History Revision PDF

Progressive Ideas and Movements ○ Capitalism - An economic and political system in which a country's trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit. From the 16th to the 18th century in England, developed out of feudalism and me...

Progressive Ideas and Movements ○ Capitalism - An economic and political system in which a country's trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit. From the 16th to the 18th century in England, developed out of feudalism and mercantilism in Europe and dramatically expanded industrialization and the large-scale availability of mass-market consumer goods ○ Socialism - A political and economic theory of social organisation which advocates that the means of production, distribution, and exchange should be owned or regulated by the community as a whole. Socialism was developed in the late 18th-19th century in western European countries as a result of the rapid increase in capitalism ○ Nationalism - Identification with one's own nation and support for its interests, especially to the exclusion or detriment of the interests of other nations. 19th century ○ Imperialism - A policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force. late 1870s by opponents of the allegedly aggressive and ostentatious imperial policies of British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli. ○ Darwinism - The theory of the evolution of species by natural selection advanced by Charles Darwin. Charles Darwin's 1859 book On the Origin of Species ○ Chartism - The aim of the Chartists was to gain political rights and influence for the working classes. Chartism was a working class movement which emerged in 1836 in London. ○ Egalitarianism - A philosophy based on equality, namely that all people are equal and deserve equal treatment in all things.  The Enlightenment - An intellectual and cultural movement in the eighteenth century that emphasized reason over superstition and science over blind faith. ○ Main features Skepticism - To doubt something is true or useful Reason - The power by which humans understand the universe and improve their own condition Individualism - Developing one's own talents to the highest degree and living life for one's own sake rather than for the sake of the state or the church Liberty - Freedom of religion, freedom of the press, and freedom from unreasonable government Secularism - A worldview or political principle that separates religion from other realms of human existence Equality - The idea that all men were created equal and that no one should be born into more power than another. Fraternity - The idea of brotherhood and solidarity among citizens of a nation and inculcates a sense of unity, social harmony, and mutual respect among individuals ○ Enlightenment Thinkers Francis Bacon - Born in the late 16th century and became Lord Chancellor in England under King James I. Rene Descartes - René Descartes was a French mathematician and philosopher during the 17th century. He is often considered a precursor to the rationalist school of thought. Edmond Halley - Edmond Halley was an English astronomer and mathematician who was the first to calculate the orbit of a comet later named after him. John Locke - A British philosopher, Oxford academic and medical researcher Jean-Jaques Rousseau - Swiss-born philosopher, writer, and political theorist whose treatises and novels inspired the leaders of the French Revolution and the Romantic generation.  The Industrial Revolution - The process of change from an agrarian (relates to farming/ agriculture) and handicraft economy to one dominated by industry and machine manufacturing. The French Revolution ○ Causes Enlightenment Ideas - Fraternity, Equality and Liberty The Failing French Economy - Having spent large amounts of money funding wars in the Americas, France found itself with little left to run the country. This, combined with extravagant spending by King Louis XVI and his court, left France deeply in debt. King Louis XVI’s Poor Ruling - During his rule, the economic situation in France worsened (Louis). While Louis and Marie lived a lavish life of parties and riches, while his people were starving and in poverty. ○ Key Events The Collapse of the Estates-General (June 20th 1789) - When members of the Third Estate – which represents ‘the people’ – form their own National Assembly, to campaign for constitutional reform. The Tennis Court Oath (June 20th 1789) - The men of the National Assembly swore an oath never to stop meeting until a constitution had been established. The Storming of the Bastille (July 14th 1789) - Rebels storm the prison fortress of the Bastille, a symbol of royal authority. Paris falls from the King’s control. The Establishment of the French Republic (September 22nd 1792) - Revolutionaries arrest the King. This proclaimed the abolition of the monarchy and established the French Republic. The King is tried and executed as a traitor. The Reign of Terror Begins (June 1793) - France goes to war with various European powers. Infighting within the National Convention leads to the radical Montagnards taking power. This marks the start of the bloody Reign of Terror (la Terreur), a year-long period in which suspected enemies of the revolution are killed in their thousands.  