HIST 1003 LSU heather Thornton exam 3

1. What are the causes of the Great War?

1. Militarism: European powers engaged in an arms race, building up large armies and navies, creating a volatile atmosphere of competition and suspicion. 2. Alliances: The complex system of alliances, such as the Triple Entente (France, Russia, Britain) and the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy), meant that conflicts between individual nations could quickly escalate into wider conflicts involving multiple countries. 3. Imperialism: European powers competed for colonies and resources, leading to tensions and rivalries, especially in regions like Africa and the Balkans. 4. Nationalism: Strong nationalist movements, particularly in the Balkans, fueled desires for independence and self-determination among ethnic groups, contributing to regional instability. 5. Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: The assassination of the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne by a Serbian nationalist in Sarajevo in 1914 served as a trigger event, leading Austria-Hungary to declare war on Serbia, sparking a chain reaction of alliances and declarations of war that ultimately led to the outbreak of World War I.

2. Discuss the differences and similarities between fascism and communism during the interwar period. How did both view democracy?

During the interwar period, fascism and communism emerged as influential ideologies, each offering alternative visions for societal organization. Fascism, exemplified by regimes like Mussolini's Italy and Hitler's Germany, emphasized authoritarianism, nationalism, and corporatism. It viewed democracy as weak and inefficient, favoring strong, centralized leadership. In contrast, communism, epitomized by the Soviet Union under Lenin and Stalin, advocated for classless, stateless societies based on collective ownership. Communists viewed democracy skeptically, considering it a tool of the bourgeoisie to maintain power and suppress the proletariat. Despite their differences, both ideologies sought to centralize power and exert control over society, albeit through different means.

1/3 REFORMATION: Throughout this course we have focused on three major events that shaped Western history in the last 500 years. Please select three major historical events that you feel shaped Western society and explain why you believe this to be true. Your choice will require support by facts, not just your opinion.

The Reformation was a religious and cultural movement that began in the early 16th century, challenging the authority of the Catholic Church and leading to the establishment of Protestantism. This movement was spearheaded by figures such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Huldrych Zwingli. The Reformation had profound effects on Western society for several reasons:

Religious Fragmentation: The Reformation led to the fragmentation of Christianity in Western Europe, with the emergence of various Protestant denominations alongside the Catholic Church. This religious diversity contributed to the pluralistic nature of Western societies and fostered a spirit of religious tolerance and individualism.

Political and Social Changes: The Reformation sparked political and social upheaval across Europe. Conflicts such as the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) were fueled by religious tensions, leading to significant loss of life and reshaping the political landscape of Europe. The rise of Protestantism also challenged traditional social hierarchies, as ideas of individual conscience and religious freedom gained prominence.

Cultural Impact: The Reformation brought about significant cultural changes, including the promotion of literacy through the translation of religious texts into vernacular languages. It also encouraged critical thinking and inquiry, laying the groundwork for the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment.

2/3 FRENCH REVOLUTION Throughout this course we have focused on three major events that shaped Western history in the last 500 years. Please select three major historical events that you feel shaped Western society and explain why you believe this to be true. Your choice will require support by facts, not just your opinion.

The French Revolution was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France that profoundly impacted Western society. It was characterized by the overthrow of the monarchy, the establishment of a republic, and the Reign of Terror. The French Revolution had far-reaching effects on Western society for several reasons:

Democratization and Republicanism: The French Revolution popularized the principles of democracy, equality, and fraternity, which influenced political thought and movements across Europe and beyond. The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, adopted during the revolution, articulated ideals of individual rights and freedoms that continue to shape modern Western societies.

Nationalism and Modern Warfare: The French Revolutionary Wars and the subsequent Napoleonic Wars spread nationalist sentiments across Europe, leading to the formation of nation-states and the redrawing of political boundaries. These conflicts also witnessed the emergence of modern warfare tactics and strategies that would shape military practices in the centuries to come.

Social and Economic Reforms: The French Revolution brought about significant social and economic reforms, including the abolition of feudal privileges, the secularization of church lands, and the introduction of legal equality. These changes laid the groundwork for the modernization of Western societies and the eventual transition to industrial capitalism.

3/3 WORLD WAR 1 Throughout this course we have focused on three major events that shaped Western history in the last 500 years. Please select three major historical events that you feel shaped Western society and explain why you believe this to be true. Your choice will require support by facts, not just your opinion.

