Background to WWI 2025 PDF

Learning Goal: what was happening in Europe in the 19th century that would explain the background causes of World War 1? What makes a Superpower at the th beginning of the 20 century? ◼ Political stability/strong leader ◼ Population and territory: people and size ◼ Raw reso...

Learning Goal: what was happening in Europe in the 19th century that would explain the background causes of World War 1? What makes a Superpower at the th beginning of the 20 century? ◼ Political stability/strong leader ◼ Population and territory: people and size ◼ Raw resources: many colonies that can provide resources ◼ Economic capability: the degree of industrialization ◼ Military strength: the size of your army and navy, weapons, etc. Where did we leave off in Grade 9 with regards to European history?? Downfall of Napoleon - 1815 After the Napoleonic Wars, the Congress of Vienna met. Why? ◼ When: 1815 ◼ Who: 5 major superpowers: – Austria-Hungary, Prussia, Russia, England, and France ◼ What/Why?: meeting to restore “balance of power” among the superpowers to prevent future wars. How? ▪ Map of Europe is redrawn: main powers’ territories restored and resized to be fairly even ▪ Old monarchies and aristocracy remain in power Europe would have peace for 100 years ▪ – backlash against revolutionary ideas! However, the forces of nationalism have ◼ Did it work? forever been awakened! Explain this statement… ”A state can’t exist without a nation, but a nation can exist without a state”. STATE: territory considered as an organized political community under one government – otherwise known as a “country”. NATION: refers to a group of people who feel bound together by shared culture, values, religion and/or language. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - Nations may exist within a state (Quebecois in Canada) or be stateless & spread among many countries (Kurds); or be a nation-state: state consistently of mainly one nation (Japan). Ex: Other examples: Punjabs in Northern India & Pakistan, Palestinians in the Middle East, Catalans in Spain, Scottish in UK, etc. Example: The Kurds What did Nationalism mean originally? ◼ Originally: the idea of people creating a state of people who shared the same language, culture, customs, religion, and rule themselves. They desire independence! ◼ Today: This definition has evolved today to mean a feeling that your nation is superior and better than any other. Did any countries form as a result of nationalism? Yes! In 1911, there were huge empires (states) with many nations trapped!  Age of Imperialism: 1492.. Definition: a policy of extending a country’s political and economic power and influence over another country through diplomacy or military force. A way to do that is by acquiring colonies. Where was left in1885? (FYI: South American had achieved independence by the early 1800s). Africa!!  Africa! 1822 Why Africa? ❖ Empire building was now fueled by new technology & industrialization: need inexpensive labour and resources: gold, diamonds, ivory, rubber, etc. ❖ Africa was left in shambles after the collapse of the slave trade (1860s) so easy to be taken over. ❖ New imperialism continued to be a way to extend your country’s power!  Scramble for Africa! Which countries had the most colonies? 1870-1914 How do you justify this??  See my notes in footer! ◼ “White Man’s Burden”: Charles Darwin came out with “Origin of Species” (1859) and the idea of ‘survival of the fittest’ was born ◼ It gave scientific basis for white man’s responsibility (ie: “burden”) to civilize the world. It justified racism and aligned with imperialist policy. Primary Documents – read and assess: can you see the imperialist language? An Empire such as ours requires as We went to new territories. We its first condition an imperial went there by virtue of the right of race—a race vigorous and a civilized, fully developed race to industrious and intrepid. Health of occupy territories which have been left fallow by backward peoples mind and body exalt a nation in who are plunged into barbarism the competition of the universe. and unable to develop the wealth The survival of the fittest is an of their land. What we exercised is absolute truth in the conditions of a right, and if anyone denies this, the modern world. you should firmly maintain that it is a right. - Lord Rosebery, British politician and Foreign - Martial Henri Merlin, Governor General of French Secretary, letter to the London Equatorial Africa, speech in 1910 Times, 1900. What was the British Dream? Imperialism from Cape to Cairo EGYPT SUDAN NIGERIA BRITISH EAST AFRICA RHODESIA BECHUANALAND SOUTH AFRICA The Rhodes Colossus  What does this mean? “The sun never sets in the British empire“ Should Germany get colonies too? ◼ Originally, German Chancellor Otto von German colonies Bismarck does not want colonies. Believes in philosophy of KAMERUN “realpolitik” 🡪 politics based on realistic goals, not idealism (ie: GERMAN EAST AFRICA nationalism/imperialism) ▪ He doesn’t want to anger GERMAN SOUTH WEST the UK AFRICA ▪ But under pressure from military elites and the public for Germany to add some colonies (glory & $$$)  What was the purpose of the Berlin Conference of 1884? It was a meeting between European superpowers to create rules on how to peacefully divide Africa among themselves for colonization. Basically to justify and authorize imperialism  The end of Bismarck: From Realpolitik to WELTPOLITIK ◼ The new German Kaiser Wilhelm II, wanted Germany to be a world power on the scale of the UK (he removes Bismarck) ▪ "We wish to throw no one into the shade, but we demand our own place in the sun.” Foreign Secretary Bernhard von Bülow ◼ WELTPOLITIK: world policy based on imperialism The famous “Hammer or an Anvil” speech – what does it mean? Foreign Secretary Bernhard von Bülow Summarize What was happening in Europe in the 19th century that would explain the background causes of World War 1 Next: Section 2: Causes of World War I: M.A.N.I.A