Unit 8- 20th Century Global Conflicts

Long term causes of WW1?

• MAIN

• Militarism- After industrial rev, places have all types of new tech and weapons they want to test out

• Alliances- Formed between major powers, leading to a complex web of loyalty and obligations that escalated conflicts

• Imperialism- Competition for colonies strained relationships among European nations, heightening tensions.

• Nationalism- Intense pride in one's nation created rivalries and fostered conflict among countries, often leading to militaristic and imperialistic ambitions.

What was the immediate cause of WW1?

• the assassination of the Austrian Archduke Ferdinand in 1914 by a Serbian Nationalist

  • Now conflict between Serbia and Austria

What happened after the Austrian Arch Duke was killed?

• Austria declares war on Serbia w the help of Germany

• Russia allies with Serbia

  • Germany declares war on Russia

Who are the two opposing sides in WW1?

The Allies and the Central Powers. The Allies included countries like France, Britain, and Russia, while the Central Powers were primarily Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy and the Ottoman Empire.

Central Powers

• Germany

• Austria Hungary

• Italy

Allies

• France

• Britain

• Russia

New Technology in WW1?

• Innovations such as tanks, airplanes, machine guns, and chemical warfare dramatically changed the nature of combat

• Trench Warfare

Why was WW1 a total war?

• WW1 was a total war because it involved significant national mobilization of resources and personnel, affecting not just the military but also civilian life and economies.

True or false, Britain mobilized significantly during ww1?

True, Britain mobilized large numbers of troops and resources, impacting the war effort significantly.

Easter Rebellion?

• Ireland was promised their independence from Britain pre World War 1

  • but when it was clear they weren’t getting it the rebellion in 1916 aimed to achieve this through armed insurrection. The uprising was suppressed, yet it sparked significant political change and a move towards Irish independence.

War Plan from WW1

• Germany planned to attack France first, then Russia (The Schlieffen Plan)

  • by the time German troops made it over to Germany, they realized the French troops at mobilized and secured their borders

• Therefore, Germany goes through Berlin making Britain mad bc Berlin was neutral and then invaded Belgium, leading to Britain's entry into the war.

Trench Warefare

A type of combat in which opposing troops fight from deep ditches, or trenches, to protect themselves from enemy fire, heavily utilized during World War I. This method of warfare resulted in prolonged stalemates, harsh living conditions, and significant casualties, showcasing the brutal realities of WWI.

New allies in WW1?

Countries that joined the Allies during World War I included Italy, Japan, and the United States, all of which shifted the balance of power and contributed to the eventual defeat of the Central Powers.

Battle of the Somme

A major battle of World War I fought between July and November 1916, known for its scale and high casualties. It represented a significant attempt by the Allies to break through German defenses and is remembered for its extensive use of artillery and the first day being one of the bloodiest in British military history.

End of WW1?

• Stalemates in both the Western and Eastern Fronts

• Germany starts engaging in submarine warfare and harms US and neutral ships

• Germany also tries to get Mexico to go to War with the United States (Zimmerman Telegram), but the plan fails

• So the US joins the war and in 1918, Germany surrendered

Problems in Russia during WW1?

• Political Stagnation

  • people mad abt failed Decemberist Rev

  • Tsar Nicholas left everyone to go fight and put Rasputin in charge who was not doing a good job

• Social Inequality

  • poor very poor living conditions, food shortages, and discontent among the working class. The war exacerbated existing inequalities and fueled unrest, leading to strikes and protests.

• Incomplete Industrialization

  • troops did not have adequate supplies during war, no shoes and guns

• Food Shortages

March Revolution

• Factory workers led a massive revolution over food prices

• Tsar Nicholas who left for war told troops to go kill and put down rev

  • however, many of the soliders switched sides and joined rev

• Nicholas was loosing control of the country, leading to his abdication and the end of the Romanov dynasty in March 1917

How is the Duma and what did they do?

• provisional gov that took over after the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II in March 1917, seeking to establish a democratic government but favored to the middle class causing the Soviets (working class councils to be mad)

What did the Marxist Social Democratic Party Split into?

the Bolsheviks and Mensheviks, with differing views on how to achieve socialism in Russia.

Bolsheviks

• favored a violent overthrow and a communist dictatorship

Mensheviks

• favored a socialist state w democracy

Vladimer Lenin

• leader of the Bolshevik Party and key figure in the Russian Revolution, advocating for Marxism and establishing a communist government in Russia

• November 1917- Lenin and the Bolsheviks overthrew the Duma and established a one-party state, promoting the ideas of Marxism-Leninism.

Treaty of Versailles

• The peace treaty that ended World War I, imposing heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany (1919)

Main settlements of the Treaty of Versailles

• War Guilt Cause- Germany accepts all responsibilty for WW1

• Land loss for Germany

  • Alcanve- Lairane went to Germany

• Elimination of the Austria- Hungaraian Empire

• Reperations for Germany and not being able to remililtarize

• Rhineland becomes a demilitarized zone, limiting German military presence

• League of Nations- an international organization established to promote peace and cooperation among countries, though the US did not join.

What was the problems with the Treaty of Versailles

• US never joined the Treaty of Versailles so it wasn’t very effective

• It was to harsh on Germany and they had no say

The Great Depression

A severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from the late 1920s until the early 1940s, marked by high unemployment, bank failures, and drastic declines in consumer spending and investment.

Causes of the Great Depression?

• US stock market crash of 1929

  • US couldn’t help pay for European debt

• Overproduction after WW1

What was Europe like post WW1?

Europe faced significant political instability, economic hardship, and social unrest due to the consequences of World War I, leading to the rise of various political movements and the eventual conditions for WWII.