WHAP Unit 7 (Global Conflict)

Unit 7 Review

Global Conflict After 1900

Topics covered include shifting power dynamics, World War I (WWI), the Interwar Period, World War II (WWII), and mass atrocities in the 20th century.

7.1 - Shifting Power Context

The beginning of the 20th century was marked by significant upheavals as revolutions in Russia, China, and Mexico sought to challenge established political structures, reshaping the global order. The collapse of land-based and maritime empires heralded the advent of a new political landscape.Essential Question: How did internal and external factors contribute to change in various states after 1900?

Revolution in Russia

By the early 20th century, Russia was perceived as lagging behind its contemporaries such as European nations, the United States, and Japan, both in terms of wealth and power.Internal Challenges:

• The government, under Tsar Nicholas II, encouraged minimal economic growth.

• Education for the peasantry was limited, impeding social mobility and literacy rates.

• Infrastructure development (including roads and transportation networks) was inadequate, hindering economic progress.

• There was a pervasive lack of support for entrepreneurs, stifling innovation and commerce.

• The regime's resistance to political reform and civil liberties led to widespread disillusionment among various social classes.

External Challenges:

• The weak economy severely limited military strength, demonstrated by the significant losses during the Crimean War (1853-1856) against the Ottoman Empire.

• Russia's defeat in the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) further exposed its military weaknesses and was a watershed moment that marked Japan as a rising power.

• Both internal and external challenges culminated in the Russian Revolution of 1917, which dramatically redefined the political landscape of the region.

Events Leading to the Russian Revolution

Internal Events:

• Bloody Sunday (1905): Tsarist troops opened fire on peaceful protestors, killing approximately 1,300 individuals, an event that galvanized public outrage against the Tsar.

• 1905 Revolution: Following Bloody Sunday, around 400,000 workers went on strike, resulting in violence and governmental repression. Strikes continued, supported by disillusioned soldiers.

External Events:

• The Russo-Japanese War illustrated the growing military prowess of Japan, marking a shift in Asian geopolitics.

• World War I placed additional strain on Russia, with poorly trained military personnel leading to massive casualties as well as widespread food shortages within the country.

The Bolshevik Revolution (1917), led by Vladimir Lenin, resulted in the execution of Tsar Nicholas II and the establishment of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic, paving the way for the first major communist state in history.

7.1 - Upheaval in China

The Qing Dynasty faced a series of internal and external challenges that ultimately resulted in its collapse, leading to the establishment of the Republic of China in 1911.

Internal Challenges

• Ethnic Tensions: Conflicts between the Han majority and the ruling Manchu minority created national dissatisfaction and unrest.

• Famine: Rapid population growth intensified food scarcity, aggravating poverty and social instability.

• Low Tax Revenue: A lack of sufficient funds hampered the government's ability to maintain vital infrastructure, exacerbating public grievances.

External Challenges

• European powers heavily influenced China's political and economic landscape, leading to nationalistic resistance and a desire to reclaim sovereignty.

Chinese Republic

Sun Yat-sen emerged as a principal figure leading the nationalist movement, advocating Confucian principles combined with modern political ideas. His Three People’s Principles included:

• Democracy: Advocated for governance by experts in their respective fields.

• Nationalism: Emphasized loyalty to the nation-state and unity among Chinese citizens.

• Livelihood: Aimed to address wealth inequality and improve living standards for all.However, the struggle to unite China persisted as power shifted to military warlords, undermining the centralized government.

7.1 - Self-Determination in the Ottoman Empire

The Ottoman Empire was often referred to as the "Sick Man of Europe," grappling with profound internal and external challenges.

Internal Challenges

• The Young Turks, a reformist group, sought to adopt European-style constitutional governance. Their Turkification policy incited ethnic unrest, particularly within minorities such as the Armenians.

External Challenges

• Growing resentment towards European imperialism pushed the Ottomans to ally with Germany during World War I, a strategic but ultimately detrimental decision. Post-war, the empire fragmented into multiple nation-states due to loss of territorial integrity and influence.

The Rise of Ataturk

Mustafa Kemal emerged as a nationalist leader who played a pivotal role in the establishment of modern Turkey in 1921. He introduced comprehensive reforms focused on modernization, including:

• Establishment of a secular governance structure.

• Enhancement of public education systems.

• Advancement of women's rights, notably through women's suffrage.

• Abolishment of polygamy, promoting gender equality.

