Notes on Shifting Power in the Early 20th Century

Shifting Power in the Early 20th Century

Key Context
  • Nicholas II (1905): Refusal to recognize the need for reform, leading to political rebellion.
  • Rebellions: Occurred in Russia, China, Mexico against authoritarian rule, reshaping political landscapes.
Revolution in Russia
  • Internal Challenges:
    • Economic backwardness; lack of education expansion and infrastructure development.
    • Tsarist resistance to political reform and civil rights.
  • External Failures:
    • Loss of the Crimean War and Russo-Japanese War, exacerbating Russia's global weakness.
  • 1917 Bolshevik Revolution: Led by Vladimir Lenin, aimed to create a communist government, abolishing private trade and redistributing wealth.
Key Events Leading to Revolution in Russia
  • Bloody Sunday (1905): Peaceful protest turned violent, catalyzing worker strikes.
  • Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905): First defeat of a European power by an East Asian state.
  • World War I: Exposed military inadequacies and led to severe civilian suffering.
Upheaval in China
  • Qing Dynasty Overthrown (1911): Internal ethnic tensions and famine; Sun Yat-sen's initial republic faced challenges.
  • Sun Yat-sen's Three People's Principles:
    • Democracy: Governance by educated elites on behalf of the populace.
    • Nationalism: Loyalty to the central authority.
    • Livelihood: Addressing wealth distribution issues.
Ottoman Empire Decline
  • Young Turks: Advocated reform and Turkification, promoting Turkish cultural identity.
  • World War I: Allied defeat led to the empire's dismantling; Atatürk formed the Republic of Turkey (1923) focusing on secular reform and modernization.
Power Shifts in Mexico
  • Porfirio Díaz's Rule: Dictatorial governance leading to socioeconomic disparity.
  • Mexican Revolution (1910): Sparked by oppression, resulted in political upheaval and lasting reforms.
  • Significant Outcomes:
    • 1917 Constitution: Advocated land reform and education.
    • PRI Formation (1929): Dominated Mexican politics despite corruption allegations until 2000.
Key Terms
  • Revolutionary Leaders: Nicholas II, Vladimir Lenin, Sun Yat-sen, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Porfirio Díaz, Francisco Madero, Francisco "Pancho" Villa, Emiliano Zapata.
  • Political Movements: Bolsheviks, Young Turks, Mexican Revolution, PRI.
    • Cultural Concepts: Turkification, ethnic conflict.