UNIT 7 REVIEW

Directions: Answer the following questions briefly, using your old AMSCOs as needed.

1. What is imperialism? How did it lead to competition? 

Imperialism was the policy of extending a country’s power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means. It led to competition between nations because of the economic desire for more land.

2. What was industrialization? How could it lead to mass production of weapons technology? 

Industrialization was the process of transforming the economy of one’s nation to make it more efficient. It led to mass production of weapon technology because th

3. What was the Russian government system like after the Mongols? Who were the Romanovs?

After the Mongols, the Russian government improved significantly because of the rise of strong centralized power. The Romanovs were the ruling dynasty of Russia from 1613 until the renouncing of Nicholas II in 1917.

Key term/event 

Significance

1. Bloody Sunday

A protest made by workers marching peacefully to petition the tsar asking for better working conditions, higher wages, and universal suffrage. Around 1,300 marchers were killed due to the police shooting at the crowd.

2. The Revolution of 

1905

Responding to Bloody Sunday, 400,000 workers refused to work and went on strike. The tsar tried to appeal to them, but in the end, thousands of workers ended up killed, injured, or exiled.

3. Sun Yat-sen

Often referred to as the "Father of Modern China," he was a prominent political leader and revolutionary who played a key role in overthrowing the Qing Dynasty and establishing the Republic of China in 1912.

4. Young Turks

A progressive political reform movement in the early 20th century, which sought to modernize the Ottoman Empire through constitutional reform and secularization, ultimately leading to its dismantling.

5. Mexican Revolution

A major armed struggle from 1910 to 1920 aimed at addressing the issues of land reform, social injustice, and the overthrow of dictator Porfirio Díaz; it paved the way for a more democratic government in Mexico.

6. Franz Ferdinand

Archduke of Austria whose assassination in Sarajevo in 1914 sparked the outbreak of World War I; his death was a catalyst for the alliance system in Europe.

7. Great War

Another name for World War I, which lasted from 1914 to 1918 and involved most of the world's great powers, resulting in significant geopolitical changes.

8. Triple Entente

An alliance formed before World War I between France, Russia, and Great Britain, aimed at counterbalancing the threat from the Triple Alliance.

9. Triple Alliance

A military alliance among Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy before World War I, aimed at providing mutual support against other nations.

10. Self-Determination

The principle that nations have the right to determine their own political status and governance without external interference.

11. Conscription

A mandatory enlistment of individuals into military service, often implemented during times of war to ensure sufficient troop numbers.

12. Trench Warfare

A style of warfare characterized by the use of deep trenches to protect soldiers from enemy fire, primarily seen during World War I, leading to prolonged stalemates.

13. Zimmerman 

Telegram

A secret diplomatic communication from Germany to Mexico in 1917 proposing a military alliance against the United States, which played a role in the U.S. entering World War I.

14. Total War

A war strategy that involves mobilizing all of a nation's resources, including economic and civilian, to achieve complete victory over the enemy.

15. Fourteen Points

A statement of principles for peace proposed by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson in 1918, aimed at addressing the causes of World War I and promoting lasting peace, including the formation of the League of Nations.

16. Treaty of Versailles

The 1919 peace treaty that officially ended World War I, imposing heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany and establishing the League of Nations as part of the peace process.

Objective 

Explain how 

internal and 

external 

factors 

contributed 

to change in 

various states after 1900.

7.1: Shifting Power After 1900

Key Developments

General 

1. Give an overview of why rebellions are occurring during this time and what this might mean for the 20th Century. 

Rebellions were occurring at this time due to Nicholas II, the last Russian tsar, not understanding the strong opposition towards his rule. Rebellions erupted against long-standing authoritarian governments in Russia, China, and Mexico, challenging the existing political and social order and instituting their own political philosophies and practices.

Revolution in Russia 

2. Russia had a lot of challenges in the early 20th century, falling behind most of Europe, the US, and Japan. 

A. WHY (internal challenges) 

● Russia was slow to:

○ Promote industrialization and economic growth. 

○ Expand education for peasants 

○ Build roads, and other parts of transportation 

○ Failed to support entrepreneurs with loans and contracts. 

● Russia’s tsarist government also 

○ Ignored calls for political reform 

○ Ignored the call for civil liberties and to allow more citizens to participate in government. 

B. WHY (external challenges) 

● Russia becomes weaker due to the above issues, and begins to have other problems 

○ It lost the Crimean War (1853-1856) against the Ottomans 

○ It lost the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) against Japan 

C. WHAT THIS LED TO - REVOLUTION 

● What group overthrew the tsarist government: The Bolsheviks 

● Who was the leader: Vladimir Lenin

● What did they believe: Workers eventually should own the means of production and that collective ownership would lead to collective prosperity and a just society.

● What actions did they take to achieve this goal: Abolished private trade, distributed peasants’ crops to feed urban workers, and took over ownership of the country’s factories and heavy industries.

● What was the reaction of the rest of the world - why? 

The rest of the world’s reactions were various rebellions challenging the events that occurred.

Upheaval in China 

3. China also had a lot of issues at home and outside its borders, leading to the overthrow of the Qing in 1911, shifting China from dynasties to a new form of government. 

A. WHY (internal challenges) 

● List the three major internal issues China faced inside its borders 

○ 1) Ethnic Tension: differences in ethnicities such as ethnic Han and Manchu groups led to political tension. 

○ 2) Constant Famine: China’s large population growth was not met with growth of agriculture; any drought or flood could cause instability in resources. 

○ 3) The low government revenues: the imperial government had not updated their tax system, so they had no money to fix roads, bridges, and canals. 

B. WHY (external challenges) 

● Explain how Europe’s industrialization threatened China? How did they react to products from Europe? 

China was historically a wealthy and powerful state, but from the late 18th century, it faced challenges from European industrialization and trade limited to Canton, where Europeans exchanged silver for tea and silk while viewing European culture dismissively, prompting support for the empress against rising European influence.

C. WHAT THIS LED TO - REPUBLIC 

● Even though many supported the empress of the Qing Dynasty, the last dynasty was overthrown in 1911 

○ Who overthrew it: Sun Yat-sen 

○ What were his beliefs: He believed that China should continue to follow Confucian principles.

○ What was his book: The Three People’s Principles and What were the ideals of his book?

■ Democracy: Sun believed in sovereignty for active and 

pragmatic Chinese 

■ Nationalism: Sun advocated patriotism and loyalty to authority. 

■ Livelihood: Sun wanted to end the large unequal distribution of wealth in China and harsh economic exploitation. 

○ Why did he give up power? 

He gave up power because he never had enough military strength to rule all of China.

○ Who were the Kuomintang (Chinese Nationalist Party) - when would they lose power? 

The party Sun led, the Chinese Nationalist Party, or .uomintang, would

later regain power. It would rule China for two decades before losing a civil

war with Chinese Communists

Self-Determination in the Ottoman Collapse 

4. Explain who the Young Turks were and what their goal was: The Young Turks advocated for a constitution like those of the European states. They also advocated Turkification, an effort to make all citizens of the multiethnic empire identify with Turkish culture, which was heavily Islamic.

5. Why did the Ottoman Empire side with Germany in WWI? 

Turks resented many Europeans, particularly the British and the French, for their economic policies. Foreign investments had given Europeans undue power in the empire. Further, Europeans had imposed trade privileges that were unprofitable for the Ottomans. Because of these resentments, the Ottoman Empire secretly allied with Germany in World War I. 

