Shifting Power: Revolutions and Changes in the 20th Century

Shifting Power

  • Context: 20th century characterized by widespread revolutions against authoritarian regimes in Russia, China, Mexico, and the Ottoman Empire, resulting in the collapse of established order and the emergence of new political entities.
Revolution in Russia

  • Economic Context: By the early 20th century, Russia lagged behind Western powers in wealth and industrialization.

    • Slow to advance education and infrastructure (roads, transportation).
    • Tsar Nicholas II resisted political reforms, maintaining strict autocratic rule.

  • Internal Problems Leading to Revolutions:

    • Bloody Sunday (1905): Peaceful protests for better labor conditions turned deadly when tsarist troops fired on marchers, resulting in approximately 1,300 deaths.
    • Revolution of 1905: In response to Bloody Sunday, massive strikes paralyzed the nation, leading to thousands of casualties, injuries, and exiles.
    • Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905): Russia's defeat marked the first time an Asian power defeated a European power, exposing military weaknesses.
    • World War I Impact: Poor military performance, economic struggles, and civilian food shortages intensified dissatisfaction towards the tsar.

  • Bolshevik Revolution (1917):

    • Led by Vladimir Lenin, the Bolsheviks took control promising workers ownership of production.
    • Abolished private trade and nationalized industries to create a communist state.
Upheaval in China

  • Qing Dynasty Collapse:

    • The Qing, ruling since 1644, faced internal ethnic tensions, famine risks due to rapid population growth vs. stagnant agricultural output, and low government revenue.
    • Ethnic diversity (predominantly Han vs. ruling Manchus) undermined the dynasty’s legitimacy.

  • Revolution of 1911:

    • Dr. Sun Yat-sen led the overthrow, establishing the Republic of China.
    • His principles included:
    • Democracy: Leadership by competent experts for efficient governance.
    • Nationalism: Loyalty to a central authority.
    • Livelihood: Addressing wealth inequality in a capitalist context.

  • Subsequent Challenges:

    • Sun faced warlords' opposition and ineffective governance, leading to eventual lack of control over China.
Self-Determination in the Ottoman Empire

  • Declining Power:

    • By 1900, the Ottomans were referred to as the "sick man of Europe" due to economic decline and reliance on trade.

  • Young Turks Movement:

    • Young Turks advocated for modernization and national identity based on Turkish culture, often at the expense of minority groups like Armenians.
    • Anti-European sentiment grew due to economic exploitation and trade inequities.

  • Aftermath of World War I:

    • The Ottoman Empire fell apart post-war, leading to the establishment of the Republic of Turkey.

  • Atatürk's Reforms:

    • Mustafa Kemal Atatürk emphasized secularism, public education, and gender equality, modernizing Turkey along Western lines while ruling autocratically until his death in 1938.
Power Shifts in Mexico

  • Porfirio Díaz’s Dictatorship:

    • Díaz controlled Mexico, favoring foreign investments, leading to gross inequalities in land ownership (1% controlled 97% of land).

  • Mexican Revolution (1910):

    • Triggered by Madero’s imprisonment, a revolt led by Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata emerged.

  • Consequences of the Revolution:

    • Political violence resulted in 2 million deaths.
    • Adoption of a new constitution in 1917 focusing on land reform and universal rights.
    • Formation of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) in 1929, which dominated politics until 2000.
Key Terms by Theme
  • Culture: Ethnic conflict, Turkification.
  • Government: Bolshevik, communists, Young Turks, Mexican Revolution, Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI).
  • Leaders: Sun Yat-sen, Kemal Atatürk, Porfirio Díaz, Francisco Madero, Francisco "Pancho" Villa, Emiliano Zapata.