1917 20th Century Lecture

Quote by Adam Tooze, Historian (2017):
- Metaphor: “If 1914 dug a trench, a divide with an old world to which there’s no going back, 1917 was instead a trap door.”
- Significance: Transition into a new world characterized by global ideological conflicts and unprecedented economic/political changes.
- Dominance: Emergence of new powers, especially the United States.
- Reflection on the historical impact of 1917 and its modern implications.

Definition:
- 1: Dependent on or conditioned by something else.
- Example: “Payment is contingent on fulfillment of certain conditions.”
- 2: Likely but not certain to happen; possible.
- 3: Not logically necessary; especially empirical.
- 4a: Happening by chance or unforeseen causes.
- 4b: Subject to chance or unseen effects; unpredictable.
- 4c: Intended for use in circumstances not completely foreseen; e.g., contingent funds.
- 5: Not necessitated; determined by free choice.

Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924)
- Presidency: US President from 1912-1916 and 1916-1920.
- Political Affiliation: Conservative liberal Southern Democrat, raised in Augusta, Georgia.
- Background: Historian, Professor, and former President of Princeton University.

Rationale for a “peace without victory”:
- Argument: “Victory would mean peace forced upon the loser, accepted in humiliation, under duress, at an intolerable sacrifice…”
- Consequence: Such peace would foster resentment and a bitter memory, establishing a fragile foundation for future relations.
- Importance: The right state of mind and mutual respect among nations is crucial for lasting peace, as important as just settlement issues.
Additional Statements:
- Expression of hope: “I hope and believe I am speaking for liberals and friends of humanity in every nation…”
- Recognition of collective suffering and the need for global voice in addressing the death and ruin witnessed.

German Submarine
- Definition: Unterseeboot (U-Boat) - the first German submarine, SM U-1, built on the Germania-Werft.

Context of Revolutions:
- The significant transitional period leading up to and during 1917 that shaped Russia.

Tsar Nicholas II (1868-1917): Key figure in the Russian monarchy before the revolutions unfolded.

Claim by Adam Tooze:
- “Russia became, overnight, the freest country on earth.”
- Notable statistic: Over 44 million men and women voted, three times the number for Wilson’s re-election in 1916.

Mao Zedong in 1917:
- Perspective: Nationalism against Japan, emphasizing the need for Sino-American friendship, positioning it as crucial for China’s future.
- Vision: “The two Republics East and West will draw close in friendship…”

Date: May 4, 1919
Definition: A significant cultural and political movement rooted in student protests in Beijing.
Cause: Reaction against the Chinese government's weak response to the Versailles Treaty.
Consequences:
- National protests leading to a surge in Chinese nationalism.
- Shift from cultural activities to political mobilization.
- Development of a populist base separate from traditional elites.

Woodrow Wilson's Arrival in France (December 13, 1918):
- Quote from Romain Roland:
- “Take in hand the cause not of a party, of a people, but of all! Summon to the Congress of Humanity the representatives of the peoples!”

Equality among Nations: Small, weak nations entitled to the same treatment as major powers.
Right over Might: Emphasizes resolving international disputes through peaceful means, such as international law and arbitration, avoiding armed conflict.
Consent of the Governed/Self-Determination: Disregards international arrangements lacking the consent of the affected populations.

The transformations of 1917 mark an epochal shift highlighting the interconnectedness of global events that shaped future political landscapes and ideologies.