6. What was the result (how was Turkey created)? 

After Germany’s defeat in World War I, the Ottoman Empire was dismantled by the victorious powers. It was replaced by a smaller nation-state, the Republic of Turkey, and several independent countries.

7. Who was Ataturk and what were his policies/reforms? (Feel free to list).

Ataturk was formerly known as Mustafa Kemal and was the first president of the Republic of Turkey.

Power Shifts in Mexico 

8. Who was Porfirio Diaz and why is he considered a dictator? 

Porfirio Diaz was a dictator and he was considered as such because he oversaw a period of stability and some economic progress.

9. What were the goals of the Mexican Revolution? What was the result?

The goals of the Mexican Revolution was to address social injustices, redistribute land among the peasants, and to start political reform against dictatorship. The result of these goals were Mexico adopting a new constitution in 1917 and the forming of the Institutional Revolutionary party, or PRI.

Objective 

Explain the 

causes and 

consequences of WWI.

7.2: Causes of World War I

Key Developments

General 

1. Summarize the era before WWI. 

Before WWI, rising tension from social and political shifts, imperial competition for resources in Africa and Asia continued, intricate alliances committing a nation to mutual defense were formed, which all elevated the influence of military establishments. 

Immediate Causes of the Great War 

2. Why was WWI called the ‘Great War’? What made it different from previous conflicts - explain. 

WWI was called the ‘Great War’ because of the immense scale of fighting. It was different from previous conflicts because no other war had involved as many nations from different parts of the world or killed as many soldiers and civilians.

3. Why is WWI so significant to world history? 

WWI was so significant to world history because it fundamentally weakened the Western European powers, thus increasing nationalism and appeals for self-rule within European colonies in Asia and Africa.

4. The immediate cause of WWI was: 

A. The assassination of Gavrilo Princip of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne (and his wife Sophie). 

● By a Serbian member of the Black Hand. 

● The Black Hand wanted to end Austro-Hungarian in the Balkans, yet the Austro-Hungarians viewed them as a terrorist  group. 

B. This led to (here’s how the war grows into a global conflict) 

● Austria-Hungary sent an ultimatum to the Serbian government 

● The Serbian government  refused the ultimatum 

● Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, depending on Germany for help 

● Austria-Hungary looked to Russia (and other Slavic countries) for help 

● On August 1, Germany declared war on Russia and then France.

● Then Britain declared war on Germany. 

● Then Austria declared war on Russia. 

● Eventually Japan will enter into this world wide conflict, essentially a brawl. 

Long-Term Causes of the Great War 

5. Militarism 

A. Definition: Defined as aggressive military preparedness, militarism celebrates war and the armed forces.

B. How was the Industrial Revolution involved: 

The Industrial Revolution was involved because more weaponry was being manufactured at the time.

6. Alliances 

A. Definition: Groups whose members secretly agree to protect and help one another when attacked.

B. Who were the Triple Entente/Allies members:

The Triple Entente members were Britain, France, and Russia. The Ally members were Italy, Japan, China, the United States, and other countries.

C. Who were the Triple Alliance/Central Powers Members: 

The Triple Alliance/Central Power Members were Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. At the outbreak of the 1915 war, the Ottoman Empire and BUlgaria joined the former Triple Alliance.

D. Why was Germany a rival: Germany was a rival because

7. Imperialism 

A. Definition: The policy of extending a country’s power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means

B. How was imperialism a contributing factor: Imperialism was a contributing factor because Western European countries were already scrambling for any available land in Africa to add to the colonies they already owned in Asia, the Americas,

and the Pacific. Once European powers had claimed nearly all the land in Africa, they began fighting with one another over colonies.

8. Nationalism 

A. Definition: a feeling of intense loyalty to others who share one’s language and culture.

B. How did nationalism contribute to WWI: Nationalism contributed to WWI because it was an immediate cause for war.

C. How was self-determination involved: Militant nationalist among Serbs and Arabs fought for the Allies, thus extending the boundaries of the Great War.

Consequences of the Great War 

9. Explain how “virtually every major event during the remainder of the 20th century was a direct or indirect result of WWI.” 

World War I significantly shaped the 20th century, resulting in the collapse of four monarchies (Russia, Austria-Hungary, Germany, and the Ottoman Empire), redrawing of European and Middle Eastern maps, the loss of Germany's overseas colonies, and the control of former Ottoman provinces by Britain and France, while marking the onset of the decline of colonialism.

10. Why is WWI one of the deadliest conflicts? Who ends up gaining power?

New technologies made World War I the deadliest and most destructive

war in human history. It disrupted European economies and had profound

social consequences, including the rise of communism and fascism, colonial

revolts, and genocide. There was a massive shift of power from Europe to the

United States.

Objective 

Explain how 

governments 

used a variety of methods to conduct war.

7.3: Conducting World War 

Key Developments

General 

1. What is the “old lie” Wilfred Owen writes about in the poem? 

The “old lie” that Owen writes about is that “it is sweet and noble to die for one’s country”.

Changes in Warfare 

2. How did all view the war at first? How does their perception change over time? 

Everyone viewed the war as a way to get glory or to sacrifice for their nation for the greater good.

3. New advancements 

A. Trench warfare: A style of warfare characterized by the use of deep trenches to protect soldiers from enemy fire, primarily seen during World War I, leading to prolonged stalemates.

a. Describe the conditions: 

B. Poison gas: One of the most insidious weapons of the new style of warfare. 

a. How/what was used: Most common gases were chlorine, phosgene, and mustard gas.

b. Why were they outlawed: They were outlawed because of the permanent lung damage they cause to the people who breathe it in.

C. Machine guns 

a. How did machine guns make fighting different? 

Machine guns made fighting different because it made it difficult for either side in a battle to gain new territory because of the amount of ammunition being released per minute.

D. Submarines 

a. How/what were submarines used for? 

Submarines were used for wreaking havoc on the shipping lanes of the Atlantic Ocean.

E. Airplanes 

a. How/what were airplanes used for? 

Airplanes were first used to observe enemy lines from the air, but was later used for aerial combat.

F. Tanks 

a. How/what were tanks used for? 

Tanks were used to protect troops as they moved across vast areas of difficult terrain and to shoot at the enemy troops.

4. Why/how did these advancements lead to a stalemate? 

These advancements led to a stalemate because neither side could defeat the other.

The United States Enters the War 

5. Why did the US enter the war: 

A. Economic ties between the US and the Allies 

B. Many American believed that the Allied nations were more democratic than the Central Powers 

C. Growing resentment against the Germans, especially for submarine attacks on civilians upset the US 

a. An example was the sinking of the passenger ship, the U-boat. 

D. The final event pushing the US to fight in WWI was the interception of the 

Zimmermann Telegram, where Germany offered to help Mexico take back territory from the US if they helped Germany win. 

Total War 

6. Explain how WWI was a ‘total war’ - give examples. 

WWI was a “total war” because everyone, even non-military members, were determined to win the war. For example, workers imported from China helped make up for labor shortages in Britain, France, and Russia.

7. How was propaganda used - give examples. 

Propaganda was used to influence the attitudes and opinions of the people of a specific community. For example, governments invested heavily in army and navy recruitment campaigns to get people to enlist

8. What was the effect of this propaganda? 

The effect of the propaganda was the misinterpretation of the truth.

A Global War 

9. How was WWI a global war? Explain. 

WWI was a global war because many countries and their colonies all around Asia, Africa, and the Americas were involved in the fight.

