Ways of the World: Chapter 20 Review

Questions and Answers

To what extent did the emergence of Germany as a new nation-state affect the European political scene after 1870?

Germany's arrival disrupted the established order.

What impact did WWI have on Europe's colonial empires?

The war drew in laborers and soldiers from the colonies.

What 19th century developments contributed to the outbreak of WWI?

The emergence of Germany and Italy as unified states destabilized the balance of power in Europe, the system of alliances created obligations among the major European powers, the scramble for colonial empires contributed to competition and tension, and the rise of nationalism fed the flames of war.

Give an example of differing responses to the hardships of the Great Depression.

Increases in government programs in the U.K. and the U.S. and the rise of absolutist political parties in Italy and Germany. Signup and view all the answers

What best explains the dramatic decrease in Germany's unemployment rate by 1936?

The military build-up caused by the Nazi Party's rise to power. Signup and view all the answers

Analyze how the various countries around the world dealt with the effects of the Great Depression.

In Latin America, many countries promoted import substitution industrialization; in Britain, France, and Scandinavia, democratic socialism sought to regulate the economy; and in the U.S., the New Deal created programs to curb unemployment. Signup and view all the answers

What was a distinctive and central feature of the German expression of fascism?

An insistence on a racial revolution. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways were the Italian and German fascist movements similar to each other?

Both espoused extreme nationalism, advocated violence as a political tool, generated single-party dictatorships, opposed communism, and rose to power under circumstances of economic crisis. Signup and view all the answers

What was a reason for the popularity of the Nazi Party once it seized power in the 1930s?

It's success in bringing Germany out of the Great Depression. Signup and view all the answers

Infer how the outcomes of WWI contributed to the outbreak of WWII.

The economic crisis post-WWI enabled Mussolini to gain power, German resentment over the Treaty of Versailles allowed the Nazis to rise, and Japan sought expansion due to dissatisfaction with international arrangements. Signup and view all the answers

What contributed to Western European recovery after the devastation of WWII?

The ability of Western European countries to integrate their economies. Signup and view all the answers

How did the two world wars affect civilian populations?

The line between military and civilian targets blurred, cities were bombed, and states sanctioned mass murder of civilians. Signup and view all the answers

How did the American occupation of Japan after WWII affect the Japanese economy?

It promoted rapid economic growth and generated economic prosperity. Signup and view all the answers

What effect did the U.S. Marshall Plan have on European economies?

It promoted economic growth and widespread prosperity in Western Europe. Signup and view all the answers

What international organizations took shape after WWII, and what were their purposes?

The United Nations, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, European Coal and Steel Community, and NATO all aimed to regulate the global economy and ensure international cooperation. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Emergence of Germany

Germany's emergence as a nation-state in 1870 disrupted the existing European political balance, causing instability among major powers.

Impact of WWI on Colonial Empires

World War I involved laborers and soldiers from colonial territories, affecting colonial administrative and economic structures.

19th Century Developments Leading to WWI

Unification of Germany and Italy destabilized Europe.
Alliances among European powers created binding obligations, intensifying potential conflicts.
Competition for colonies heightened tensions and rivalries.
Rising nationalism contributed significantly to the war’s outbreak.

Responses to the Great Depression

The U.K. and U.S. expanded government programs in response to economic hardships.
Italy and Germany saw a surge in absolutist political parties as a reaction to the crisis.

Decrease in Germany's Unemployment (1936)

The Nazi Party introduced a military build-up that significantly lowered unemployment rates.

Global Responses to the Great Depression

Latin American nations invoked import substitution industrialization to limit reliance on international trade.
Democratic socialism in Britain, France, and Scandinavia aimed to regulate economies and redistribute wealth equitably.
The U.S. implemented the New Deal, establishing programs to reduce unemployment and enhance economic stability.

Features of German Fascism

A central aspect of German fascism was an emphasis on a racial revolution, distinct from other movements.

Similarities of Italian and German Fascism

Both movements showcased extreme nationalism and endorsed violence as a political means.
Each had single-party dictatorships, charismatic leadership, and a disdain for parliamentary democracy.
Both opposed communism and believed in the positive aspects of war, rising during periods of economic crisis.

Popularity of the Nazi Party in the 1930s

The Nazi Party gained favor for its role in alleviating the economic struggles of the Great Depression in Germany.

Outcomes of WWI and WWII Connection

The post-WWI economic crisis allowed Mussolini to seize power in Italy.
German resentment towards the Treaty of Versailles contributed to the Nazis' rise.
Italy's dissatisfaction with post-WWI outcomes fostered its alignment with Germany.
Japan's unhappiness with international arrangements after WWI motivated its imperial expansion.

Recovery of Western Europe Post-WWII

Economic recovery in Western Europe was facilitated by the integration of national economies.

Impact of Wars on Civilian Populations

WWII blurred the lines between military and civilian targets, leading to comprehensive civilian casualties.
Urban centers faced extensive bombing, and state-sanctioned mass murders occurred, including genocides and the atomic bomb's use.

American Occupation of Japan

The U.S. occupation contributed to swift economic growth and prosperity in Japan following WWII.

U.S. Marshall Plan Effects

The Marshall Plan significantly boosted economic growth and prosperity across Western Europe.

International Organizations Post-WWII

The United Nations served as a vital forum for global dialogue.
The World Bank and IMF aimed to stabilize the world economy and foster development.
The European Economic Community evolved from early coal and steel management to a larger economic union with common policies and currency.
NATO was established to ensure U.S. defense support for Europe against the Soviet threat.

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Description

This quiz focuses on Chapter 20 of 'Ways of the World,' exploring the emergence of Germany as a nation-state and its impact on European politics after 1870. It also covers the effects of World War I on colonial empires and key 19th-century developments that contributed to the outbreak of WWI. Test your knowledge on these pivotal historical events and their consequences.