7.1 - Power Shifts in Mexico

During the early 20th century, Mexico was under the dictatorial rule of Porfirio Diaz, which prompted a revolutionary movement seeking significant political change.

Causes of Revolution

Diaz's policies favored foreign investments while suppressing public dissent, leading to substantial social inequalities characterized by:

• Widespread discontent among landless peasants confronting a wealthy elite controlling vast land and resources.

Mexican Revolution

The revolution, under leaders such as Francisco Madero and Emiliano Zapata, catalyzed political instability and reforms.

Immediate Effects

The revolution resulted in widespread violence, causing approximately 2 million deaths. It also led to the adoption of a new constitution in 1917 that introduced land reforms and culminated in the formation of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) by 1929, which would dominate Mexican politics for decades.

7.2 - Causes of World War I

The tension leading to World War I was exacerbated by a complex interplay of factors, including imperialism, militarism, nationalism, and entangled secret alliances.

Immediate Causes

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in June 1914 was the catalyst that triggered the alliance systems into action, culminating in a full-scale war.

Long-Term Causes: M.A.I.N.

• Militarism: An arms race among the great powers escalated military capabilities and heightened tensions.

• Alliances: The formation of alliances made conflicts more likely to escalate.

• Imperialism: Competition for global territories intensified rivalries between nations.

• Nationalism: Ethnic pride and the quest for statehood led to discord, particularly in the Balkans.

7.2 - Consequences of the Great War

The Great War resulted in the collapse of several monarchies, including Russia, Austria-Hungary, Germany, and the Ottoman Empire. The post-war peace treaties redrew national borders and established new countries, often disregarding ethnic divisions.

• The resurgence of communism in Russia and fascism in Italy reflected the disillusionment and instability of the post-war era.

• Germany was particularly impacted by the blame placed upon it for the war, leading to reparations that sowed the seeds for World War II.

7.3 - Conducting World War I

World War I marked the era of total war, requiring the full mobilization of nations’ resources, significantly affecting economies, societies, and cultures.

Changes in Warfare

Innovations such as trench warfare, poison gas, machine guns, submarines, airplanes, and tanks revolutionized military tactics and led to unprecedented casualties and a prolonged stalemate on the Western Front.

US Enters the War

By 1917, economic ties with the Allies and aggressive actions from Germany (notably the sinking of the Lusitania and the Zimmerman Note) prompted the United States to join the conflict.

Propaganda

Government propaganda played a crucial role in shaping public opinion, encouraging enlistment, and depicting enemy nations in a negative light to maintain morale on the home fronts.

7.5 - Unresolved Tension After World War I

The end of World War I led to widespread colonial aspirations for self-determination, yet many colonies remained under foreign control due to the Mandate System, which placed former territories of the defeated powers under the 'tutelage' of stronger nations, neglecting local self-determination aspirations.

7.8 - Mass Atrocities

Both World War I and World War II were characterized by mass atrocities that have left indelible marks on human history, such as the Armenian genocide, the Holocaust, and the Rwandan Genocide.

• Casualties from WWII reached unparalleled levels, with state-sponsored violence and ideological conflicts resulting in immense destruction.

• The Holocaust prompted a global reevaluation of human rights, yet atrocities have continued with instances of ethnic cleansing seen in Bosnia and Rwanda, showcasing the persistent nature of ethnic tensions in modern contexts.

Unit 7 Review

Global Conflict After 1900

Topics covered include shifting power dynamics, World War I (WWI), the Interwar Period, World War II (WWII), and mass atrocities in the 20th century.

7.1 - Shifting Power Context

The beginning of the 20th century was marked by significant upheavals as revolutions in Russia, China, and Mexico sought to challenge established political structures, reshaping the global order. The collapse of land-based and maritime empires heralded the advent of a new political landscape.Essential Question: How did internal and external factors contribute to change in various states after 1900?

Revolution in Russia

By the early 20th century, Russia was perceived as lagging behind its contemporaries such as European nations, the United States, and Japan, both in terms of wealth and power.Internal Challenges:

• The government, under Tsar Nicholas II, encouraged minimal economic growth.

• Education for the peasantry was limited, impeding social mobility and literacy rates.

• Infrastructure development (including roads and transportation networks) was inadequate, hindering economic progress.

• There was a pervasive lack of support for entrepreneurs, stifling innovation and commerce.