10. What other territory was used for battle?

Many major battles were fought in North Africa and the Middle East.

11. Colonial troops reinforced their home countries’ forces in several battles - give examples of who fought, where, and for whom. 

Colonial troops reinforced their home countries’ forces in several battles.

About half a million Australians and New Zealanders enlisted to fight the

war.

12. Why did colonies join the war effort? What were they hoping for? 

Colonies joined the war effort because they wanted recognition from their colonizers, who promised them self-rule after the war ended.

13. What was the role of women in the war? Explain. 

Women were forbidden from fighting on the battlefield, but due to the mass amount of men serving, women were forced to take up jobs on farms and factories.

The Paris Peace Conference 

14. What was the Paris Peace conference?

The Paris Peace conference was a meeting held by the “Big Four” addressing the damage that WWI had done to Europe. 

15. Who were the “Big Four”? 

Woodrow Wilson (United States), David Lloyd George (Great Britain), Georges Clemenceau (France), and Vittorio Orlando (Italy)

16. Why was Italy mad? Why was Russia not invited? 

Italy was mad because it wouldn’t get Dalmatia and the city of Fiume. Russia was not invited because it had undergone a communist revolution. 

17. How did the views of the Big Four differ on how to settle peace? 

President Wilson’s pledge to establish “peace without victory” reflected his belief that no one country should be severely punished or greatly rewarded. France’s Clemenceau rejected this view. He believed that France, out of all the Allies represented at the conference, had suffered the most and thus deserved special considerations to be protected from Germany. He also argued that the victorious powers should seek some sort of revenge on the Central Powers for starting the war. Clemenceau complained that Wilson was an unrealistic idealist who was naive about European relations, even though Wilson had a Ph.D. in history. David Lloyd George tended to support Clemenceau’s ideas, but he often acted as an intermediary between the two differing points of view.

18. What were the Fourteen Points - how would the League of Nations help prevent war, according to it? 

The Fourteen Points, proposed by President Woodrow Wilson in 1918, aimed for a fair peace after World War I. A central element was the League of Nations, intended to promote international cooperation and prevent war through dialogue, collective security, and resolving disputes diplomatically.

19. What was the outcome of the Treaty of Versailles? Who was punished most severely? 

Because Wilson failed to convince France and Britain not to punish Germany, the Treaty of Versailles treated Germany harshly. Germany had to pay billions of dollars in reparations for damage caused by the war, give up all of its colonies, and restrict the size of its armed forces.

20. What did Germany have to do - how did it impact them and allow Nazis to take power? Explain.

Germans were forced to accept full blame for World War I, leading to humiliation for their leaders. The treaty's terms imposed severe hardship on Germany in the next decade, with the economy suffering from extreme inflation due to reparations. This created bitterness among the German people towards the Weimar Republic, which had accepted the Treaty of Versailles, setting the stage for the rise of the Nazis 15 years later.

AMSCO 7.1 Multiple Choice 

1. D

2. C 

3. A

AMSCO 7.2 Multiple Choice 

1. C 

2. A

3. A

AMSCO 7.3 Multiple Choice 

1. C

2. D

3. A

SAQ Outline 

A 

B 

C

AMSCO 7.1 Question 1

One way in which the viewpoints of the authors differ is that Rudyard Kipling's "The White Man's Burden" suggests a paternalistic view of imperialism, portraying it as a noble obligation to civilize 'lesser' societies, while Edward D. Morel's "The Black Man’s Burden" critiques the brutal realities of colonial exploitation and capitalism, emphasizing its dehumanizing impacts on colonized peoples.

A key thinker from Latin America who would have responded critically to Morel's view of capitalism is Simón Bolívar, who argued for the rights and autonomy of Latin American countries against colonial powers, emphasizing the need for social justice and economic independence, which contrasts with Morel’s depiction of capitalism as an imposition rather than a path to modernity.

An important leader from Eurasia who might respond to Morel’s critique of capitalism is Mahatma Gandhi, who believed in anti-colonialism and the importance of self-sufficiency through local economies, and would likely agree with Morel on the destructive nature of exploitative capitalist systems imposed by Western powers, advocating instead for a system rooted in local and indigenous values.

AMSCO 7.2 Question 2

One significant way that territorial or regional conflicts caused World War I was the intense rivalry between nations over borders, such as the conflicts in the Balkans. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by a Serbian nationalist highlighted the tensions in the region, as various ethnic groups sought independence from empires. 

Imperial competition played a crucial role in causing World War I, as European nations aggressively sought to expand their empires and acquire resources. Conflicts, such as those between Britain and Germany over colonies in Africa and Asia, fueled animosity and distrust, contributing to the war's outbreak.

The system of alliances that developed in the years leading up to World War I escalated global conflict by binding countries to mutual defense agreements. For example, the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy) and the Triple Entente (France, Russia, and Britain) meant that a conflict involving one nation could quickly involve many others, turning a regional dispute into a world war.

AMSCO 7.3 Question 1

Owen’s main point is disagreeing with the old lie that they have been telling soldiers, that it’s “good” to die for one’s country. He contradicts this, describing the horrors of warfare.

One reason the British might object to Owen's point of view in the poem is that it challenges the long-held patriotic sentiment that glorifies dying for one's country as noble, as expressed in the phrase 'Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori.' Many officials and propagandists perpetuated this idea to maintain morale and public support for the war effort, believing that portraying war in a cheery or heroic light was essential for recruiting soldiers and sustaining national pride.

One aspect of the context of World War I that explains why many soldiers fought on behalf of the political state or empire, even when it did not align with their cultural identity, is the concept of conscription or military drafts that many countries implemented. These drafts compelled men from various backgrounds to serve irrespective of their personal beliefs or cultural affiliations, and the overarching narrative of loyalty to the empire encouraged soldiers to serve as a duty to their nation, often suppressing individual ethnic or cultural distinctions.

Key term/event 

Significance

1. Great Depression

A severe worldwide economic downturn that took place in the 1930s, characterized by high unemployment and widespread poverty.

2. New Deal

A series of programs and reforms initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1930s aimed at recovering the American economy from the Great Depression.

3. Five Year Plan

A government initiative aimed at rapidly industrializing the economy, particularly associated with the Soviet Union's economic policies under Stalin.

4. Fascism

A far-right political ideology that emphasizes authoritarian leadership, strong centralized power, and nationalism, often suppressing opposition.

5. Totalitarian State

A political system where the government recognizes no limits to its authority and seeks to regulate every aspect of public and private life.

6. Benito Mussolini

An Italian politician and journalist who founded the National Fascist Party and served as Prime Minister, leading Italy during World War II.

7. Mandate System

A system established after World War I where certain territories were administered by Western powers under the League of Nations.

8. Balfour Declaration

A 1917 statement by the British government expressing support for a national home for the Jewish people in Palestine.

9. Salt March

A nonviolent protest led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930 against British salt laws in India, symbolizing civil disobedience

10. March 1st 

Movement

A Korean independence movement that began in 1919, advocating for the end of Japanese colonial rule in Korea.

11. May 4th Movement

A cultural and political movement in China that started in 1919, emphasizing nationalism and rejecting Confucian principles.

12. Mao Zedong

The founding father of the People's Republic of China and a key figure in the Chinese Communist Party.

13. Chiang Kai Shek

A Chinese political and military leader who served as the leader of the Kuomintang and opposed the Communist Party.

14. Keynesian Economics

An economic theory based on the ideas of John Maynard Keynes, advocating for government intervention to stabilize economic fluctuations.

