Power Shifts and Causes of World War I

What was the nickname given to the Ottoman Empire at the beginning of the 20th century?

The 'sick man of Europe.'

What reforms did the Young Ottomans call for in the Ottoman Empire?

They called for massive political changes to bring the empire in line with Western democratic ideals.

What was the outcome of the Young Ottomans' demands for reform?

The authoritarian sultan agreed to some demands, allowing for the creation of a parliament and a constitution.

What happened to the sultan's authority during the war with Russia?

The sultan resumed his authoritarian role and ruled like a dictator.

What group arose in response to the authoritarianism of the sultan?

The Young Turks.

What was the vision of the Young Turks for the Ottoman Empire?

They envisioned a modernization of the empire in the image of European nations, focusing on Turkish nationalism.

What significant changes did the Young Turks implement after overthrowing the sultan in 1908?

They secularized schools and law codes, established political elections, and imposed Turkish as the official language.

How did the nationalistic policies of the Young Turks affect other ethnic groups in the empire?

These policies alienated many minorities, including Arabs, leading to their own waves of nationalism.

What was the fate of the Ottoman Empire after World War I?

It was carved up into several independent states by victorious powers.

What internal and external factors contributed to the decline of the Ottoman Empire?

Internal factors included authoritarianism and nationalism, while external factors involved pressures from Western powers and the outcomes of wars.

What was the significance of the Tanzimat Reforms in the Ottoman Empire?

They were an attempt at modernization and industrialization, but ultimately did not save the empire from decline.

What role did the Young Turks play in the political landscape of the Ottoman Empire?

They were a reform-minded group that sought to modernize the empire and promote Turkish nationalism.

What was the impact of World War I on the Ottoman Empire?

It led to the empire's fragmentation and the establishment of independent states.

How did the Young Turks' vision of nationalism differ from the reality of the Ottoman Empire's diversity?

Their vision excluded many ethnic minorities, which contradicted the empire's multicultural makeup.

What was the primary goal of the Young Turks' reforms?

To modernize the Ottoman Empire and align it with Western nations.

What did the Young Turks' reforms include regarding language?

The imposition of Turkish as the official language of the empire.

What was the result of the Young Turks' nationalistic policies on the empire's cohesion?

Their policies contributed to the fracturing of the empire as minority groups sought their own national identities.

What did the term 'sick man of Europe' imply about the Ottoman Empire's status?

It indicated that the empire was in decline and vulnerable to external pressures.

What was the political climate in the Ottoman Empire prior to the Young Turks' rise to power?

It was characterized by authoritarian rule and resistance to reform.

What was the significance of the elections established by the Young Turks?

They represented a shift towards a more democratic governance structure in the empire.

What did the Young Turks believe was necessary for the survival of the Ottoman Empire?

They believed modernization and a strong sense of nationalism were essential.

What was the broader theme of governance discussed in this unit regarding the Ottoman Empire?

The theme revolves around how internal and external factors contributed to the empire's decline and the shifts in power dynamics.

What progress did Russia make by the end of the 19th century?

Russia made some progress in industrialization under the absolutist tsars Alexander II and Nicolas II.

What was a significant social class that began to resent the tsar's policies during industrialization?

The middle class began to resent the growing authoritarian government policies.

What were the grievances of the working class during the early 20th century in Russia?

The working class suffered from the brutal effects of state-sponsored industrialization.

What major event occurred in Russia in 1905?

The Russian Revolution of 1905 occurred, which the tsar put down with brutal force.

What reforms did Nicolas II introduce in response to the 1905 revolution?

Nicolas II introduced a constitution, legalized labor unions, and allowed political parties.

What happened to the reforms introduced by Nicolas II?

Nicolas II largely ignored those reforms and continued his authoritarian rule.

What event escalated tensions in Russia leading to another revolution?

World War I escalated tensions and discontent in Russia.

Who led the successful revolution in Russia in 1917?

The revolution was led by Vladimir Lenin and the Bolsheviks.

What type of state did Lenin and the Bolsheviks establish after the 1917 revolution?

They established a communist state, leading to the birth of the Soviet Union.

What internal factors contributed to the decline of the Qing Dynasty in China?

Internal factors included the destructive Taiping Revolution.