• The regime's resistance to political reform and civil liberties led to widespread disillusionment among various social classes.

External Challenges:

• The weak economy severely limited military strength, demonstrated by the significant losses during the Crimean War (1853-1856) against the Ottoman Empire.

• Russia's defeat in the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) further exposed its military weaknesses and was a watershed moment that marked Japan as a rising power.

• Both internal and external challenges culminated in the Russian Revolution of 1917, which dramatically redefined the political landscape of the region.

Events Leading to the Russian Revolution

Internal Events:

• Bloody Sunday (1905): Tsarist troops opened fire on peaceful protestors, killing approximately 1,300 individuals, an event that galvanized public outrage against the Tsar.

• 1905 Revolution: Following Bloody Sunday, around 400,000 workers went on strike, resulting in violence and governmental repression. Strikes continued, supported by disillusioned soldiers.

External Events:

• The Russo-Japanese War illustrated the growing military prowess of Japan, marking a shift in Asian geopolitics.

• World War I placed additional strain on Russia, with poorly trained military personnel leading to massive casualties as well as widespread food shortages within the country.

The Bolshevik Revolution (1917), led by Vladimir Lenin, resulted in the execution of Tsar Nicholas II and the establishment of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic, paving the way for the first major communist state in history.

7.1 - Upheaval in China

The Qing Dynasty faced a series of internal and external challenges that ultimately resulted in its collapse, leading to the establishment of the Republic of China in 1911.

Internal Challenges

• Ethnic Tensions: Conflicts between the Han majority and the ruling Manchu minority created national dissatisfaction and unrest.

• Famine: Rapid population growth intensified food scarcity, aggravating poverty and social instability.

• Low Tax Revenue: A lack of sufficient funds hampered the government's ability to maintain vital infrastructure, exacerbating public grievances.

External Challenges

• European powers heavily influenced China's political and economic landscape, leading to nationalistic resistance and a desire to reclaim sovereignty.

Chinese Republic

Sun Yat-sen emerged as a principal figure leading the nationalist movement, advocating Confucian principles combined with modern political ideas. His Three People’s Principles included:

• Democracy: Advocated for governance by experts in their respective fields.

• Nationalism: Emphasized loyalty to the nation-state and unity among Chinese citizens.

• Livelihood: Aimed to address wealth inequality and improve living standards for all.However, the struggle to unite China persisted as power shifted to military warlords, undermining the centralized government.

7.1 - Self-Determination in the Ottoman Empire

The Ottoman Empire was often referred to as the "Sick Man of Europe," grappling with profound internal and external challenges.

Internal Challenges

• The Young Turks, a reformist group, sought to adopt European-style constitutional governance. Their Turkification policy incited ethnic unrest, particularly within minorities such as the Armenians.

External Challenges

• Growing resentment towards European imperialism pushed the Ottomans to ally with Germany during World War I, a strategic but ultimately detrimental decision. Post-war, the empire fragmented into multiple nation-states due to loss of territorial integrity and influence.

The Rise of Ataturk

Mustafa Kemal emerged as a nationalist leader who played a pivotal role in the establishment of modern Turkey in 1921. He introduced comprehensive reforms focused on modernization, including:

• Establishment of a secular governance structure.

• Enhancement of public education systems.

• Advancement of women's rights, notably through women's suffrage.

• Abolishment of polygamy, promoting gender equality.

7.1 - Power Shifts in Mexico

During the early 20th century, Mexico was under the dictatorial rule of Porfirio Diaz, which prompted a revolutionary movement seeking significant political change.

Causes of Revolution

Diaz's policies favored foreign investments while suppressing public dissent, leading to substantial social inequalities characterized by:

• Widespread discontent among landless peasants confronting a wealthy elite controlling vast land and resources.

Mexican Revolution

The revolution, under leaders such as Francisco Madero and Emiliano Zapata, catalyzed political instability and reforms.

Immediate Effects

The revolution resulted in widespread violence, causing approximately 2 million deaths. It also led to the adoption of a new constitution in 1917 that introduced land reforms and culminated in the formation of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) by 1929, which would dominate Mexican politics for decades.

7.2 - Causes of World War I

The tension leading to World War I was exacerbated by a complex interplay of factors, including imperialism, militarism, nationalism, and entangled secret alliances.

Immediate Causes

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in June 1914 was the catalyst that triggered the alliance systems into action, culminating in a full-scale war.

Long-Term Causes: M.A.I.N.

