Notes on Shifting Power and World War I

Shifting Power

  • Quote by Russian Tsar Nicholas II (1905): I shall never, under any circumstances, agree to a representative form of government because I consider it harmful to the people whom God has entrusted to my care.

Internal and External Changes Post-1900

  • Essential Question: How did internal and external factors contribute to change in various states after 1900?
  • Significant rebellions occurred in Russia, China, and Mexico during the early 1900s, challenging authoritarian governments.
  • Established empires collapsed under pressure from various forces.
  • A new global order emerged by the end of the century.

Revolution in Russia

  • By the early 20th century, Russia lagged economically and militarily compared to Europe, the U.S., and Japan.
  • Internal Problems:
    • Slow economic growth; inadequate support for education, infrastructure, and entrepreneurship.
    • Resistance to political reform from the tsarist government.
  • External Problems:
    • Military losses: Crimean War (1853-1856) against the Ottoman Empire; Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905).
  • Bolshevik Revolution (1917): Led by Vladimir Lenin, resulting in a communist government.
    • Aims to abolish private trade and collectivize production.

Key Events Leading to Revolution in Russia

  • Bloody Sunday (January 22, 1905): Peaceful protests for rights met with violence; about 1,300 killed.
  • Revolution of 1905: Mass strikes and protests; significant unrest against the government with substantial casualties.
  • Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905): Japan's victory marked a significant shift in power dynamics.

Upheaval in China

  • Qing Dynasty Collapse (1911): Overthrown by a movement led by Dr. Sun Yat-sen, creating a republic.
  • Internal Challenges:
    • Ethnic tensions: Han vs Manchu rulers.
    • Famine risks due to rapid population growth and agricultural stagnation.
    • Low government revenues; outdated tax system.
  • External Challenges:
    • Growing influence of European powers leading to increased demand for trade.
    • Poor reception of foreign goods and interference.

Chinese Nationalist Party and Sun Yat-sen's Legacy

  • Chinese Nationalist Party (Kuomintang): Led by Sun Yat-sen, advocating for democracy, nationalism, and livelihood.
  • Sun Yat-sen's principles:
    • Democracy: Governance by able citizens.
    • Nationalism: Loyalty to China over to foreign interests.
    • Livelihood: Reduction of wealth inequality.

Ottoman Empire Dynamics

  • By the 20th century, the Ottoman Empire was in decline, known as the "sick man of Europe."
  • Young Turks Movement: Advocated for constitutional reform and Turkish cultural identity.
    • Resulted in tensions, particularly with Christian Armenians.
  • World War I Alliance: The Ottoman Empire allied with Germany.

Reforms Led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

  • Established the Republic of Turkey (1923), aimed for modernization.
  • Reforms included public education, women's suffrage, and secularism.
  • Ruled as a dictator until death in 1938, with a focus on Westernization.

Power Shifts in Mexico

  • Porfirio Díaz’s Dictatorship: Resulted in economic imbalances favoring foreign interests.
  • Mexican Revolution (1910): Sparked by Díaz's political repression and land issues.
    • Key figures: Francisco Madero, Pancho Villa, Emiliano Zapata.
    • Resulted in numerous deaths and political instability until 1920.
    • Established a new constitution (1917) emphasizing land reform and education.

Key Terms by Theme

  • Culture: Ethnic Conflict, Turkification.
  • Government: Bolshevik communists, Young Turks, Mexican Revolution.
  • Leaders: Sun Yat-sen, Kemal Atatürk, Porfirio Díaz, Francisco Madero.

Causes of World War I

  • Key Developments: Militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism.
  • The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Gavrilo Princip ignited the war.
  • Immediate causes included nationalism clashes in the Balkans.

Major Consequences of World War I

  • Weakened European powers leading to the rise of nationalism in colonies.
  • Resulted in significant political changes and the emergence of new nations.
  • Enforced reparations on Germany leading to economic turmoil.
  • Laid groundwork for World War II due to unresolved tensions and conflicts.