International Relations and Sanctions

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Questions and Answers

What event triggered the start of World War I?

The rise of nationalism in Europe

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand (correct)

The formation of the League of Nations

The signing of the Treaty of Versailles

Which countries were part of the Central Powers in World War I?

Belgium, Netherlands, Spain

France, Britain, Russia

United States, Japan, Italy

Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire (correct)

Which of the following was a consequence of the Treaty of Versailles for Germany?

Paying reparations to the allies (correct)

Becoming a member of the League of Nations

Maintaining a strong military presence

Gaining additional colonies

What did the term MAIN stand for regarding the causes of World War I?

Militarism, Assassination, Imperialism, Nationalism Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main reasons the League of Nations failed to maintain peace?

It lacked the ability to enforce its rules. Signup and view all the answers

Which impact of World War I contributed significantly to the onset of World War II?

The harsh treatment of Germany under the Treaty of Versailles Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following territories did Germany lose as a result of the Treaty of Versailles?

Alsace and Lorraine Signup and view all the answers

During what era did the Cold War take place?

1947-1991 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of sanctions imposed by one country on another?

To force a change in behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes a country's ability to govern itself without outside interference?

Sovereignty Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of diplomacy in international relations?

Managing relationships to maintain peace Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'balance of power' refer to in international relations?

Protecting nations by maintaining equal strength among rivals Signup and view all the answers

How many member countries are part of the United Nations?

193 Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in international relations?

To work independently on humanitarian, environmental, or human rights issues Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic defines multinational corporations in the context of international relations?

They operate across borders and seek profits Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the term 'global governance'?

How nations and organizations cooperate to solve global problems Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a totalitarian state?

Complete control by a single party or leader over all aspects of life. Signup and view all the answers

Which event contributed to the policy of appeasement adopted by Britain and France?

Germany's re-armament starting in 1933. Signup and view all the answers

What was a supporter’s belief regarding appeasement?

It would prevent another large-scale conflict. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Munich Agreement?

It permitted Germany to reclaim the Sudetenland. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a direct outcome of appeasement?

The outbreak of World War II in 1939. Signup and view all the answers

Which action did Hitler take in 1936 that violated the Treaty of Versailles?

He reoccupied the Rhineland. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the long-term effects of the Holocaust?

It resulted in new international laws. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the key events that turned the tide of World War II?

D-Day invasion of German-occupied France. Signup and view all the answers

What action by Hitler represented a direct violation of the Treaty of Versailles in 1936?

Remilitarization of the Rhineland Signup and view all the answers

Which significant event contributed to Germany's surrender in 1945?

Fall of Berlin Signup and view all the answers

What was a major consequence of the atomic bombings on Hiroshima and Nagasaki?

Massive civilian casualties Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the reasons for the formation of the United Nations after World War II?

To prevent future conflicts between nations Signup and view all the answers

What action did Japan continue to take even after Germany's surrender?

Fighting in the Pacific Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a pro of dropping the atomic bombs on Japan?

Demonstration of U.S. military strength Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the economic system where individuals own their properties?

Capitalism Signup and view all the answers

What was a major trigger for the start of World War II in Europe?

Hitler's invasion of Poland Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary ideological difference that contributed to the Cold War?

Capitalism vs. Communism Signup and view all the answers

Which event marked the beginning of the Space Race?

The launch of Sputnik in 1957 Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary consequence of the Arms Race during the Cold War?

Development of more destructive nuclear weapons Signup and view all the answers

Which countries were associated with communism during the Cold War?

Cuba, North Korea, Laos, and China Signup and view all the answers

What symbol is commonly associated with the Soviet Union's communist state?

The Star, Sickle, & Hammer Signup and view all the answers

What major geopolitical change occurred in 1949 concerning Germany?

Germany was divided into four occupation zones Signup and view all the answers

What was the goal of the containment policy adopted by the United States during the Cold War?

