Summary of Major Events from World War I to Cold War

Major Alliances in WWI

• Triple Alliance (Central Powers): Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy (later switches sides)
• Triple Entente (Allies): France, Russia, United Kingdom

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

• Militarism: Arms race and strong military belief; new weaponry like chemical warfare, tanks.
• Alliance System: Agreements to support each other; escalated regional conflicts.
• Imperialism: Competition for colonies, primarily in Africa and Asia.
• Nationalism: Extreme pride leading to conflict; desire for independence (e.g., Serbs against Austria-Hungary).

The Spark of War

• Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: June 28, 1914, in Sarajevo by Serbian nationalist.
• Instigated a series of declarations of war: Austria-Hungary on Serbia, then Germany on Russia and France, and the UK on Germany.

Warfare and Technology in WWI

• Trench Warfare: Dominant method of fighting, resulted in terrible conditions and high casualties.
• New Technologies: Tanks, airplanes, submarines, and poison gas.

U.S. Involvement in WWI

• Factors for joining included the Lusitania sinking and the Zimmerman Note.

Outcomes of WWI

• Armistice Signed: November 11, 1918; led to Treaty of Versailles, which imposed harsh penalties on Germany.
• Social impact: Women took over jobs, psychological trauma (Shell Shock/PTSD).

The Russian Revolution and Communism

• Communism: No private property, equal wealth distribution; advocated by Karl Marx.
• February Revolution: Overthrew Tsar Nicholas II in 1917, leading to the Bolshevik Revolution.
• Totalitarianism under Stalin: Harsh measures against dissent; consolidation of power.

World War II and Key Events

• Treaty of Versailles: Heavy reparations on Germany, leading to economic struggles.
• Battle Strategies: Blitzkrieg tactics by Germany; D-Day on June 6, 1944, significant Allied victory.
• Atomic Bombs: Dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, leading to Japan's surrender.

The Cold War Era

• U.S. vs. Soviet Union: Ideological conflict; U.S. sought to contain communism (Truman Doctrine, Marshall Plan).
• Berlin Blockade and Airlift: U.S. aided West Berlin during Soviet blockade.
• Proxy Wars: Involvement in conflicts like Korea and Vietnam to counter communism.

The End of the Cold War

• Economic decline in the Soviet Union led to increased calls for freedom.
• Fall of the Berlin Wall marked the decline of communist influence in Eastern Europe.