World War I was a global conflict that had a profound impact on Western society, marking the end of the long-standing European order and reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the world. Several factors make it a pivotal event in Western history:

Loss of Life and Destruction: World War I resulted in unprecedented levels of death and destruction, with millions of soldiers and civilians killed and vast swaths of Europe devastated by warfare. The war shattered the optimism of the pre-war period and ushered in an era of disillusionment and trauma.

Political and Social Changes: World War I led to significant political and social changes in Western societies. The collapse of empires such as the Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman, Russian, and German Empires reshaped the map of Europe and paved the way for the establishment of new nation-states. The war also accelerated social changes, including the advancement of women's rights and the expansion of government intervention in the economy.

Impact on Culture and Society: World War I profoundly influenced Western culture and society, giving rise to literary movements such as modernism, which reflected the disillusionment and fragmentation of post-war society. The war also spurred advancements in technology and medicine, leading to innovations that would shape the course of the 20th century.

sola scriptura

Sola scriptura is a Latin phrase meaning "by Scripture alone." It is a principle of Protestant Christian theology, particularly associated with the Reformation, which asserts that the Bible is the sole infallible source of authority for Christian faith and practice. This principle rejects the authority of tradition, church hierarchy, and ecclesiastical teachings that are not explicitly supported by scripture.

John tetzel

John Tetzel was a Dominican friar and papal commissioner known for his role in promoting the sale of indulgences in Germany during the 16th century. He was famously associated with the slogan "As soon as the coin in the coffer rings, the soul from purgatory springs," which was used to encourage people to purchase indulgences as a means of obtaining forgiveness for their sins.

indulgence

In Catholic doctrine, an indulgence is a remission of the temporal punishment due to sin, granted by the Church and earned through certain actions or devotions. During the Middle Ages, indulgences were often sold by the Church as a means of raising funds for various projects, such as the construction of cathedrals or funding military campaigns.

treaty of tordesillas

The Treaty of Tordesillas was a treaty signed in 1494 between Spain and Portugal, mediated by the Pope. It divided the newly discovered lands outside Europe between the two countries along a meridian 370 leagues west of the Cape Verde islands (off the west coast of Africa). This division aimed to resolve conflicts over newly discovered territories in the Americas and establish spheres of influence for each nation.

peace of augsburg

The Peace of Augsburg was a treaty signed in 1555 that ended the religious conflicts between Catholics and Protestants in the Holy Roman Empire. It established the principle of "cuius regio, eius religio," meaning that the ruler of each state within the empire could determine whether their territory would be Catholic or Lutheran, allowing for limited religious tolerance.

Nicolaus Copernicus

Nicolaus Copernicus was a Renaissance-era mathematician and astronomer who formulated the heliocentric model of the universe, in which the Sun, rather than the Earth, is at the center of the solar system. His book "De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium" (On the Revolutions of the Celestial Spheres), published in 1543, challenged the geocentric model of the universe that had been dominant since ancient times.

Gustavus Adolphus

Gustavus Adolphus was the King of Sweden from 1611 to 1632. He was a prominent military leader during the Thirty Years' War, leading the Swedish forces to numerous victories and expanding Sweden's influence in Northern Europe. He is often credited with modernizing the Swedish military and introducing innovative tactics that revolutionized warfare in the 17th century.

James II

James II was King of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1685 to 1688. He was the last Catholic monarch to rule England and Ireland. His reign was marked by conflict with Parliament and Protestant opposition, leading to his overthrow in the Glorious Revolution of 1688, which resulted in the ascension of William III and Mary II to the throne.

frankfurt diet

The Frankfurt Diet refers to the Imperial Diet (assembly) held in Frankfurt, Germany, in 1848 during the Revolutions of 1848. It aimed to establish a unified German state and draft a constitution for the German Empire. However, the Frankfurt Parliament failed to achieve its goals, and the revolution was ultimately suppressed by conservative forces.

toleration act

The Toleration Act, passed in 1689 in England, was an important piece of legislation that granted limited religious freedom to Protestant nonconformists, such as Baptists and Congregationalists, while still excluding Catholics and Unitarians. It represented a significant step towards religious tolerance and pluralism in England.