To prevent the expansion of communism Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Berlin Wall, erected in 1961?

It symbolized the division between communist and capitalist ideologies. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sanctions

Sanctions are restrictions or punishments imposed by one country on another to force it to change its behavior.
Sanctions can impact a country's economy, health, and political stability.
- They can lead to reductions in Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
- Limit trade and investment.
- Restrict access to medicine, negatively impacting public health.

Key Players in International Relations

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): operate independently of governments and work on various issues, including humanitarian, environmental, and human rights.
Sovereignty: means a country has the power to govern itself without interference from other nations.
Balance of Power: a strategy where nations attempt to protect themselves by ensuring equal strength against rivals.
Diplomacy: involves managing relationships between countries to protect interests and maintain peace.
International Security: encompasses efforts by countries and organizations to ensure global safety and stability.
Global Governance: refers to how countries and organizations collaborate to solve problems, such as climate change and security threats.
Globalization: signifies the increasing interconnectedness and interdependence of countries through trade, technology, and culture.
Foreign Policy: a country's plan for dealing with other nations.
International Law: comprises rules and agreements recognized between countries.
Multinational Corporations: companies that operate in multiple countries.
Individuals: can influence international relations, such as activists, diplomats, or leaders.

Foundations of International Relations

The study of international relations (IR) began in 1919, aimed at understanding and potentially resolving conflicts like war.
The United Nations (UN) currently has 193 member countries.

Landmark IR Eras

World War I (1914-1918)
- Known as the "Great War."
- Began with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary.
- Key sides:
  - Allied Powers: France, Britain, Russia (later the U.S.)
  - Central Powers: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire.
- Characterized by trench warfare and new deadly weapons like tanks and gas.
- Ended in 1918 with Germany surrendering and the Treaty of Versailles signed in 1919.
The Interwar Years (1919-1938)
The Second World War (1939-1945)
The Cold War (1947-1991)
The New World Order (1991-2000)
The post-9/11 era (2001-2019)
The post-Covid-19 era (2020-?)

World War I Overview

Millions died and countries were destroyed.
New countries and governments were formed.
The harsh treatment of Germany after WWI (Treaty of Versailles) contributed to the rise of tensions and ultimately, WWII.

Causes of World War I

MAIN: an acronym summarizing the key causes
- Militarism: belief in a strong military and aggressive use of force.
- Imperialism: extending a country's power and influence through colonization.
- Alliance System: formal agreements between nations for mutual support in case of war.
- Nationalism: intense loyalty and devotion to one's nation.
- Assassination: assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand (Austria-Hungary) triggered the war.

Treaty of Versailles

Imposed harsh penalties on Germany, aiming to prevent future aggression.
- Reparations to Allied nations.
- Loss of colonies.
- Demilitarization of the Rhineland.
- Army reduced to 100,000 men.
- Limited to six battleships, banned from having submarines and aircraft.
- Lost Alsace and Lorraine to France.
- Forbidden from unifying with Austria (Anschluss).
- Lost 13% of European territory, 50% of iron reserves, and 15% of coal reserves.
- Forced to accept war guilt.
- These consequences created resentment among the German population and contributed to the rise of extremism.

Totalitarian State

A government with absolute control over all aspects of life, including politics, the economy, and citizens' beliefs.
Examples include North Korea and Nazi Germany.

Appeasement

A policy adopted by Britain and France to avoid war with Nazi Germany by making concessions.
Supporters believed this would prevent a major conflict.
However, appeasement allowed Hitler to become more aggressive, ultimately leading to WWII.

Hitler's Actions In Europe (1936-1939)

Germany's rearmament: Violating the Treaty of Versailles, Hitler began rebuilding the German military.
Remilitarization of the Rhineland: In 1936, Hitler sent troops into the Rhineland, defying the Treaty of Versailles.
Anschluss with Austria (1938): The forced unification of Austria and Germany driven by Hitler's expansionist goals.
Munich Agreement (1938): Germany, Britain, France, and Italy agreed to hand over the Sudetenland (part of Czechoslovakia) to Germany, without Czechoslovakia's consent.
Invasion of Czechoslovakia (1939): Hitler took over the rest of Czechoslovakia, further violating the Treaty of Versailles.

