20th Century Topics - Unit 11 Study

MIlitarism Causes of War

Second Industrial Revolution (produced mass amount of weapons, encouraging nations to go to war). Countries also wanted to compete economically but that required land and resources. Schlieffen plan. Arms race between naval superiority for Germany and Britain.

Ideological Causes of War

Nationalism (Pan-Slavic beliefs in the Baltics and nations wanting to prove that they’re better). Germany produced propaganda saying that they were “surrounded on all sides.” Russia believed it was the Balkans' protector and supported the Serbians bc pan slavism.

Political Causes of War

Military Alliances formed between nations (further divided up Europe and heightened tensions). Blank cheque and Germany diplomacy.

Territorial Causes of War

Austria-Hungary conquered much of the Balkans (in conflict with Pan-Slavic beliefs). Some countries like Italy and Japan wanted more land. Second Moroccan Crisis, Germany takes land from French Congo, heightens tensions.

Short Term Causes of War

1. The Assassination of Archduke Ferdinand by a Serbian nationalist (ignited the rivalry between Serbia, Austria-Hungary, and Russia) and Serbia’s denial of judicial inquiry.

2. Diplomatic Encouragement of War. Germany’s “blank cheque” agreement (let Austria know they would be supported if war broke out).

3. Failed attempts at diplomacy - July Days: 26th July conference to settle the crisis between Allies and Germany (Germany denied), 29th July Britain proposed international mediation was ignored, and Germany (now realizing Russia was entering) urged Austria to only occupy up to the capital to keep talks open with Russia, but they were ignored). 30th July war declared by Austria-Hungary.

Long Term Causes of War

MAINT: Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, Nationalism, and Total War (refer to previous flashcards for specifics).

Changes in Air Tech. (effect on the outcome)

Airplanes and blimps (called Zeppelins by the Germans) were used for reconnaissance. Later in the war, guns were attached to airplanes and blimps used for dropping bombs but saw limited use (cuz of explosions).

Changes in Naval Tech (effect on the outcome)

U-Boats/subs primarily targeted merchant ships to block imports (did affect the war but were countered by hydrophones, sub nets, long-range aircraft, convoys, mines, dreadnaughts, and eventually sonar (1918)). Britain successfully blockaded Germany for most of the war, which led to famine across the country.

Changes in Land Tech (effect on the outcome)

Machine guns (led to a defensive trench warfare due to their lack of maneuverability and danger for infantry), Artillery (used to wipe out trenches (further delayed the end of the war bc of the immense damage on infantry - defensive war of attrition), Mines made it harder for infantry advance (further solidified the stalemate), Poison gas, first used in Ypres cleared out trenches and caused panic (further solidified the stalemate,

The Extent of Mobilization of Human Resources (effect on the outcome)

Germany: had to mobilize 1.5 mil people for the Schlieffen plan (bc other Russia, Britain, and France have more people), but railhead

The Extent of Mobilization of Economic Resources (effect on the outcome)

Total war, many underestimated the amount of rifles and shells needed, got production up in June 1916. Russia was missing 130,000 rifles for their troops. Resulted in further government control over the economy. Britain imported 60% of its food. Germany is reliant on imports

The Influence/Involvement of Foreign Powers (effect on the outcome)

USA imported food, munitions, and soldiers (1917). USA loaned money. After USA’s Germany was completely lost.

The Successes of Peacemaking

Rearrangement of the European map was based on self-determination. New Republic in Germany.

The Failures of Peacemaking

136 billion in reparations toward Germany led to hyperinflation and starvation.

Territorial Changes

Germany lost 10% of its territory. Austria dissolved, creating the Balkan states, and Russian gave up most of its western territories

Short Term Political Impacts

Political unrest in Germany (many communist-inspired revolts in Berlin, Munich, and the Ruhr Valley)

Long Term Political Impacts

Russia becomes the first communist state. Rearrangment of the political map of Europe, creation of Yugoslavia, break down of AH, creation of Poland/most of East Europe.

Economic changes in the role/status of women

During war, more job opportunities, but not long-lasting 2/3 of women in Britain returned to domestic work post-war. Since women were employed in factories during the war, it allowed most of the them to pursue white collar work as secretaries.

Social changes in the role/status of women

Suffrage. Women gained suffrage in America in 1920. Government intervention in the lives of people, such as Britain monitoring rationing food through stamp cards.

Demographic changes in the role/status of women

Human toll, 10 million men killed over the course of the war, ratio of men to women changed, leading to more employment oppurtunities for women.