Causes and Effects of Global Conflicts (1900-Present)

  • Introduction
    • 20th-century global conflicts caused power shifts, with Western Europe declining and the U.S. rising.
    • Independence movements emerged, leading to the creation of new states.
    • Empires like the Ottoman, Russian, and Qing collapsed due to internal issues.
    • Totalitarian governments arose from political and economic crises.
  • Political Causes of World War I
    • European balance of power relied on shifting alliances that escalated the war.
    • Nationalism in the Balkans, particularly Serbian nationalism, ignited the conflict.
    • An arms race among major European powers increased the likelihood of war.
    • Imperial rivalries heightened tensions over resources and commerce.
  • Political Causes of World War II
    • Fascism, an extreme form of nationalism, led to aggressive expansion by Germany and Italy.
    • Western democracies' weak response to German militarism contributed to the war.
    • Japan's imperial ambitions in Asia drove conflict with the U.S.
  • Economic Causes of Global Conflict
    • Control of markets and resources was a primary economic cause.
    • Imperialistic policies aimed