Objective 

Explain how 

different 

governments 

responded to 

economic 

crises after 

1900.

7.4: Economy in the Interwar Period

Key Developments

The Great Depression 

1. How did WWI impact both the Allied powers and Triple Alliance Powers? 

WWI impacted both the Allied powers and Triple Alliance Powers because they had lost millions of civilians and soldiers, and had spent tremendous amounts of money on the international conflict. 

2. Why was the Treaty of Versailles so terrible for Germany? 

The Treaty of Versailles was so terrible for Germany because it forced them to pay billions of dollars in reparations to the war’s victors, which led to inflation.

3. The two causes of the Great Depression were: 

● Agricultural overproduction and the US market crash in 1929 

4. Suffering countries 

● Germany suffered the most 

● The economies of Africa, Asia, and Latin America suffered because they depended on the imperial nations also suffering 

● Japan suffered because its economy depended on foreign trade 

5. Who was John Keynes and what were his economic ideas to fix the Great Depression?

John Keynes was a British economist whose ideas were that intentional government action could improve the economy.

6. How did Franklin Delano Roosevelt apply Keyne’s ideas to the US? 

Franklin Delano Roosevelt applied Keyne’s ideas to the US by creating a group of policies and programs known as the New Deal with the goal of bringing the country relief, recovery, and reform.

7. When did the Great Depression end for the US? Why? 

In the US, the Great Depression ended after World War II in 1941 because it ran up deficits for military spending that dwarfed those of the New Deal programs.

8. How did the Great Depression impact trade? 

The Great Depression impacted trade by causing an increase in unemployment, which caused countries to impose taxes on imports to protect the jobs they still had. 

Political Revolutions in Russia and Mexico 

9. What caused the Russian Civil War? How did Lenin try to fix it? Explain his plan. 

The Russian Civil War was caused by the empty promises by Lenin and the Bolshevik party. Lenin tried to fix it by imposing a temporary retreat from communist economic policies. 

10. What was Stalin’s plan to fix the Soviet Union? Explain his ideas of collectivized agriculture and kolkhoz. 

Stalin’s plan to fix the Soviet Union was to institute the Five-Year Plan, which was meant to transform the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (also called the USSR or the Soviet Union into an industrial power.

11. What were the results of the five year plans? Along with these impacts, why is Stalin’s legacy and regime condemned today? 

The collectivization of agriculture was a huge failure. Millions of peasants starved to death, especially in Ukraine. However, heavy industry grew tremendously in the 1930s. Although consumer goods were in short supply, there were plenty of factory jobs available, and the cost of living was low. Stalin's rule is criticized for killing political enemies, sending many to work camps where they died, and enforcing farming policies that led to millions of deaths, all while hiding the truth through strict control of the press.

12. What was the Mexican PRI? What were their goals? 

The Mexican PRI was the Institutional Revolutionary Party, whose goals were easy access to primary education and jobs created through improvements to infrastructure. 

13. How did the PRI impact Mexico? 

During PRI’s rule, there was a vast improvement in the economy, especially in the period from 1930 to the 1970s.

Rise of Right Wing Governments 

14. Why did fascism become popular? Which countries began using it? 

Fascism became popular to appeal to extreme nationalism. Some countries, including Germany, began using it soon after.

15. Who was Benito Mussolini and how is he connected to fascism and totalitarianism? 

Benito Mussolini was Europe’s first 20th-century fascist director and he was connected to totalitarianism because he helped impose it through Italy’s Fascist government, which glorified militarism and brute force.

16. Why did Italy become upset after WWI? How did this lead to Mussolini’s rise in power? What were his goals?

Italy became upset after WWI because they received very little territory which caused discontent and bitterness, paving the way for Mussolini to take power, whose goals were to take control of the parliament. 

17. The Spanish Civil War was a conflict between which political ideologies? Who won? 

After the economic decline in the early 1930s, two opposing ideologies, or systems of ideas, battled for control of Spain leading to the Spanish Civil War

18. What was the Popular Front? Summarize their goals and how they ruled. 

The Popular Front was a coalition of left-wing parties, to lead the government. Their main goal was land reform and they ruled through the Catholic Church and high-ranking members of the military.

19. What was Guernica and why is it significant? 

Guernica was a Spanish town and it was significant because once German and Italian forces bombed the town, it was the first time in history an aerial bombing targeted civilians.

20. The Spanish Civil War ended with the triumph of who? What was Spain’s role in WWII?

The Spanish Civil War ended in the triumph of Franco’s forces defeating the Loyalist army. 

21. Why was Brazil known as Latin America’s “sleeping giant”? 

Brazil was known as Latin America’s “sleeping giant” because of its slow shift from an agricultural to an industrial economy.

22. Why did Brazil have a coup in 1930? Who took charge and how did he rule Brazil?

Brazil had a coup in 1930 because of discontent towards the suffering of workers.  Getúlio Vargas took charge and ruled Brazil in an authoritarian manner, focusing on centralizing power and implementing economic reforms.

Objective 

Explain the 

continuities 

and changes 

in territorial 

holdings from 1900 to the 

present.

7.5: Unresolved Tensions After World War I

Key Developments

Effects of the War 

1. What was the role of colonies in WWI? What were their overall experiences? 

The role of colonies played a significant part in WWI, however, at the end of the war, they were the ones who suffered the most damage and were economically devastated. They wanted to do this in the first place only in the hopes of indepence. 

2. How were colonies treated at the end of WWI? What did they expect and what did they receive? 

At the end of WWI, colonies were expecting self-rule and thought that the principle of self-determination would get them closer to that goal. However, after the peace conference hosted by The Big Three, European powers only granted self-determination in white countries in Eastern Europe 

The Mandate System 

3. What was the mandate system and why was it seen as an insult to colonies? 

The mandate system to rule and territories of the Central Powers. It was seen as an insult to colonies because the Allies forgot all the promises they made to them about their self-ruling.

4. How did the mandate system impact Allied countries? What did it allow them to do?

The mandate system impacted Allied countries because they were able to increase their imperial holdings throughout new forms of colonization. 

5. Why was there turmoil in the Middle East? What was Pan-Arabism and how did it connect? 

There was turmoil in the Middle East because they experienced enormous upheaval due to the fall of the Ottoman Empire.  Pan-Arabism was an ideology that called for the unification of all land in North Africa and the Middle East. This connected to the turmoil because Arab states were not yet sovereign lands but virtual colonies of Great Britain and France which set the stage for this nationalist movement 

6. What was the Balfour Declaration and how did they create tension in the Middle East as well? 

The Balfour Declaration stated that Palestine should become a permanent home for the Jews of Europe. They created tension in the Middle East as well becauseAfter the Allied victory in the Great War European Jews moved into Palestine which Britain controlled.

Anti-Colonialism in South Asia 

7. What was the Indian National Congress and what was its role? 

The Indian National Congress was formed to air grievances against the colonial government and its role was to represent itself as a strong voice for Independence.

8. What was the massacre at Amritsar? Why did Britain react this way - how did it impact India? 

The massacre at Amritsar happened in the spring of 1919 when a group of Indian nationalists gathered in a public garden.  Although the throngs were peaceful, the British colonial government made these types of events illegal,so they fired bullets into the unarmed crowd killing an estimated 379 people and wounding 1,200 more.

9. What was Gandhi’s civil disobedience movement? What are some examples of this protest?

Gandhi's civil obedience movement embarked on a campaign of Civil Disobedience that encouraged Indians to break unjust laws and serve jail time as a form of protest.  The most famous example of these types of protests is the Salt March. 

