Historical Summary of World Wars and Nationalism

Italy's Colonization of Ethiopia

  • Motivation: Italy colonized Ethiopia to expand its territory.

Soviet Union and Operation Barbarossa

  • Significance: The success of Operation Barbarossa was influenced by the cold climate of the Soviet Union.

Negative Nationalism (Examples)

World War I

  • Proclamation of Neutrality: USA declared neutrality at the onset of the war.
  • Major Powers Involved:
    • Allied Powers: Included the USA, UK, and France.
    • Central Powers: Included Italy, Austria-Hungary, Turkey, Germany.
  • Zimmerman Note: Germany's attempt to persuade Mexico to join their side against the USA.
  • Conflict Between China and Japan:
    • Japan's ambush of China in Shantung.
    • Japan issued the Twenty-One Demands to China, threatening war.
  • End of World War I:
    • Germany and Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia after the assassination of Franz Ferdinand.
    • Armistice was signed by Germany, marking their surrender.

America’s Role in World War I

  • Presidential Declaration: Woodrow Wilson declared neutrality which was compromised when Germany attacked the Lusitania.
  • Support for Philippines: The USA included the Philippines as a colony in their allied efforts.

League of Nations

  • Founding Motivation: Established post WWI to prevent future conflicts, but was ineffective due to missing major powers.

Women During the Wars

  • Contribution: Women filled jobs left vacant by men who went to war.

World War II

  • Key Players: Germany, Japan, and the causes behind their aggression.
  • Treaty of Versailles: Major cause of resentment in Germany leading to WW2, seen as unfair.
  • Economic Factors: The Great Depression enabled the rise of dictators like Hitler.
  • Holocaust: Genocide committed by Nazi Germany against Jews, LGBTQ individuals, and disabled people.
  • Japan’s Expansion:
    • Meiji Restoration and desire for greater influence in Asia leading to invasion of Manchuria.
    • Prompted by both militarization and Western isolationism.
  • Pearl Harbor: Attack by Japan that led the USA to declare war.

Allied Powers and Axis Defeat

  • Composition of Allied Powers: Included the UK, Soviet Union, USA, and China.
  • Manhattan Project: America’s secret project aimed at developing atomic bombs: Little Boy and Fat Man.
  • Outcome: Bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki to force Japan's surrender.
  • Leadership Outcomes: Leaders faced consequences - Hitler committed suicide, Mussolini executed, and Hideki Tojo arrested.