Bill of Rights

The Bill of Rights refers to the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, which were ratified in 1791. These amendments guarantee fundamental rights and freedoms, including freedom of speech, religion, and the press, the right to bear arms, and protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. The Bill of Rights is considered a cornerstone of American democracy and individual liberty.

Frederick II

Frederick II, also known as Frederick the Great, was the King of Prussia from 1740 to 1786. He was a highly influential ruler known for his military campaigns, administrative reforms, and support for the arts and sciences. Frederick transformed Prussia into a leading European power and played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of 18th-century Europe.

the Fronde

The Fronde was a series of civil wars that occurred in France during the mid-17th century, primarily between 1648 and 1653. The Fronde arose from opposition to the centralizing policies of the monarchy, particularly the excessive taxation and abuses of power by Cardinal Mazarin, the chief minister of King Louis XIV. The Fronde involved various factions, including nobles, parliamentarians, and commoners, and ultimately strengthened the power of the monarchy.

the estates general

The Estates General was a representative assembly in France that played a significant role in the political life of the country until the French Revolution. It consisted of three estates: the clergy, the nobility, and the commoners (or Third Estate). The Estates General was convened by the king during times of crisis or to address issues such as taxation, but its powers were limited, and it had little influence on policymaking.

congress of Vienna

The Congress of Vienna was a diplomatic conference held in 1814-1815 in Vienna, Austria, with the aim of reshaping Europe in the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars. The Congress sought to restore stability and order to Europe by redrawing boundaries, restoring monarchies, and establishing a balance of power among the major European powers. It marked the beginning of the Concert of Europe, a system of diplomatic cooperation that aimed to prevent future conflicts.

the luddites

The Luddites were 19th-century English textile workers who protested against the introduction of labor-saving machinery and automation in the textile industry. The Luddite movement emerged in response to the perceived threat to jobs and wages posed by the increasing mechanization of production. Luddites engaged in acts of sabotage, destroying machinery and factories in an attempt to protect their livelihoods.

Adam smith

Adam Smith was a Scottish economist and philosopher who is often referred to as the "father of modern economics." He is best known for his seminal work "The Wealth of Nations," published in 1776, in which he laid out the principles of free-market capitalism and argued for the importance of self-interest, competition, and the division of labor in promoting economic prosperity.

opium war

The Opium War was a series of conflicts fought between China and Great Britain in the mid-19th century. The war was sparked by China's attempts to suppress the opium trade, which was dominated by British merchants. The British government intervened to protect its economic interests, leading to military confrontations between the two powers. The Opium War resulted in China's defeat and the signing of the Treaty of Nanjing in 1842, which opened China to foreign trade and ceded territory to Britain.

The Somme

The Battle of the Somme was one of the largest battles of World War I, fought between British and French forces against German troops along the Western Front in 1916. The battle lasted from July 1 to November 18, 1916, and resulted in heavy casualties on both sides. The Battle of the Somme is remembered for its scale and brutality, with over a million men killed or wounded, making it one of the bloodiest battles in human history.

Ministry of Munitions

The Ministry of Munitions was a British government department established during World War I to coordinate the production and supply of munitions and war materiel for the British armed forces. Led by David Lloyd George, the Ministry played a crucial role in mobilizing British industry for war production, ensuring a steady supply of weapons, ammunition, and equipment to support the war effort.

Treaty of Versailles

The Treaty of Versailles was the peace treaty that officially ended World War I, signed on June 28, 1919, in Versailles, France. The treaty imposed harsh terms on Germany, including territorial losses, military restrictions, and reparations payments. The Treaty of Versailles is often criticized for its role in fueling resentment and economic hardship in Germany, contributing to the rise of Adolf Hitler and the outbreak of World War II.

final solution

The Final Solution was the Nazi regime's plan to systematically exterminate the Jewish population of Europe during World War II. It was implemented through the use of concentration camps, mass shootings, and gas chambers, resulting in the genocide of six million Jews, along with millions of other victims, including Roma, Poles, Soviet prisoners of war, and others. The Final Solution represents one of the darkest chapters in human history and the Holocaust.

Triple Entente

The Triple Entente was a diplomatic alliance formed between France, Russia, and Great Britain in the years leading up to World War I. The alliance was motivated by shared concerns about German militarism and expansionism. The Triple Entente opposed the rival Triple Alliance, consisting of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy, and played a significant role in shaping the alliances and divisions that led to the outbreak of World War I.