10. What was the two-state solution created during this time? 

The two-state solution created during this time was made because of the building of anti-colonial sentiment.

Nationalism in East Asia 

11. How did the March First Movement demonstrate the power of Korean nationalism? 

The March First Movement demonstrated the power of Korean nationalism because it was made up of various protests due to growing resentment. 

12. How did the May Fourth Movement symbolize China’s growing nationalism and demand for democracy? 

The May Fourth Movement symbolized China’s growing nationalism and demand for democracy because Chinese intellectuals and workers staged anti-Japanese demonstrations, showing that they take pride in their culture. 

13. In China, who were the two main groups fighting for power after the May Fourth Protests? Describe them. 

In China, the two main groups fighting for power after the May Fourth Protests were the Chinese Communist Party(CCP) and the Chinese Nationalist Party(Kuomintang). 

• (CCP) : founded in 1921 and later led by Mao Zedong, inspired by the communist revolution in Russia. Unlike traditional communist movements focused on urban workers, Mao believed China’s revolution would arise from peasants, who constituted the majority of the population.

• (Kuomintang) : led by Sun Yat-sen, who aimed for full independence and industrialization. He allied with Mao’s forces to liberate China from foreign control and defeat the warlords. After Sun’s death in 1925, Chiang Kai-shek assumed leadership. A conservative, Chiang was wary of communism and in 1927, his forces attacked Mao’s, marking the beginning of the Chinese Civil War.

14. What was the Long March and how did it lead to the rise of the Communist Party in China? 

The Long March was a year-long, 6,000-mile long retreat. It led to the rise of the Communist Party in China because peasants admired Mao and his army’s tremendous stamina and their commitment to their ideals.

15. Why had Japan taken over parts of China? How did they react to the League of Nations condemning their imperialism?

Japan had taken over parts of China because they were seeking access to natural resources. Once the League of Nations condemned their imperialism, Japan gave up its membership in the League and seized more land. 

16. What was the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere - what was Japan’s goal? 

The Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere was a series of territories that Japan seized, including the Philippines, the Dutch East Indies, British Malaya, Burma, and numerous Pacific Islands. Japan’s overall goal was to establish itself as a dominant power in Asia.

Resistance to French Rule in West Africa 

17. How did Africans under colonial rule resist colonizers?

Black workers in French West Africa staged a series of strikes.  Some of these actions spread throughout French West Africa Senegal, Benin, Ivory Coast, and Guinea. Strikers protested discriminatory wage and benefit policies and in some cases won a number of their demands through a compromise settlement.

AMSCO 7.4 Multiple Choice 

1. A

2. D 

3. B

AMSCO 7.5 Multiple Choice 

1. C 

2. C

3. D

SAQ Outline 

A 

B 

C

AMSCO 7.4 Question 2

One way in which colonized states were affected by the Great Depression was through a significant decline in the demand for their raw materials and agricultural products. This led to economic hardships, with reduced export revenues resulting in increased poverty and unemployment among the colonized populations.

One way that the ideas of John Maynard Keynes differ from the ideas of Adam Smith is in their views on government intervention in the economy. Keynes advocated for active government intervention to manage economic cycles and stimulate demand during downturns, whereas Adam Smith emphasized the benefits of free markets and minimal government interference, believing that the economy would self-regulate through the "invisible hand."

One way in which Japan responded to the economic crisis after World War I differently from the United States was by increasing military spending and expanding its imperial ambitions to secure resources, leading to greater militarization and expansionist policies. In contrast, the United States focused on domestic programs such as the New Deal to address the economic challenges and stabilize its economy.

AMSCO 7.5 Question 2

One prominent example of new forms of nationalism after World War I is the rise of self-determination movements in Eastern Europe. Nations such as Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia emerged as independent states, reflecting a surge of national consciousness and the desire for autonomy among various ethnic groups that had been part of larger empires.

An example of an imperial state that gained territory through conquest after World War I is Italy. Following the war, Italy expanded its territory through military actions in regions such as Fiume (Rijeka) and parts of the Dalmatian coast, which were not originally awarded to it in the Treaty of Versailles but were claimed based on nationalist sentiments.

An example of an imperial state that gained territory through a treaty settlement after World War I is France, which regained control of Alsace-Lorraine from Germany as a result of the Treaty of Versailles. This territorial gain was celebrated in France and represented a return of lost lands from the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71.

Directions: Answer the following questions briefly, using your old AMSCOs as needed.

1. What is imperialism? How did it lead to competition? 

Imperialism was the policy of extending a country’s power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means. It led to competition between nations because of the economic desire for more land.

2. What was industrialization? How could it lead to mass production of weapons technology? 

Industrialization was the process of transforming the economy of one’s nation to make it more efficient. It led to mass production of weapon technology because th

3. What was the Russian government system like after the Mongols? Who were the Romanovs?

After the Mongols, the Russian government improved significantly because of the rise of strong centralized power. The Romanovs were the ruling dynasty of Russia from 1613 until the renouncing of Nicholas II in 1917.

Key term/event 

Significance

1. Adolf Hitler

Leader of the Nazi party and chancellor of Germany from 1933 to 1945, responsible for initiating World War II and the Holocaust.

2. Reichstag

The German Parliament building,  which became a symbol of the Nazi regime,  particularly after the Reichstag Fire in 1933.

3. Nuremberg Law

Anti-Semitic laws enacted in 1935 that stripped Jews of German citizenship and barred them from marrying non-Jewish Germans.

4. Axis Powers

the Coalition of countries led by Germany,  Italy,  and Japan during World War II, opposing the Allies.

5. Kristallnacht

A violent act against Jews and Nazi Germany on November 9-10, 1938 marked by widespread destruction of synagogues and  Jewish- owned businesses

6. Appeasement

A diplomatic strategy used by Western powers in the 1930s to avoid conflict with Nazi Germany by conceding to some of Hitler's territorial demands.

7. Third Reich

The period of Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1945, characterized by totalitarianism, militarism, and expansionism.

8. Munich Agreement

The 1938 agreement allowed Nazi Germany to annex parts of Czechoslovakia, a failed act of appeasement by Britain and France.

9. German-Soviet 

Non Aggression Pact

A 1939 treaty between Germany and the Soviet Union pledging not to attack each other, which included secret protocols to divide Eastern Europe. 

10. Blitzkrieg

A military strategy involving rapid and coordinated attacks combining air and ground forces, used effectively by Germany during WWII.

11. Battle of Britain

The 1940 air campaign waged by the German Luftwaffe against the United Kingdom, marked by extensive bombing raids

12. Pearl Harbor

The surprise military attack by Japan on the U.S. naval base on December 7, 1941, leading to the United States' entry into World War II.

13. Siege of Leningrad

A prolonged military blockade by Nazi Germany from 1941 to 1944, resulting in severe famine and suffering among the city's residents.

14. Battle of El Alamein

A major battle in North Africa in late 1942 where Allied forces defeated Axis troops, marking a turning point in the Western Desert Campaign.

15. Battle of Stalingrad

A pivotal battle from 1942 to 1943 on the Eastern Front, where Soviet forces encircled and defeated a large German army, turning the tide of the war.

16. Battle of Midway Island

A decisive naval battle in June 1942 where the United States defeated Japan, marking a turning point in the Pacific Theater of WWII.

