SAQ Euro Midterm #2 2025

The Treaty of Versailles

The treaty that officially ended World War I, imposing harsh terms on Germany and fostering resentment that contributed to World War II.

The Failure of the League of Nations

An organization established to prevent conflicts that proved ineffective due to lack of support from major powers and inability to enforce decisions.

Economic Depression

The global crisis in the 1930s that led to political instability and made radical solutions more appealing in countries like Germany and Japan.

Fascism and Nazism

Aggressive nationalist ideologies in Italy and Germany that emerged in the interwar period, emphasizing militarism and authoritarianism.

Japanese Expansionism

Japan's desire for territorial expansion in Asia, motivated by the need for resources and dominance.

Policy of Appeasement

The strategy adopted by Britain and France to avoid conflict by conceding to the aggressive actions of Germany and Italy in the 1930s.

Decolonization of India

The process through which India gained independence from British rule, influenced by internal nationalism and external pressures.

Mahatma Gandhi

A leader of the Indian National Congress known for advocating non-violent civil disobedience in the struggle for Indian independence.

Impact of World War II on Britain

The war severely weakened Britain economically, making it difficult to maintain its empire and leading to increased calls for Indian independence.

International Pressure for Independence

Global demands for self-determination that influenced Britain's decision to grant independence to its colonies, including India.

Partition of India

The division of British India into two independent dominions, India and Pakistan, largely due to communal tensions between Hindus and Muslims.

Clement Attlee

The British Prime Minister who supported Indian independence and initiated the transfer of power in 1947.

Economic Realities behind Independence

After WWII, maintaining control over India became economically unfeasible due to high costs associated with empire.

Political Pressure for Independence

The sustained push from Indian nationalist movements that indicated continued British rule would lead to unrest.

Moral Considerations

The belief among Labour Party members, including Attlee, that India had the right to govern itself.

Communal Violence in 1946

Widespread unrest that escalated in India, influencing the British decision to expedite the transfer of power.

Lascer and Fischer's Interpretation of WWI

Debates over responsibility for the war, highlighting Serbian nationalism versus Austria-Hungary's aggressive policies.

The Black Hand

A Serbian nationalist group implicated in the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, leading to the outbreak of WWI.

Fritz Fischer's Argument

Claims that Austria-Hungary sought war with Serbia deliberately, using the assassination as a pretext for aggression.

Luigi Albertini's Perspective

Stresses Serbia's role in escalating tensions leading up to WWI, focusing on Serbian nationalist ambitions.