World War II

The Holocaust: Hitler and the Nazis targeted Jews and other minorities, leading to the Holocaust, a systematic genocide that killed millions.
Pearl Harbor (1941): Japan attacked the United States at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, bringing the United States into the war.
D-Day (1944): The Allied forces undertook a massive invasion of German-occupied France, marking a turning point in the war.
Germany's Defeat (1945): The Allies defeated Germany, and Hitler committed suicide.
Atomic Bombs: The United States dropped two atomic bombs on Japan (Hiroshima and Nagasaki), forcing Japan's surrender in 1945.

Outcome of World War II

United Nations (UN): Following the war, the United Nations was formed, with the goal of preventing future conflicts.
The Cold War: The end of WWII ushered in a new rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, known as the Cold War.

Factors Leading to Germany and Japan's Surrender

Germany:*
D-Day invasion: Allied forces successfully landed in Normandy, France, opening a new front.
Soviet Advance: The Soviet Union recaptured territory and pushed towards Germany.
Fall of Berlin: Soviet forces captured Berlin in May 1945.
Hitler's Suicide: Hitler died in April 1945.
Unconditional Surrender: Germany surrendered on May 7, 1945.
Japan:*
Continued Fighting: Japan fought on even after Germany surrendered.
U.S. Island Hopping: The U.S. captured key Pacific islands, gradually moving closer to Japan.
Atomic Bombs: The U.S. dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
High Casualties: The bombings caused widespread destruction and loss of life.
Japanese Surrender: Japan surrendered on August 15, 1945.

Pros and Cons of Atomic Bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki

Pros:*
Quick End to the War: Forced Japan's surrender, potentially saving lives.
Demonstration of Power: Showcased the military strength of the United States.
Cons:*
Massive Civilian Casualties: Hundreds of thousands of people died.
Long-term Effects: Caused enduring health problems and environmental damage.

Definitions

Capitalism: An economic system where individuals own their property and businesses.
Communism: A political and economic system where the state controls all aspects of society and aims to achieve equality for all citizens.
NATO: The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a military alliance formed to counter communist expansion during the Cold War.
Containment: A foreign policy strategy used by the United States during the Cold War, focused on preventing the spread of communism.

The Cold War

A conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union, fueled by ideological differences and competition for global power.
No direct "War" occurred, but significant tensions, nuclear arms races, and proxy conflicts characterized this period.

Causes of the Cold War

Ideological Differences: Capitalist United States versus Communist Soviet Union.
Post-World War II Power Vacuum: The war weakened European nations, creating a vacuum for the U.S. and USSR to fill.
Nuclear Arms Race: Both countries raced to develop more powerful nuclear weapons, increasing tensions, and creating the doctrine of MAD (Mutually Assured Destruction).

Key Cold War Events:

- **The Arms Race (1945)**: Both the US and USSR competed to develop the most powerful nuclear weapons.
- **The Space Race (1957)**: Competition between the US and USSR to achieve dominance in space exploration.
- **Germany Divided (1949)**: Germany was divided into East and West Germany, reflecting the ideological division of Europe.
- **Berlin Wall (1961)**: Constructed to separate East and West Berlin, symbolizing the division between communist and capitalist ideologies.
- **Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)**:  A standoff between the US and USSR over Soviet nuclear missiles placed in Cuba, bringing the world close to nuclear war.

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Explore the critical concepts of sanctions and their impact on countries in the context of international relations. This quiz covers key players, the balance of power, and the importance of diplomacy for maintaining stability. Test your knowledge about how sanctions influence economies and political dynamics globally.