17. D-Day (Operation Overlord)

The Allied invasion of Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944, which established a foothold in Europe and began the liberation process.

18. Battle of the Bulge

The last major German offensive on the Western Front in December 1944, aimed at splitting Allied forces but ultimately failed.

19. Nagasaki and 

Hiroshima

Japanese cities where the United States dropped atomic bombs in August 1945, leading to Japan's surrender and the end of WWII.

20. Armenian Genocide

The systematic extermination of 1.5 million Armenians by the Ottoman Empire during World War I, recognized as the first modern genocide.

21. Lost Generation

A term used to describe a group of American writers and artists who were disillusioned by the aftermath of World War I and the culture of the 1920s.

22. Final Solution

The Nazi plan devised during World War II for the systematic extermination of the Jewish people, resulting in millions of deaths in concentration camps.

23. Holocaust

The genocide of Jews and their supporters  by the Nazi regime during World War II, characterized by widespread persecution and mass killings.

24. Rwandan Genocide (summarize 

the event)

The 1994 mass slaughter of Tutsi and moderate Hutu in Rwanda, led by Hutu extremists, resulting in approximately 800,000 deaths over 100 days

25. Genocide in Darfur (summarize the event)

Ongoing conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan, beginning in 2003, characterized by systematic violence against ethnic groups, resulting in hundreds of thousands of deaths and millions of displacements.

Objective 

Explain the 

causes and 

consequences of WWII.

7.6: Causes of World War II

Key Developments

The Path to War 

1. Explain why the German people became bitter toward the Weimar Republic, looking to right wing political parties. 

The German people became bitter toward the Weimar Republic because they had to pay billions in war reparations. Many Germans perceived the Weimar Republic to be too weak to solve the country's problems, so they looked to right-wing political parties that promised strong action. 

2. How did Hitler gain popularity and power? 

Hitler gained popularity and power when he had the opportunity to declare himself president, after Paul von Hindenburg died.. 

3. Summarize Hitler’s leadership - how did he and the Nazi Party control Germany?

Overall, Hitler and the Nazi Party controlled Germany through various forms of propaganda, but also making it seem as if he was their “lord” and “savior”. He also used his own version of Darwinism ( ultranationalism and scientific racism).

4. Who were considered “outsiders” - what was the rationale for this? 

“Outsiders” were considered anyone not “German enough” such as Jews, Slavs, communists, Roma(Gypsies), and gay men/women.

5. Describe the Nuremberg Laws - what did they do and how did people react? 

The Nuremberg Laws, passed in 1935, forbade marriage between Jews and gentiles (people who are not Jewish), stripped Jews of their citizenship, and unleashed a series of subsequent decrees that effectively pushed Jews to the margins of German society.

6. (Fill in the Blank) 

● What did Hitler want: A pure “Aryan” race 

● What was his pact with Italy called: the Rome-Berlin Axis 

● What was his pact with Japan called: Anti-Comintern Pact 

● What was his group of alliances called: Axis Powers 

7. What led to Kristallnacht? What was the result of this event? 

Hitler’s campaign to rid Germany of Jews predated his aggressive land grabs in Europe. His propaganda and the Nuremberg Laws successfully created an atmosphere of hostility, hatred, and distrust within Germany. This tension erupted one night in early November 18. Kristallnacht.

Nazi Germany’s Aggressive Militarism 

8. What was Germany’s agreement about the Rhineland under the Treaty of Versailles? How did Hitler break it? 

Germany’s agreement was to not station troops there, but Hitler broke this promise by sending German troops into the Rhineland on March 7th, 1936.

9. How did the rest of Europe react to Hitler’s move to take the Rhineland? 

Some British believed that Hitler was the strong anti-commmunist leader that central Europe needed to keep order. Others were simply reluctant to return to war.

10. What was the Third Reich? 

● How did Austria become part of it? 

Austria became a part of the Third Reich through the threat of invasion so they were forced to.

● How did Czechoslovakia become part of it? 

Czechoslovakia became a part of the Third Reich because Hitler convinced them that they were just an extension of the Aryan Empire.

● How was Poland different? 

Poland was different because Hitler just wanted to invade it.

11. What was Germany’s relationship like with Russia? 

With the signing of the German-Soviet Nonaggression Pact on August 2, 1, the

two nations pledged not to attack one another.

12. What was the official start to WWI? Meanwhile - what is Japan doing in Asia (explain)?

Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, claiming that Poland had attacked first. Britain and France honored their agreement to protect Poland and declared war on Germany. By the time Germany invaded Poland in 1, Japan had already been moving aggressively against Korea and China for almost 50 years.

Objective 

Explain 

similarities 

and 

differences in how governments 

used a variety of methods to conduct war.

7.7: Conducting World War II 

Key Developments

Japan and Imperialist Policies 

1. What was Japan’s goal in the Pacific - why did they decide not to take part of Soviet Siberia?

Japan’s goal in the Pacific was to expand into Soviet Siberia, but they decided not to once Germany and the Soviets signed the Non Aggression Pact of 1939.

2. How did the US react to Japan’s expansion - what did this lead Japan to plan to do? 

To Japan’s expansion, the US knew that it was the next target. This led Japan into planning to retaliate against the US in the hope that by doing so, the Western powers would submit to Japan’s imperial ambitions.

Germany’s Early Victories and Challenges 

3. Describe blitzkrieg - how does it differ from trench warfare? 

Blitzkrieg, or lightning war, differed from trench warfare because it was faster and used better fighting tactics.

4. What other countries did Germany take over? What was the Vichy government? 

Other countries that allowed Germany to take over were Denmark, Norway, Netherlands, Belgium, and France. The Vichy government was a pro-Nazi regime under Marshal Henri-Philippe Petain..

5. Though the US decided not to join the war yet, Britain’s request for help led to: 

● Destroyers-for-Bases: the US promised to deliver 50 destroyers in exchange for British naval bases 

● Lend-Lease Act: the US give war materials to Britain, showing a lack of neutrality 

● Atlantic Charter: goals created by Britain and the US for the post-war world including restoration of self-government, abandonment of force, and disarmament of aggressor nations 

6. Describe the Battle of Britain - why did Winston Churchill call it Britains “finest hour”? 

The Battle of Britain was when the Germans started bombing British cities after the British Royal Air Force conducted a raid on Berlin. Winston Churchill called it Britain’s “finest hour” as the civilian population in London and other cities withstood months of relentless bombing. 

7. Why does Hitler decide to invade the Soviet Union? What element surprised them - what was the impact? 

Hitler decided to invade the Soviet Union to eliminate Bolshevism and to create Lebensraum -- land for settlement and development -- for the German people. The element that surprised them was the unexpectancy of the attack, and the impact of this was the Soviets defending the city of Leningrad in the Siege of Leningrad.

Japan Overreaches 

8. What locations has Japan taken by this point? Why do they decide to attack the US? 

The locations that Japan had taken at this point were the Philippines, the Dutch East Indies, British Malaya, Burma, and numerous Pacific Islands. They decided to attack the U.S. because they thought it would prompt them to negotiate a settlement favorable to Japan immediately.

9. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the US declares war on Japan - what does Germany do? 

Germany declared its own declaration of war against the U.S.

10. Who else joined in WWII? 

Western colonies began to join the Allies in the war effort. For example, the Indian army, who fought against the Japanese in Southeast Asia.