What external factors contributed to the decline of the Qing Dynasty?

External factors included defeats in the Opium Wars and the Sino-Japanese War.

What was the Boxer Rebellion?

The Boxer Rebellion was an insurrection led by the Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists against Qing authorities.

What was the impact of the Taiping Revolution on China?

The Taiping Revolution cost millions of lives and enormous amounts of money, leaving China depopulated and broke.

How did China's industrialization efforts compare to Western powers?

China's half-baked efforts at industrialization were no match for the fully baked industrial powers to their east and west.

What was the perception of the Qing authorities by the Boxers?

The Boxers viewed the Qing authorities as foreign oppressors.

What was the outcome of the Opium Wars for China?

China lost both Opium Wars to Western powers, further diminishing its sovereignty.

What did the Boxer Rebellion aim to achieve?

The Boxer Rebellion aimed to expel foreign influence and restore Chinese sovereignty.

What was the significance of the Russian Revolution of 1905?

It was a precursor to the more successful revolution in 1917, highlighting the discontent with the tsar's rule.

What was the role of the middle class in the Russian Revolution?

The middle class demanded more voice in government decisions and resented the tsar's authoritarian policies.

What were the consequences of the 1917 Russian Revolution?

The consequences included the establishment of a communist regime and the formation of the Soviet Union.

What characterized the industrialization process in Russia under the tsars?

Industrialization was marked by authoritarian control and social unrest.

What was the societal impact of the Boxer Rebellion?

The Boxer Rebellion reflected widespread discontent with foreign domination and internal corruption.

What led to the abdication of the Qing emperor in China?

A revolutionary movement under the leadership of Sun Yat-Sen gained momentum, resulting in the end of years of imperial rule.

Who were the foreign powers involved in suppressing the rebellion in China?

The British, foreigners, and Japanese sent troops to restore order in China.

What was the nature of the government established under Sun Yat-Sen?

It was a provisional government that was short-lived.

Who emerged as the leader of communist China after a series of power struggles?

Mao Zedong.

What was the political situation in Mexico at the end of the 19th century?

Mexico was ruled by a dictator, Porfirio Diaz, whose policies angered various social classes.

What happened to Francisco Madero after he was elected?

He was assassinated two years later.

What characterized the Mexican Revolution that followed Madero's election?

It included a decade of civil war with massive peasant armies led by figures like Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata.

What was the outcome of the Mexican Revolution by 1917?

Mexico emerged as a republic with a newly drafted constitution that enacted widespread reforms.

What reforms were enacted by the new Mexican constitution?

Reforms included universal male suffrage, minimum wages for workers, and the separation of the Church from political and economic power.

How did the Mexican Revolution differ from the Chinese and Russian revolutions?

The Mexican Revolution was largely confined to Mexico and did not have significant international effects.

What was the primary cause of grievances that led to the Mexican Revolution?

The policies of Porfirio Diaz that angered nearly every class in Mexico.

What was the significance of the reforms enacted after the Mexican Revolution?

They addressed the grievances that led to the revolution and aimed to improve social conditions.

What was the role of charismatic leaders like Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata in the Mexican Revolution?

They led massive peasant armies but were ultimately unsuccessful in gaining meaningful state power.

What year marked the completion of the Mexican Revolution?

1917

What type of government was established in Mexico after the revolution?

A republic.

What was the impact of the Mexican Revolution on the social classes in Mexico?

It united various classes against the dictatorship of Porfirio Diaz.

What was the historical context of the Mexican Revolution?

It occurred in the last part of the 19th century and the first part of the 20th century.

What was the primary external factor affecting China during the Qing dynasty's decline?

Intervention by foreign powers, including British and Japanese forces.

What was a major internal factor contributing to the change in China after 1900?

The rise of revolutionary movements seeking to end imperial rule.

What was the role of foreign powers in China's internal conflicts?

They imposed demands on a weakened China for their own benefit.

How did the Qing dynasty's bankruptcy affect its ability to govern?

It led to foreign intervention and weakened the dynasty's control over China.

What was the significance of the abdication of the Qing emperor?

It marked the end of imperial rule in China.

What is the first major cause of World War I?

Militarism, which is the belief that states should maintain strong militaries and use them aggressively to protect their interests.

