Key Notes on Shifting Power After 1900

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the internal and external factors that contributed to changes in various states after 1900.

Historical Context

  • At the start of the 20th century, the West dominated the political order.

  • By the century's end, traditional empires (Ottoman, Russian, Qing) gave way to new states due to various factors.

  • Significant changes include:

    • Collapse of empires leading to revolutions.

    • For example, the Russian Revolution resulting from internal strife and political crises.

The Russian Empire

Factors Leading to Change

  • Tsar Nicholas II (Throne April 1894):

    • Ineffective leadership.

    • Economic hardships due to wars and resistance to reforms.

  • Lagging Industrialization:

    • Industrialization in Russia was significantly behind Western nations, contributing to political unrest.

  • Bloody Sunday (1905):

    • A peaceful protest demanding reforms ended with Imperial forces firing upon demonstrators, igniting the 1905 Revolution.

Results of the 1905 Revolution

  • October Manifesto outcomes:

    1. Established the State Duma (parliament).

    2. Granted civil liberties (freedom of speech, assembly).

    3. Implemented legal reforms to modernize the legal system.

  • However, many underlying issues remained unaddressed, leading to further discontent.

Bolshevik Revolution (1917)Key Figures: Vladimir Lenin and the Bolsheviks advocated for Marxism.

  • April Theses: Calls for the overthrow of the provisional government gained widespread support.

  • Results in conflict between the Red Army (Bolsheviks) and White Army (monarchists, nationalists), culminating in the Bolshevik victory in 1922 and the formation of the Soviet Union.

The Fall of the Qing Dynasty

  • Sun Yat-sen led the revolution that ended the Dynasty in 1911.

  • Internal factors included:

    • Corruption and a lack of modernization.

    • Ethnic tensions and military defeats.

  • External pressures:

    • Influence from foreign powers and the failures of previous conflicts like the Opium Wars.

The Ottoman Empire

  • Background: Suffered from internal strife and external pressures, leading to decline.

  • Constitution of 1876.

  • World War I involvement:

    • Sided with Central Powers with ambitions of territory recovery but faced significant military defeats.

  • The Treaty of Sèvres post-WWI led to the partition of the empire.

  • Mustafa Kemal Atatürk led the nationalist movement, resulting in the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923.

The Mexican Revolution (1910-1920)

  • Causes: Political discontent under President Porfirio Díaz, who favored foreign investment.

  • Key Figures:

    • Francisco Madero: Ran against Díaz; assassinated after coup.

    • Emiliano Zapata: Advocated land reform.

    • Pancho Villa: Fought for the poor and land reform rights.

  • Women's Role: Soldaderas participated dramatically, symbolizing the motherland and drafting revolutionary policies.

  • Outcomes: The revolution led to the 1917 Constitution, which addressed land reform, labor rights, and education, further shaping modern Mexico.

Summary of Key Transformations After 1900

  • The Russian Empire transitioned to the Soviet Union, illustrating a profound political shift.

  • The Qing Dynasty's fall marked the rise of modern China through Sun Yat-sen's leadership.

  • The collapse of the Ottoman Empire ultimately created a new political landscape in the Middle East, notably with the foundation of Turkey.

  • The Mexican Revolution resulted in significant social changes as depicted in the new Constitution of 1917 addressing social issues and land reforms.