Home Fronts 

11. What is a total war? How is WWII a total war? Give examples. 

A total war is when a country mobilizes all their resources, including the civilian population, to achieve victory. WWII was a total war because most of the countries did just that. For example, the United States started with the strongest industrial sector of any country in the world and it added stringent government planning to provide factories what they needed. In addition, unlike anywhere in Europe, U.S. industry operated without threat of military attack. The United States ramped up production of the resources required for war, including ships, tanks, planes, landing craft, radar equipment, guns, and ammunition.

12. How did countries like the US and Germany differ on total war? How did they differ from Japan?

Countries like the US and Germany differed on total war because the US government encouraged women to join as well, while Germany relied on forced labor. Both of them differed from Japan because they presented an optimistic view of the war instead of trying to mobilize resources.

The Tide Turns in the European Theater 

13. How did the tide turn in the second half of 1942? Give examples. 

The tide turned in the second half of 1942 because United States joined the

other Allied powers, Great Britain and the Soviet Union. In spite of political

differences, the three nations were united in their determination to achieve a

military victory and agreed that Axis surrender must be unconditional.

The Tide Turns in the Pacific Theater 

14. How did the tide turn in 1942 in Japan? 

The year 1942 was also crucial in the war against Japan. The first Allied

victory occurred in May in the battle of the Coral Sea when the U.S. Navy

stopped a Japanese feet set to invade New Guinea and the Solomon Islands,

thus helping to prevent a future invasion of Australia. The following month,

with the destruction of four Japanese aircraft carriers at the Battle of Midway

Island. Allied naval forces demonstrated their superiority in the Pacific.

15. What was island hopping - how did it differ from the style of fighting in Europe? 

Island hopping was a strategy where the Allies attacked islands where Japan was weak and skipped those where Japan was strong. It differed from the style of fighting in Europe because they just focused on large battles targeting the whole area and tried to take what they could.

The Last Years of the War 

16. How did the Allies use Italy and France to turn the tide on Germany? 

The Allies used Italy and France to turn the tide on Germany knowing that it was Europe’s weakest point. In spite of German forces sent to aid Italy, the Allies gained control of the island of Sicily on July 1, leading to the fall of Mussolini. After the Allies invaded southern Italy on September 1, Italy turned against its former ally.

17. What was Germany's last stand? How did this lead to the Battle of Kursk? 

Germany’s last stand was during the Battle of the Bulge (winter of 1944). Allied air raids began to systematically destroy Germany’s infrastructure and Allied troops crossed the Rhine RIver into Germany in March 1945. One month later they were approaching Germany’s capital city of Berlin. This led to the Battle of Kursk because the Soviets challenged the Germans, and later the Soviets took over other territories. 

18. What was VE Day - how did the war in Europe end? What happened to the leaders? 

VE day was “victory in Europe”. The war ended when Hitler committed suicide. Afterwards, the leaders of Germany decided that continuing the war would be fatal, so they surrendered to the Allies.

19. What was VJ Day - how did the war in Japan end? Why did Truman decide to drop the atomic weapons?

VJ day was “victory in Japan”. The war in Japan ended after the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Truman decided to drop the atomic weapons because the emperor wasn’t ready to surrender, while the U.S. wanted to invade. So, unable to wait, they looked to nuclear weapons.

Objective 

Explain the 

various 

causes and 

consequences of mass 

atrocities in 

the period 

from 1900 to the present.

7.8: Mass Atrocities

Key Developments

General 

1. Explain how genocide, ethnic violence, and other war atrocities have been a pattern throughout history. 

Genocide, ethnic violence, and other atrocities took place as extremist groups rose to power. During and after World War I, the Ottoman Empire, ruled by a group called the “Young Turks” who were disturbed by the continuing decline of Ottoman power, perpetrated the Armenian genocide in in which some 1.5 million Armenians died. As Adolf Hitler implemented the Holocaust, he referred to the Armenian annihilation as a reminder of how little the Nazis need fear for the systematic murder of six million Jews.

Atrocities in Europe and the Middle East 

2. POST WWI Casualties 

● How many soldiers died in the war: 8-9 million

● How many soldiers were wounded: more than 21 million

● How many civilians died or were wounded: 6-13 million

3. POST WWI - What was the Armenian genocide? Why did it happen?

The Armenian Genocide was the systematic extermination of 1.5 million Armenians by the Ottoman Empire from 1915 to 1922, driven by nationalism and the perception of Armenians as a threat during World War I.

4. POST WWI - What is the difference between an epidemic and a pandemic? How did the flu spread after WWI? 

An epidemic is an outbreak of an illness, while a pandemic is a widespread occurrence of an infectious disease over a whole country or the world at a particular point in time. The flu spread after WWI as soldiers came home and resumed contact with loved ones and friends.

5. POST WWI Who were the Lost Generation - why are they called this? 

The Lost Generation was a term used to describe those suffering from the shock of war. 

6. POST WWI How did the Soviet Union create a famine for its peasants even though industry continued growing? 

The Soviet Union created a famine for its peasants even though industry continued growing because they strongly resisted the collectivization of agriculture and destroyed their produce instead of turning them over to state control. 

Casualties of World War II 

7. WWII Casualties 

● How many estimated casualties: 40-50 million

● Where were most of them from: Around half were from the Soviet Union and millions of others were from Germany, Poland, China, and Japan.

● How many US soldiers were killed: 290,000 soldiers

● How many US soldiers were wounded: 600,000 wounded

● Why are numbers hard to know? Civilian casualties from attacks on land, air,

and sea from government executions based on political rationales, including

genocide and from disease and starvation caused by the war likely exceeded

military casualties.

8. Which groups did the Nazis target during WWII? Who was Heinrich Himmler and what was his role? 

The Nazis targeted many Slavic groups, as well as one million Poles, and Roma(Gypsies). Heinrich Himmler, the leader of the Nazi special police, the SS,

oversaw these policies.

9. Explain the Final Solution of the Nazis - how did they try to achieve this goal?

In 1942, the Nazi persecution of Jews turned into mass murder. They

began a campaign led by the SS to kill all Jews in Europe, a plan they called

the “Final Solution.” They tried to achieve this goal by killing Jews wherever they went, which resulted in mass genocide. 

10. What was the Rape of Nanking? How else did Japan treat conquered peoples? Explain and give examples. 

During the Second Sino-Japanese War in 1, Japanese soldiers killed at least 100,000 Chinese soldiers and civilians in what was called the Rape of Nanking. During World War II, although the Japanese did not carry out a dedicated policy of genocide that paralleled the Holocaust, millions of people died as a result of their policies.

11. How did firebombing bring a new type of deadly combat to civilians? Where was this used and by whom? 

The Allies’ firebombing of German cities, particularly Hamburg in 1943 and Dresden in 1945, caused large casualties. The number of deaths in Hamburg was about 50,000. Dresden had fewer casualties, maybe 25,000 deaths, as 15 square miles of its historic city center were destroyed. The United States also used firebombing in Tokyo.

12. What other weapon did the US use against Japan that created extreme fear and changed the scope of war? 

These weapons had been developed by an international group of scientists working in the United States. The scientific achievement was impressive, but it also required developments in other areas to have military use. For example, to deliver the nuclear weapons required improvements in airplane design to allow long flights carrying heavy loads. There is a great difference between the planes used in World War II and those used in World War I. In addition, the widespread use of the aircraft carrier by several powers extended the airplanes’ reach. Using these developments in planes and ships, countries could carry out air attacks anywhere in the world.

