World War 1: Causes & Britain's Role

• The causes of World War 1 included militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism.

Causes of WW1: Militarism

• A naval arms race contributed to the rise of militarism.

Causes of WW1: Alliances

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

Causes of WW1: Imperialism

• Empire building in overseas colonies contributed to the war.

Causes of WW1: Nationalism

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

Britain's Role in WW1

• Over 1 million Indian soldiers served in various theaters of war, including the Western Front, Mesopotamia, and East Africa.
• Indian soldiers played crucial roles in key battles like the Battle of Gallipoli and the Battle of the Somme.
• ANZAC forces were significant in the Gallipoli campaign, and their bravery and sacrifice are commemorated annually on ANZAC Day.
• ANZAC troops also served on the Western Front.
• Soldiers from British African colonies like Nigeria and Kenya participated in campaigns in East Africa, contributing to the wider war effort.
• Men from the British West Indies Regiment served in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, supporting logistics and combat operations.
• Some soldiers volunteered, such as regular British soldiers before conscription in 1916.
• Land girls and munitionettes worked in farms and factories, taking over 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".
• The "Young Hot Bloods" were sub-groups of Suffragettes known for extremist direct action, including bombs, throwing an axe at prime minister Asquith
• Suffragists were middle class, lawful protests e.g. marches,speeches,leaflets.

Key Figures

• Emmeline Pankhurst was the founder of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU), 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 suffragette.

WW2: The Blitz

• The Blitz refers to the German bombing campaigns on Britain.
• The media was used to maintain public morale and show perseverance during the Blitz.
• Civilians showed defiance by continuing daily life amidst destruction.

WW2: Dunkirk

• The Dunkirk evacuation involved the evacuation of 338,000 British and Allied troops from Dunkirk beaches.
• Propaganda portrayed Dunkirk as a heroic effort and miracle.
• Britain was left without allies after Dunkirk and faced impending invasion.

WW2: Was Britain Really Alone?

• Churchill's leadership was significant during the perceived isolation of Britain.
• Churchill gave famous speeches during this time.
• The nation showed determination and unity.
• Some cartoons promoted the idea of Britain standing alone against Nazi Germany.
• The British Empire made enormous contributions, providing money, soldiers, and resources.

Dictatorships: Stalin and Hitler

• Stalin and Hitler used fear and secret police to maintain authority.
• Authority was maintained through intimidation and violence.
• The Gestapo was the Nazi secret police that enforced loyalty through fear.
• The NKVD was Stalin's secret police used for political repression.
• Terror was used to suppress dissent and opposition, including arrests and concentration camps.
• Minorities and political opponents, such as Jewish people, were targeted for persecution.

Propaganda and Cult of Personality

• Propaganda involved media control to glorify the leader and regime.
• Examples of propaganda included radios, statues, mass rallies, and renaming places.
• A cult of personality was created to establish an infallible image of leaders like Stalin and Hitler.
• Public perception was manipulated to maintain control.