Early 20th Century History: Empires, Power, and Society

What is history?

The study of past events, people, societies, problems, and successes.

Why is it important to study history?

To understand others and the present, and to avoid repeating past mistakes.

What types of sources do historians use to study the past?

Written records, photographs, audio/video, oral accounts, and internet history.

What distinguishes primary sources from secondary sources?

Primary sources are direct evidence from the time (e.g., photos, videos), while secondary sources interpret primary sources (e.g., textbooks, biographies).

What factors contribute to different perspectives in historical accounts?

Who wrote it, when it was written, and the intended audience.

Define bias in historical context.

Prejudice in favor of or against something, often in an unfair or untrue manner.

What is perspective in historical analysis?

A particular way of looking at or considering something.

List the great powers in 1900.

UK, Germany, Russia, France, Austria-Hungary, U.S., Japan, China, Italy, Ottoman Empire.

What criteria were used to determine the great powers of 1900?

Power, size of capabilities (economic, industrial, military), geographic size, and status as a major power.

What led to European nations having significant power at the beginning of the 20th century?

Industrialization, imperialism, and militarism.

What were the consequences of the power held by European nations?

Increased competition and rivalry, leading to heightened tensions and eventual war.

Name countries that were never colonized by Europe.

Japan, Korea, Liberia, Thailand.

Describe the British Empire in 1900.

The largest empire in history, covering ¼ of the world population, with unmatched naval power and territories on every inhabited continent.

What characterized the Russian Empire in 1900?

The second largest empire, spanning Eurasia, with rapid growth and vast territories.

What was notable about the German Empire in 1900?

A young empire with a formidable navy and a culture that valued scientific advancements.

What was the state of the French Empire in 1900?

Held much of Africa and sought to restore national pride after previous defeats.

What challenges did the Ottoman Empire face in 1900?

Believed to be in decline, controlling key trade routes but struggling with internal weaknesses.

What was China's situation in 1900?

Rich in resources but suffering from foreign control and internal strife.

Describe the state of Austria-Hungary in 1900.

Ruled by the Habsburg dynasty, facing decline and pressures from various ethnic groups seeking independence.

What characterized Italy's position among European powers in 1900?

The weakest power, unified in 1860, with slow economic growth and colonial ambitions.

What was Japan's status in 1900?

A rising regional power, having defeated China and Russia, and modernizing to compete with Western powers.

What factors contributed to the U.S. becoming a rising power in 1900?

Rapid population growth, economic expansion, and leadership in industrialization.

What does the phrase 'flaming sunrise' symbolize in the context of the early 20th century?

A symbol of both optimism for technological progress and the looming threat of conflict.

What was significant about Queen Victoria's funeral?

It marked the end of an era, as she had been a prominent figure for 63 years.

What was the impact of nationalism on monarchies at the turn of the century?

Nationalism challenged monarchies as people sought loyalty to their nation rather than the monarch.

What challenges faced the Islamic world at the turn of the century?

Decline due to imperialism and struggles to reconcile tradition with modernity.

What were the two main enemies of religion in the early 20th century?

Atheism and secularism, along with scientific advancements.

Describe the life of children in the 1900s.

Many worked in dangerous conditions, lacked access to education, and faced health issues due to inadequate healthcare.

What characterized life in a 'Big City' in Europe around 1900?

Rapid population growth due to industrialization and migration from rural areas.

What factors contributed to the diversity of cities in the 19th century?

People from various cultures and backgrounds moved to cities for better opportunities.

What types of entertainment were prevalent in cities during this time?

Live music and theater performances were common, often taking place on the streets.

What were tenements, and what were their characteristics?

Tenements were small, cheap apartments with communal sinks and bathrooms, often located far from city centers.

What issues were prevalent in urban sanitation during the 19th century?

There was a significant lack of sanitation, contributing to public health problems.

How did industrial activity affect urban life?

Factories produced goods cheaply but caused pollution and noise, impacting living conditions.

What advancements in public transportation emerged in cities?

Trains, early subways, and horse-drawn buggies improved travel within urban areas.

What role did factories play in job creation during this period?

Factories provided numerous jobs, attracting many workers, including white-collar employees using typewriters and fountain pens.

What technological innovations were significant in urban areas by 1900?

Key innovations included the telephone, adding machine, fountain pen, electric lighting, and steel-framed buildings.

How did the rise of big department stores impact smaller businesses?

Big department stores offered a wide variety of goods at lower prices, challenging smaller stores.

What social issues arose due to urban crime and population growth?

Increased unrest and crime rates were linked to rapid population growth and economic disparities.

How did rural life change due to urban migration?

Many young people left rural areas for cities, leading to population declines in the countryside.

What was the impact of improved communication technologies in the 19th century?

Technologies like the telegraph and telephone made the world feel smaller and facilitated faster communication.

What were the conditions that led to the rise of socialism?

Industrialization created poor working conditions and a growing wealth gap, leading workers to seek social fairness.

What challenges did women face in the fight for rights during this period?

Women fought for voting rights and equality in education and law, often facing significant opposition.

What were the consequences of the population explosion in urban areas?

Overcrowding led to slum growth, public health crises, and increased political unrest.

How did transportation advancements affect urban living?

Improved transportation allowed people to live farther from cities while still being able to work there.

What was the significance of the Triple Entente in the context of European politics?

The Triple Entente complicated international relations and increased the risk of larger conflicts.

What role did industrialization play in shaping daily life in the countryside?

While some machinery improved efficiency, many rural practices remained unchanged, relying on manual labor.

What were the implications of the arms race in Europe during this period?

Military expansions and new technologies heightened tensions among major powers, increasing the risk of war.

How did the availability of electricity improve living standards?

Electricity enabled better lighting and improved household conditions, enhancing overall quality of life.

What was the impact of newspapers during this time?

Newspapers expanded their reach, informing more people and contributing to the spread of ideas.

What were some of the key inventions that emerged during the industrial revolution?

Key inventions included the typewriter, telephone, adding machine, and fountain pen.

What challenges did urban areas face due to rapid population growth?

Challenges included resource strain, overcrowding, and increased demand for housing and services.

What was the significance of the suffragette movement?

The suffragette movement fought for women's rights, particularly the right to vote, and highlighted gender inequalities.