AP_Euro_U8_AMSCO

Contextualizing 20th-Century Global Conflicts

Essential Question: What was the context in which global conflict developed in the 20th century?The tensions and instability from the 19th century among European nations and other global powers exploded into large-scale conflicts during the 20th century. These tensions were often fueled by a mix of ideological, economic, and territorial ambitions.

Catalysts of Global Wars:

• Nationalism: A powerful force that emphasized loyalty to one's nation above all else, leading to aggressive foreign policies and expansionist ambitions.

• Imperialism: The competition for colonies and resources among major powers contributed to international tensions. The quest for new markets and raw materials was particularly significant.

• Alliances: The intricate system of alliances, such as the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy) and the Triple Entente (France, Britain, Russia), created a web of obligations that escalated conflicts.

• Economic Competition: Industrial nations competed for dominance in global markets, creating friction and hostility.

• Territorial Disputes: Conflicting claims to territory often sparked military engagement, as seen in the Balkans.

• Rise of Totalitarian Regimes: In the interwar years, the rise of totalitarian regimes (communist and fascist) led to aggressive expansionist policies that disregarded international norms.

• Growing Militarism: The build-up of military force and arms race contributed to an environment primed for conflict. Nations prioritized military strength, often at the expense of diplomatic solutions.

Consequences of World War I and II:

• World War I (1914-1918): Initially ignited by regional disputes, it escalated into a total war involving global powers. Major resource mobilization led to technological innovations but also exacerbated post-war tensions. The Treaty of Versailles (1919), which many viewed as punitive, sowed the seeds for future conflict by imposing heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany.

• World War II (1939-1945): Marked by industrialized warfare, the war resulted in unprecedented destruction and loss of life. The conflict advanced new military technology, including tanks and aircraft, and ended with atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The ideological struggle between totalitarian regimes and democracies defined this era.

Economic and Ideological Struggles:

Post-war Europe faced severe economic challenges, including inflation, unemployment, and political instability. The collapse of empires such as Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman created a power vacuum, leading to ethnic tensions and conflicts over national self-determination. Emerging conflicting ideologies—Communism emphasizing state ownership of production and Fascism promoting dictatorial control—further divided nations and influenced global politics.

Intellectual and Cultural Developments:

Advancements in science and technology improved living conditions but also led to the development of deadly weapons, particularly nuclear arms. The wars prompted significant questioning of traditional beliefs and cultural values, while women's roles expanded dramatically as they became key contributors to wartime economies and social movements.

Impact on Women:

The world wars created opportunities for women, who entered the workforce in unprecedented numbers, taking on roles traditionally held by men. Post-war, women gained rights, notably suffrage in many nations, leading to significant social and political changes.

Specific Context of World War I

Essential Question: What were the causes and effects of World War I?The war was precipitated by several factors, including:

• Desire for Alsace and Lorraine: France sought to reclaim these territories lost to Germany in the Franco-Prussian War.

• Militarism: Increased armaments underscored national pride and readiness for conflict, with nations expanding their armies and navies.

• Nationalism and Ethnic Unrest: In the Balkans, particularly, Pan-Slavism fueled desires for independence and contributed to tensions.

• Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: This event triggered a chain reaction of alliance commitments and escalated the conflict.

Resulting Alliances:

• Central Powers: Comprised Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria.

• Allies: Included France, Britain, Russia, Italy, and the United States joining later in the war.

World War I Timeline Highlights:

• June 28, 1914: Archduke Franz Ferdinand assassinated in Sarajevo, igniting the conflict.

• August 1914: Major powers mobilized their armed forces following a complex series of diplomatic and military maneuvers.

• November 11, 1918: Armistice signed, marking the end of fighting.

New Technologies and Casualties:

The war ushered in a new era of warfare with lethal weapons such as machine guns, poison gas, tanks, and airplanes. The conflict resulted in approximately 10 million military deaths and countless civilian casualties, leading to a profound societal impact.

Context of the Russian Revolution

Essential Question: What factors contributed to the Russian Revolution?World War I created discontent through massive casualties and a severely weakened economy. The March Revolution in 1917 resulted in the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II and the establishment of a provisional government, which struggled to maintain control. This turmoil paved the way for the more radical Bolshevik Revolution later that year, where Lenin and the Bolsheviks seized power with a promise of "peace, land, and bread."

The Rise of Totalitarianism

The interwar period was characterized by the rise of fascism and totalitarian regimes due to significant economic hardships and political instability following WWI. Charismatic leaders such as Mussolini in Italy and Hitler in Germany exploited public disenchantment, fostering extreme nationalism and state control over civic life, society, and the economy.

The Impact of World War II

Essential Question: How did technology affect the course of World War II?Technological advancements, such as improved tanks, aircraft, and naval power, transformed military strategy. Notable turning points included:

• D-Day invasion in June 1944: Allied forces launched a massive amphibious assault on German-occupied France.

• German surrender in May 1945: Marked the end of the war in Europe following relentless military campaigns.

• Atomic bombs dropped on Japan in August 1945: Led to Japan's swift surrender and raised ethical questions about nuclear warfare.

The Holocaust

Under the Nazi regime during WWII, there was a systematic genocide targeting Jews and other minorities, known as the Holocaust. Approximately 6 million Jews were murdered. Anti-Jewish legislation, including the Nuremberg Laws, stripped Jews of basic rights, while events like Kristallnacht marked an escalation in violent persecution.