How did industrial manufacturing contribute to militarism before World War I?

Industrial manufacturing allowed states to produce deadlier weapons at a far greater pace than ever before.

What was Germany's military status leading up to World War I?

Germany possessed arguably the most powerful military force in Europe due to rapid industrialization and a massive military buildup.

Why were Germany's neighbors nervous about its military power?

Germany's neighbors were concerned because, while Germany built a large military, France was dealing with internal problems that left its military relatively weak.

What was the second major cause of World War I?

Alliances, specifically the system of international alliances that created a balance of power in Europe.

What were the two major alliances in the early 20th century?

The Triple Alliance, which included Germany, Italy, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the Triple Entente, which included Britain, France, and Russia.

How did alliances contribute to the outbreak of World War I?

Alliances created a situation where states had elaborate military mobilization plans, making it difficult to stop mobilization once it began, leading to chaos.

What role did railroad systems play in the military mobilization of countries before World War I?

Countries built thousands of miles of railroads to mobilize troops quickly in the event of war.

What is the third major cause of World War I?

Imperialism, characterized by the expansion of empires and the desire to project power on the world stage.

What was a significant factor driving imperialism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries?

The desire of nations to project power and influence globally.

How did militarism, alliances, and imperialism interact to cause World War I?

These factors created a tense environment where nations were prepared for war and had commitments to support allies, increasing the likelihood of conflict.

What was the impact of militarism on the military capabilities of European nations before World War I?

Militarism led to a significant buildup of military forces and advanced weaponry among European nations.

What was the effect of the alliance system on national security in Europe?

The alliance system was intended to enhance national security but ultimately created a situation where a conflict involving one nation could quickly involve others.

Why was it difficult for nations to halt mobilization once it began?

Nations had developed precise timetables for mobilization, and stopping it would lead to chaos and disarray.

What was the significance of the term 'balance of power' in the context of World War I?

The balance of power referred to the distribution of military and political power among nations, which was maintained through alliances.

How did the internal problems of France affect its military capability?

France's internal problems left its military relatively weak compared to Germany's powerful military.

What was the relationship between industrialization and militarism in Germany?

Industrialization in Germany facilitated a rapid buildup of military capabilities, contributing to its status as a dominant military power.

What was the role of national security in the formation of alliances?

Alliances were formed to ensure national security and to isolate rival states.

How did the desire to project power influence imperialism?

Nations sought to expand their empires and influence globally as a means of asserting their power.

What was a consequence of the militaristic culture in Europe prior to World War I?

The militaristic culture fostered an environment where war was seen as a viable means of resolving disputes.

How did the competition for colonies contribute to tensions in Europe?

The competition for colonies heightened rivalries among European powers, contributing to the tensions that led to World War I.

What was the significance of the Triple Entente and Triple Alliance in the context of World War I?

These alliances created a web of commitments that made it likely for a regional conflict to escalate into a larger war.

What was one of the main factors that led to the competition among European powers before World War I?

The desire to achieve great power status and expand empires.

Which country was primarily influenced by national unity and military strength in its imperial ambitions?

Germany.

What happened when European powers secured their imperial holdings and found little additional territory to conquer?

They began to experience conflict over existing colonial holdings.

What was a significant outcome of the conflicts over colonial holdings among European powers?

The creation of the alliance system.

What was the fourth cause of World War I mentioned in the notes?

Nationalism.

How did nationalism influence the perception of nation-states in Europe?

It emphasized the glory and commonality of their own people while defining other states as enemies.

What role did education and media play in the spread of nationalism across Europe?

Schools embraced nationalistic messages, and mass media helped convince people of their national identities.

What was the effect of nationalistic fervor on conflicts between nations?

Conflicts had to be met with force instead of compromise.

What event is described as the 'tiny spark' that ignited the tensions leading to World War I?

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip.

How did nationalism contribute to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand?

Nationalism fueled the motivations behind the assassination.

What was Austria-Hungary's reaction to the assassination of Franz Ferdinand?

They viewed it as an unconscionable act that demanded retaliation.

Which countries were involved in the alliance system that escalated the conflict after the assassination?

Serbia was allied with Russia, and Austria-Hungary was allied with Germany and Italy.