aimed at advocating for workers' rights and promoting social ownership, particularly during periods of industrialization. Trade unions emerged as key organizations seeking democratic representation for workers and pushing for improved wages, labor conditions, and political rights.

Socialism in Russia

A political and economic ideology that gained substantial traction in Russia during the early 20th century, setting the stage for revolutionary changes, including the Bolshevik Revolution. Socialism in this context aimed to dismantle the existing capitalist structure and establish a society based on collective ownership and social welfare.

Sergei Witte

A notable Russian economist and statesman recognized for his efforts in modernizing Russia's economy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly through the promotion of industrialization and the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway. Witte also played a critical role in negotiating peace after the Russo-Japanese War.

Herbert Spencer

An influential sociologist and philosopher known for his application of Darwinian principles to social thought, summarizing his ideas with the phrase 'survival of the fittest.' Spencer's theories encouraged a focus on social evolution and the idea that societies, like biological species, evolve over time.

Charles Darwin

A naturalist and biologist whose groundbreaking theories on evolution and natural selection revolutionized scientific and societal thought. His work laid the foundation for understanding biological evolution and influenced various fields, including sociology and philosophy.

Friedrich Nietzsche

A philosopher recognized for his radical critiques of morality and exploration of philosophical concepts such as the will to power and the idea of the Übermensch (overman). Nietzsche's thought challenged conventional moral values and emphasized the importance of individualism and self-overcoming.

Emmeline Pankhurst

A leading figure in the British suffragette movement, known for her vehement advocacy for women's voting rights and her role in organizing protests and campaigns that ultimately contributed to women's suffrage in the UK.

Modernism

A broad cultural and artistic movement that emerged in response to the rapid changes brought about by industrialization. Modernism sought to break away from traditional forms and conventions in art, literature, and philosophy, reflecting the complexities and disorientations of the modern world through innovative techniques and stylized expressions.

Theodor Herzl

A key figure in the establishment of modern political Zionism, Herzl advocated for the creation of a Jewish state and organized efforts to promote Jewish migration to Palestine, serving as a foundational leader in the movement that sought to address Jewish national identity and aspirations.

Causes of WWI (MAIN)

The acronym MAIN represents the primary causes of World War I: Militarism (the aggressive buildup of military forces), Alliances (complex treaties and agreements between countries), Imperialism (rivalries over colonial expansion), and Nationalism (intense national pride and competition). Together, these factors created a volatile geopolitical landscape that contributed to the war's outbreak.

Western Front vs. Eastern Front

In World War I, the Western Front was characterized by stagnant trench warfare, where battle lines were largely unchanged for prolonged periods, while the Eastern Front experienced more dynamic and fluid military movements, reflecting differences in strategy, geography, and troop deployment.

Reasons countries entered WWI

Multiple national interests and obligations stemming from pre-existing alliances compelled several nations such as France, Germany, and Russia to enter World War I following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, which served as a catalyst for conflict.

Alliance system and Bismarck

Otto von Bismarck’s diplomatic strategy involved forming a network of alliances aimed at isolating France and maintaining stability within Europe. His careful diplomatic planning and treaties played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape leading up to World War I.

Bosnian crisis of 1914

A significant geopolitical tension that arose when Austria-Hungary annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina, leading to increasing friction with Serbia and contributing to the escalation of tensions that ultimately triggered World War I.

Modern weaponry in WWI

World War I was marked by the introduction of advanced weaponry, such as machine guns, tanks, and chemical weapons, which fundamentally altered the nature of warfare, leading to unprecedented levels of destruction and loss of life.

Reasons for U.S. entry into WWI

The United States was drawn into World War I primarily due to aggressive U-boat attacks on American ships, the sinking of the Lusitania, a British passenger liner, and the revelation of the Zimmerman Telegram, in which Germany attempted to incite Mexico against the U.S.

Archduke Franz Ferdinand

The heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne whose assassination in 1914 in Sarajevo served as a key catalyst that ignited World War I, leading to a complex chain of events and alliances triggering the conflict.

Triple Alliance

A military alliance established prior to World War I comprising Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy, which aimed to provide mutual support in the event of conflict among the major European powers.

Triple Entente

An alliance formed in response to the Triple Alliance, consisting of France, Russia, and Great Britain, which sought to counterbalance the military strength and territorial ambitions of the Central Powers.

New Imperialism

A phase of aggressive colonial expansion by European powers during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by the acquisition of vast territories and the establishment of political and economic control over regions in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.

Industrialization in Japan

A significant period of transformation during the Meiji Restoration that marked Japan’s journey towards modernization. This era involved the adoption of Western technologies and industrial practices, leading to the expansion of Japan's economy and military capabilities on the global stage.

Russian Revolution

A series of upheavals and revolutions in 1917 that resulted in the collapse of the Tsarist monarchy and the establishment of Bolshevik rule, profoundly altering Russia's political landscape and leading to the formation of the Soviet Union.

Treaty of Brest-Litovsk

The treaty signed in 1918 between Bolshevik Russia and the Central Powers, formally ending Russia’s involvement in World War I. This agreement ceded significant territories to Germany and its allies and marked a critical turning point in the war.

Versailles Treaty

The 1919 treaty that officially concluded World War I, imposing extensive reparations and territorial losses on Germany. This treaty aimed to establish a framework for peace but also sowed the seeds of discontent that would lead to future conflicts.

Goals of the Big Four in the Versailles Treaty

The primary aims of the leaders of the United States, Britain, France, and Italy (the Big Four) during the drafting of the Versailles Treaty were to secure a lasting peace, promote the principle of national self-determination, and impose punitive measures on Germany to prevent future aggression.

John Maynard Keynes

A prominent economist who argued against the harsh reparations imposed on Germany by the Versailles Treaty, claiming that they would lead to economic instability and foster resentment, ultimately undermining the prospects for lasting peace.

New countries following WWI

The geopolitical landscape of Europe was significantly altered after World War I, resulting in the establishment of several new nation-states, including Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, and Poland, as empires disintegrated and nationalist movements gained prominence.

Collapse of Empires after WWI

The aftermath of World War I saw the disintegration of major empires, including the Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman, German, and Russian empires, fundamentally reshaping the political map of Europe and leading to the emergence of new nations and unresolved ethnic conflicts.