World War I Lead-up Notes Unit 7

Empires and Revolutions

• China: Early 20th century, led by Sun Yat-sen.

  • Sun Yat-sen's legacy crucial for nationalizing Chinese identity.

• Russia: Communist revolution in 1917.

  • Russia exits World War I due to the revolution.

  • Vladimir Lenin becomes the first leader but dies early.

  • Russia transforms into the Soviet Union (smaller than pre-revolution).

• Ottoman Empire:

  • Joins World War I on the losing side.

  • The empire is dismantled, and its territories are divided into mandates.

  • Britain takes control of Palestine, Lebanon, and Iraq.

  • The remaining part becomes modern-day Persia.

• Mexico:

  • Mexican Revolution occurs during the same period.

  • Communist/socialist ideologies influence the revolution.

  • In 1917, they adopt a new constitution and remove the dictator Porfirio Diaz.

  • Mexico becomes more liberal but remains dependent on the United States.

Causes of World War I (M.A.I.N.)

• Militarism: Focus on military power and technology.

• Alliances: Countries forming alliances for protection and support.

• Imperialism: Competition among European powers for colonies and resources.

• Nationalism: Strong sense of national pride and identity (Europe).

New Military Technology

• Key difference: Civilians are directly involved due to new technologies.

• Examples of new technologies:

  • Trench warfare

  • Poison gas

  • Tanks

  • Planes (primarily for dogfights, not bombing yet)

Treaty of Versailles

• World War I spans from 1914 to 1918.

• The Treaty of Versailles is created, which blames Germany for the war.

• Germany's economy tanks due to war reparations.

• The air force demilitarizes.

• Hyperinflation is triggered.

• The Treaty of Versailles leads to resentment in Germany.

League of Nations

• The League of Nations is formed after World War I.

Interwar Period

• Soviet Union (Russia):

  • Joseph Stalin implements Five-Year Plans, focusing on production quotas.

  • Problems with the Five-Year Plans

    • Leads to famine and starvation, particularly in Ukraine

    • Ukrainians were killed (thirty million).

• USA:

  • President implements the New Deal to rescue the country.

• Fascism:

  • Emerges in Germany, Italy, and Spain.

  • Hero worship of a single leader.

  • Obsession with the military.

  • Suppression of dissent and promotion of obedience to the leader.