World War I Causes and Outcomes

Causes of World War I

• Imperialism caused tension and conflict through competition for colonies and resources among European powers.
• Industrialization fueled militarism and the desire for war as military advancements and arms race increased.
• Post-Napoleon alliances created obligations that escalated conflicts.
• Nationalism caused ethnic groups to seek independence, such as the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by the Serbian nationalist group, the Black Hand.
• The Balkans was a region with ethnic tensions and served as a flashpoint, where a minor incident could trigger a larger conflict.

The MAIN Acronym

• Militarism saw European nations building up military forces and arms.
• Alliances divided Europe into two main factions through entangling agreements.
• Imperialism created rivalries as nations competed for colonies.
• Nationalism was the intense pride and desire for independence among various ethnic groups.

Outcomes and Legacies of the Great War

• Total War led to mobilization of entire populations, causing societal changes.
• Government Authority expanded, reducing civil liberties, such as freedom of the press.
• Propaganda was used by governments to maintain public support and morale, often downplaying casualties.
• Labor Unions agreed to suspend strikes to support the war effort.
• Women in the Workforce took on roles in factories, sidelining their fight for voting rights.

The Treaty of Versailles

• Blame was placed on Germany, leading to national humiliation.
• Reparations crippled the German economy, and led to hyperinflation.
• Demilitarization was mandated, including the prohibition of submarines for Germany.
• Armenian Genocide saw approximately one million people die due to the actions of the Ottoman Empire.

The Russian Revolution and Stalin's Rise

• Nicholas II was the last Tsar of Russia, whose inability to manage the war led to widespread discontent.
• Bolshevik Revolution, led by the Bolsheviks, promised peace and land, resulting in the overthrow of the provisional government.
• Totalitarianism under Stalin marked a shift towards state control over all aspects of life.
• Collectivization was the forced consolidation of individual peasant farms into collective farms, leading to widespread famine and millions of deaths.

Shifting Power After WWI

• Great Depression was triggered by the U.S., resulting in a global economic downturn.
• Overproduction outpaced demand, leading to economic collapse in sectors like agriculture and rubber.
• Government Blame for economic failures led to a loss of faith in democratic governments, paving the way for totalitarian regimes in Italy, Japan, and Germany.
• FDR's New Deal aimed to revive the U.S. economy through government spending on infrastructure and public works.

Rise of Fascism

• Fascism vs. Communism: Fascism promoted nationalism and anti-democratic ideals as a reaction against communism.
• Mussolini's Italy capitalized on post-war discontent and gained support by establishing Vatican City.
• Public Support for fascist regimes saw a 'honeymoon period' before facing backlash due to their oppressive policies.

The Rise of Totalitarian Regimes

• The Italian economy began to recover in the early 20th century, which set the stage for Mussolini's rise to power.
• Both Mussolini and Hitler promoted extreme nationalism to unify their countries under a single-party dictatorship.
• They viewed violence as a legitimate political tool, which was evident in their suppression of opposition and dissent.
• Resentment towards the Treaty of Versailles was a common sentiment in both Germany and Italy, fueling nationalist rhetoric.
• Hitler's initial political platform did not focus on anti-Semitism, but it became a central theme as his regime progressed.
• The Nazis gained significant electoral support, winning 37% of the vote in the 1932 elections, showcasing their growing influence.

Authoritarian Control and Militarization

• After gaining power, Hitler outlawed other political parties, dismantled labor unions, and arrested opponents, consolidating his control over Germany.
• The Great Depression had a devastating impact on Germany, exacerbating economic woes and increasing support for extremist parties.
• Hitler's regime blatantly ignored the Treaty of Versailles, initiating a military buildup that included the production of arms and equipment.
• The systematic erosion of Jewish rights began slowly, culminating in widespread discrimination and violence.
• The Nazis' aggressive policies and militarization set the stage for the outbreak of World War II.
• The regime's propaganda portrayed war as a positive force, further entrenching militaristic values in German society.

Causes and Conduct of World War II

• Japan's imperial ambitions led to its invasion of Manchuria, driven by a need for natural resources.
• The staged attack on its own people in Manchuria exemplified Japan's militaristic strategy and manipulation of public perception.
• The Second Sino-Japanese War began with Japan's fabricated claims of a lost soldier, leading to a brutal invasion of China.
• The League of Nations' ineffectiveness in addressing these aggressions highlighted its weaknesses in maintaining international peace.
• Japan's dependency on American oil created tensions that would later contribute to the attack on Pearl Harbor.
• The attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in nearly 2000 American casualties and marked the United States' entry into WWII.

European Theater and the Outbreak of War

• The Treaty of Versailles was perceived as unjust by Germans, leading to widespread resentment and a desire for revision.
• Hitler's remilitarization of Germany and annexation of territories like Austria and the Sudetenland were met with appeasement from Britain and France.
• The secret pact between Hitler and Stalin to divide Poland marked a significant escalation in tensions leading to war.
• The invasion of Poland by Germany in 1939 prompted Britain and France to declare war, ending the period of appeasement.
• Germany's rapid military campaigns in Western Europe showcased the effectiveness of Blitzkrieg tactics, leading to the fall of France.
• The subsequent invasion of the Soviet Union opened a new front in the war, leading to a two-front conflict for Germany.

The Aftermath of World War II

• WWII resulted in an estimated 60 million casualties.
• The Holocaust led to the systematic murder of 6 million Jews and millions of others deemed undesirable.
• The aftermath of the war saw significant changes in gender roles, with women entering the workforce in unprecedented numbers.
• The United States' portrayal of women in industry was epitomized by the figure of 'Rosie the Riveter.'
• The division of Europe into Eastern and Western blocs became a defining feature of the post-war landscape, with communism dominating the East.
• The establishment of the United Nations aimed to foster international dialogue and prevent future conflicts, contrasting with the failures of the League of Nations.

Geopolitical Shifts and the Cold War

• The Atlantic Charter established principles for post-war governance, emphasizing self-determination for all peoples.
• The formation of the World Bank aimed to assist developing nations in overcoming poverty and rebuilding after the war.
• The Soviet Union's expansion into Eastern Europe raised concerns in the United States, leading to a policy of containment against communism.
• Japan's post-war relinquishment of colonies allowed for independence movements in Asia, including Korea.
• The Korean War resulted in a stalemate, dividing Korea into North and South, reflecting Cold War tensions.
• The Chinese Communist Party, led by Mao Zedong, gained support through land redistribution and promises to the rural poor, ultimately leading to the establishment of the People's Republic of China.