Causes of WW1

• Causes of WW1 included militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism.

Militarism

• The naval arms race contributed to militarism.

Alliances

• The Triple Entente consisted of Britain, Russia, and France.
• The Triple Alliance consisted of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.

Imperialism

• Empire building in overseas colonies was a significant factor.

Nationalism

• Gavrilo Princip, a member of the Black Hand gang, assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, which was an example of nationalism.

Britain's Role in WW1

• Over 1 million Indian soldiers served in various theaters, including the Western Front, Mesopotamia, and East Africa.
• Indian soldiers played crucial roles in key battles such as Gallipoli and the Somme.
• ANZAC forces were significant in the Gallipoli campaign, commemorated annually on ANZAC Day, and also served on the Western Front.
• Soldiers from British African colonies, such as Nigeria and Kenya, participated in campaigns in East Africa.
• Men from the British West Indies Regiment served in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa supporting logistics and combat operations.
• Some soldiers volunteered before conscription in 1916.
• Land girls and munitionettes worked in farms and factories, taking over the roles of men who went to fight.

Role of Suffragettes and Suffragists

• Suffragettes used militant tactics, such as window smashing and chaining themselves to railings, with the motto 'deeds not words'.
• Young hot bloods were extremist sub-groups of Suffragettes known for direct action like bombs, throwing an axe at Prime Minister Asquith.
• Suffragists were middle class activists who engaged in lawful protests like marches, speeches, and distributing leaflets.

Key Figures

• Emmeline Pankhurst founded the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) and was known for militant tactics and civil disobedience.
• Emily Davison is known for her fatal protest at the 1913 Epson Derby, where she stepped in front of the King's horse.
• Millicent Fawcett was a moderate suffragist who focused on peaceful campaigning and improving women's education.
• Kitty Marion was a young hot blood.

The Blitz: Did Britain Keep Calm and Carry On?

• The government and civilians showed resilience during German bombing campaigns.
• The media was used to maintain public morale and show perseverance.
• Civilian defiance was demonstrated through continued daily life amidst destruction.

Dunkirk: A Success or Failure?

• The evacuation of 338,000 British and Allied troops from Dunkirk beaches took place.
• Propaganda portrayed Dunkirk as a heroic effort and miracle, but it could be seen as a defeat as Britain was left without allies and faced impending invasion.

Was Britain Really Alone?

• Churchill's leadership was important during perceived isolation, marked by famous speeches.
• The nation showed determination and unity.
• Some cartoons promoted the idea of Britain standing alone against Nazi Germany, while others pointed to the enormous contribution of the empire (money, soldiers, resources).

Dictatorships: Stalin and Hitler

• Both Stalin and Hitler used fear and secret police to maintain authority.
• The Gestapo was the Nazi secret police that enforced loyalty through fear.
• The NKVD was Stalin's secret police used for political repression.
• Both regimes used terror to suppress dissent and opposition, employing arrests and concentration camps.
• They targeted minorities and political opponents, like Jewish people.

Propaganda and Cult of Personality

• Propaganda involved media control to glorify the leader and regime.
• Examples included radios, statues, mass rallies, and renaming places.
• Cult of personality involved creating an infallible image of leaders like Stalin and Hitler.
• Society was manipulated to maintain control through public perception.