• Militarism: An arms race among the great powers escalated military capabilities and heightened tensions.

• Alliances: The formation of alliances made conflicts more likely to escalate.

• Imperialism: Competition for global territories intensified rivalries between nations.

• Nationalism: Ethnic pride and the quest for statehood led to discord, particularly in the Balkans.

7.2 - Consequences of the Great War

The Great War resulted in the collapse of several monarchies, including Russia, Austria-Hungary, Germany, and the Ottoman Empire. The post-war peace treaties redrew national borders and established new countries, often disregarding ethnic divisions.

• The resurgence of communism in Russia and fascism in Italy reflected the disillusionment and instability of the post-war era.

• Germany was particularly impacted by the blame placed upon it for the war, leading to reparations that sowed the seeds for World War II.

7.3 - Conducting World War I

World War I marked the era of total war, requiring the full mobilization of nations’ resources, significantly affecting economies, societies, and cultures.

Changes in Warfare

Innovations such as trench warfare, poison gas, machine guns, submarines, airplanes, and tanks revolutionized military tactics and led to unprecedented casualties and a prolonged stalemate on the Western Front.

US Enters the War

By 1917, economic ties with the Allies and aggressive actions from Germany (notably the sinking of the Lusitania and the Zimmerman Note) prompted the United States to join the conflict.

Propaganda

Government propaganda played a crucial role in shaping public opinion, encouraging enlistment, and depicting enemy nations in a negative light to maintain morale on the home fronts.

7.5 - Unresolved Tension After World War I

The end of World War I led to widespread colonial aspirations for self-determination, yet many colonies remained under foreign control due to the Mandate System, which placed former territories of the defeated powers under the 'tutelage' of stronger nations, neglecting local self-determination aspirations.

7.8 - Mass Atrocities

Both World War I and World War II were characterized by mass atrocities that have left indelible marks on human history, such as the Armenian genocide, the Holocaust, and the Rwandan Genocide.

• Casualties from WWII reached unparalleled levels, with state-sponsored violence and ideological conflicts resulting in immense destruction.

• The Holocaust prompted a global reevaluation of human rights, yet atrocities have continued with instances of ethnic cleansing seen in Bosnia and Rwanda, showcasing the persistent nature of ethnic tensions in modern contexts.

7.4 - The Interwar Period

The interwar period (1918-1939) was characterized by significant political, social, and economic changes that paved the way for World War II.

Economic Turmoil

• Great Depression (1929): Following the stock market crash in the United States, global economies plunged into the Great Depression, leading to widespread unemployment, poverty, and economic distress.

• Responses: Governments adopted various strategies to combat the economic downturn, including increased public spending (e.g., Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal) and protectionist policies.

Rise of Totalitarian Regimes

• Fascism in Italy: Under Benito Mussolini, Italy witnessed the rise of a fascist regime that emphasized nationalism, militarism, and authoritarian governance.

• Nazism in Germany: Adolf Hitler’s ascent to power in 1933 marked the establishment of a totalitarian state characterized by extreme nationalism, anti-Semitism, and aggressive expansionist policies.

Political Instability

• Dissolution of Empires: After World War I, the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Ottoman Empire dissolved, leading to the creation of new nation-states and ongoing ethnic tensions in Central and Eastern Europe.

• Attempt at Communism: The Bolshevik Revolution in Russia established the Soviet Union, leading to the spread of communist ideology that threatened capitalist nations.

Social Change

• Women’s Rights Movement: The interwar period saw significant advancements in women’s rights, with many women gaining the right to vote and entering the workforce in greater numbers due to labor shortages from the war.

• Cultural Developments: The period also witnessed a flourishing of art, literature, and new cultural movements (such as modernism) that responded to the changing social landscape and the horrors of war.

International Relations

• League of Nations: Formed after World War I with the goal of preventing future conflicts but failed to maintain peace due to its inability to enforce decisions and the absence of major powers like the US.

• Isolationism vs. Interventionism: Countries like the United States adopted policies of isolationism, while others, notably Britain and France, grappled with how to respond to the growing threat of aggression from Germany and Italy.

Prelude to World War II

• Appeasement: The policy of appeasement, particularly by Britain and France towards Hitler's Germany, allowed aggressive expansion and contributed to the onset of World War II.

• Militarization and Alliances: As tensions rose, countries began to militarize and form alliances, setting the stage for another global conflict.