Genocide and Human Rights 

13. Although the global community said “never again” to genocide, it continued to happen. Describe the situation surrounding the genocide in: 

● Bosnia: Ethnic conflict driven by nationalism led to the genocide in Bosnia, as various ethnic groups within the disintegrating Yugoslavia, particularly under Serbian nationalist leadership, faced horrific acts of ethnic cleansing committed by Serb forces against Muslims in Bosnia and Kosovo. The violent struggle resulted in more than 300,000 deaths during the violent disintegration of Yugoslavia in the 1990s.

● Rwanda: Rwanda, one of Africa's smallest countries, experienced a devastating genocide fueled by ethnic tensions between the Hutu majority and the Tutsi minority, resulting in the deaths of between 500,000 and 1 million people over a span of three months after the assassination of the Hutu president in 1994. The international response was largely inadequate, with UN peacekeepers unable to intervene effectively, highlighting significant failures in global leadership concerning human rights protection during violent conflicts.

● Darfur (in Sudan): Another genocide erupted in 2003 in Darfur, Sudan, where Arab militants known as the Janjaweed, alongside Sudanese forces, attacked non-Arab farmers, resulting in the deaths of over 200,000 people and displacing more than one million, leading to a humanitarian crisis in neighboring Chad. Despite international efforts to intervene and charges against Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir for war crimes, the genocide continued, highlighting the failure of the global community to protect human rights.

Objective 

Explain the 

relative 

significance 

of the causes 

of global 

conflict in the period from 

1900 to the 

present.

7.9: Causation in Global Conflict

Key Developments

General 

1. How did global order change throughout the 20th century? Explain. 

At the beginning of the century, the West dominated the global political order. However, the First and Second World Wars resulted in a power shift within the Western political sphere from Western Europe to the United States. These global

conflicts also resulted in the emergence of new states around the world as

independence movements ended the colonial relationships that existed in the

previous century.

Political Causes of Global Conflict in the 20th Century 

2. How was WWI the first total war - how was it also different than before? 

Many historians refer to World War I as the first “total war.” The war was

fought on an industrial scale by soldiers from around the world, including

soldiers from colonial areas.

3. How did alliances lead to change and global conflict? 

A balance of power in Europe had been established during the 1th century through a constantly shifting system of alliances. However, these alliances proved instrumental in escalating the scope of the war as European nations jumped into the conflict to honor their commitments.

4. How did nationalism lead to change and global conflict? 

Nationalism was a growing force for political change in Europe. As such,

Serbian nationalism was the main spark that created conflict in the Balkans,

known as the “powder keg of Europe,” which led to the expansion of the war throughout Europe.

5. How did militarism (arms race) lead to change and global conflict? 

After World War II, militarism and the arms race led to change and global conflict by escalating tensions between superpowers, particularly the United States and the Soviet Union, as both nations sought to build up their military capabilities to deter potential threats.

6. How were some of the issues that caused WWI the same issues that caused WWII? 

Some of the same issues that brought about World War I also led to World

War II. Fascism was nationalism in an extreme form. The fascist governments

of Germany and Italy defied international pressure and treaties when they

invaded neighboring territories.

Economic Causes of Global Conflict in the 20th Century 

7. How did the Industrial Revolution lead to global conflict? 

As the Industrial Revolution spread from Great Britain to the rest of Western Europe, and then to the United States, Russia, and Japan, control over markets to sell consumer goods was a primary motive of imperialistic policies.

8. What are other examples of global conflicts and factors that led to the first and second World Wars? 

Other examples of global conflict were the Opium Wars, the First and Second Sino-Japanese War, and the Crimean War all had similar causes like the World Wars. 

9. How did the Great Depression lead to change and conflict as well? 

The severe economic effects of the Great Depression (1929–1939), including high unemployment and low wages, led to the rise of populist leaders like Adolf Hitler who promised to rebuild the economies of their states.

Effects of Global Conflict in the 20th Century 

10. How did science and technology advance? Give examples. 

Science and technology advanced remarkably after WWII, driven by wartime innovations and the subsequent Cold War competition; examples include the development of nuclear weapons, advancements in aerospace technology leading to the Space Race, and the rapid progress in computer technology and telecommunications.

11. What political changes were brought about due to global conflict? 

Global conflict led to significant political changes, including the emergence of the United States and the Soviet Union, the decolonization of Asia and Africa, the establishment of the United Nations aimed at promoting peace, and shifts towards democracy in several regions.

12. How did colonial holdings change after WWII? How did world order change?

After WWII, many colonial holdings gained independence, leading to a decline of European colonial empires and the rise of self-determined nations; this shift contributed to a new world order characterized by a focus on international cooperation, the spread of new national identities, and the formation of geopolitical alliances like NATO and the Warsaw Pact.

AMSCO 7.6 Multiple Choice 

1. A 

2. B 

3. A

AMSCO 7.7 Multiple Choice 

1. A 

2. C 

3. C

AMSCO 7.8 Multiple Choice 

1. D

2. B

3. A

SAQ Outline 

A 

B 

C

AMSCO 7.6 Question 1

One way German society changed after 1900 was the shift towards greater democratization, particularly with the establishment of the Weimar Republic, which introduced more democratic freedom for citizens like the right to vote. This signaled a significant change in societal norms and expectations for the public. 

One way in which these documents demonstrated Adolf Hitler’s view of Jews was through various propaganda materials, illustrating them as an inferior race responsible for Germany's social and economic problems. Hitler portrayed Jews as a harmful influence on society, promoting anti-Semitic stereotypes and justifying discrimination and violence against them.

One way in which the German state’s political and social

actions reflected Germany’s aggressive militarism after 1900 was through the rearmament programs initiated in the 1930s, which were in direct violation of the Treaty of Versailles. The regime promoted military expansion and a strong nationalistic sentiment, leading to the reestablishment of a formidable military force and aggressive foreign policies.

AMSCO 7.7 Question 2

One significant piece of historical evidence that supports the argument that World War I caused World War II is the Treaty of Versailles of 1919. The treaty imposed harsh penalties and reparations on Germany, leading to economic hardship, political instability, and social unrest that contributed to the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party, ultimately setting the stage for World War II.

One continuity in the types of warfare used in both World War I and World War II was the extensive use of trench warfare. Both conflicts saw prolonged periods of stalemate characterized by entrenched positions, especially on the Western Front, which led to high casualties and a grueling war of attrition.

One significant change in the types of warfare between World War I and World War II was the increased use of mechanized warfare and air power in World War II. While World War I primarily involved infantry and artillery on the battlefield, World War II saw the introduction of tanks, aircraft, and coordinated air and ground assaults, significantly altering the dynamics of warfare and military strategies.

AMSCO 7.8 Question 1

One historical development of the mid-20th century that might explain why Japan acted as described in the passage is the experience of Japan during World War I and the global economic struggles of the Great Depression. Japan's growing imperial ambitions and need for resources driven by these developments led to aggressive military expansionism in Asia.

One way in which the actions of Japan described in the passage are similar to the actions of Nazi Germany is through the ideology of racial superiority and militarism. Both Japan and Nazi Germany justified their aggressive expansion and brutal treatment of other nations by promoting beliefs of racial supremacy—in Japan's case, the superiority of the Japanese people, akin to Germany's Aryan race ideology.

The title of Chang’s book, "The Rape of Nanking: The Forgotten Holocaust of World War II," indicates her viewpoint that the events in Nanking represent a severe injustice that has been largely overlooked in historical discourse. By using the term "rape," Chang emphasizes both the physical violence inflicted and the moral atrocity of the actions taken.