The Directory Takes Power (1795) - The Directory takes power in France in 1795. The internal political situation remains unstable. There follows a period of successes in war: what is now Belgium is annexed, the Dutch Republic surrenders and peace is made with the Prussians and Spanish. The Start of the Napoleonic Era (November 9th 1799) - The Directory’s four years in power are a failure. Bonaparte stages a coup d’état, abolishing the Directory and appointing himself France’s ‘first consul’. This marks the end of the French Revolution. The European Imperial Expansion - The five-centuries-long quest by European countries to acquire territory outside of Europe. Australians at War in WWI (1914 - 1918) and WWII (1939 - 1944) ○ Causes of WWI Militarism European countries competed to build strong militaries, creating fear and the need for alliances. Many people believed war was good for nations. Germany tried to grow its navy, but Britain focused on keeping control of the seas. Governments often made military threats seem worse than they were and didn’t realize how deadly a big European war could be. Alliances A web of alliances were formed, the triple Alliance of 1882 which was between Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy as well as the triple Entente of 1907 Which linked France, Britain and Russia. Imperialism Imperial competition led countries to form alliances, using colonies as bargaining tools and causing conflicts and agreements between nations. For example, the Russo-Japanese War over China helped create the Triple Entente. Germany’s invasion of Belgium and France was partly driven by resentment toward the expanding British and French empires, but there’s little evidence that Germany aimed to build a European empire in 1914.  Nationalism Nationalism became a strong source of tension in Europe, often clashing with imperial powers and creating new areas of competition. The Habsburg Empire struggled to maintain unity among its many nationalities, especially Slavic groups in Galicia and the Balkans, whose nationalist goals threatened imperial stability. Balkan nationalism also attracted Russia’s interest in the region. Assassiantion of Archduke Franz Ferdinand The plotters hoped that by killing Franz Ferdinand, they would provoke the Austro-Hungarian Empire to declare war on Serbia. That is when their supportive friend Russia, they hoped, would leap to the defense of Serbia, defeat the Habsburg armies, and help the Bosnian Serbs win their independence. Interwar period ○ Why Did WW1 End With Germany on the verge of chaos and civil war, Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated, resulting in the country becoming a republic and its new leader, Chancellor Friedrich Ebert, asking the Allies for an armistice. Finally, the fighting was over. At 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, 1918 — the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month—the guns fell silent. ○ The Armistice The German delegation was given 72 hours to accept the terms, which were purposefully severe to prevent Germany from resuming fighting. These included complete demilitarization, the evacuation of France, Belgium and Alsace-Lorraine, and the immediate release of Allied prisoners of war and interned civilians. ○ How Did The Armistice/ The Treaty of Versailles Lead to WW2 Germany’s road to World War II began with its defeat in World War I, which sparked the false “stab-in-the-back” myth blaming Jews and leftists for the loss. Economic crises, including 1920s hyperinflation and the Great Depression, fueled political instability, leading to rising support for the Nazi Party, which capitalized on promises to restore German honor, tear up the Treaty of Versailles, and expand territory. Once in power, the Nazis pursued a racially driven agenda, targeting Jewish, Slavic, Black, and Roma populations while seeking “living space” in the east. ○ The Treaty of Versailles The treaty forced Germany to reduce its military, give up land, hand over accused war criminals, allow Kaiser Wilhelm to face trial, accept the independence of former territories, and pay damages to the Allied powers. ○ The WW2 Outbreak in Europe Sparked by the 1939 Nazi invasion of Poland, the war dragged on for six bloody years until the Allies defeated the Axis powers of Nazi Germany, Japan and Italy in 1945. Explore the battles, leaders and atrocities from the war and its impact on geopolitics and humankind. ○ Nature of WW2 Warfare Weaponry - Rifles, Automatic Rifles, Semi-Automatic Rifles, Submarines, Aircraft Fighters, Bombers, Ground-Attack Aircraft, tanks, Machine guns The Atomic Bomb - the United States detonated two atomic bombs over the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, respectively. Fat Man (Nagasaki) and Little Boy (Hiroshima). Trench Warfare - Trench warfare is a type of land warfare using occupied lines largely comprising military trenches, in which combatants are well-protected from the enemy's small arms fire and are substantially sheltered from artillery. Blitzkrieg (Lightning War) - Blitzkrieg, focused on concentrated offensive strikes to breach enemy defenses. Armored divisions then advanced rapidly, creating chaos and disrupting enemy lines. German air power hindered enemy resupply and reinforcements, enabling encirclement and forcing surrender. ○ Australian Battles in WW1 September 1st 1914 - December 9th 1914 The Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force (AN&MEF) seized German New Guinea and nearby German-ruled island territories. December 21st 1914 The formation of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC). April 25th 1915 The Anzacs arrive at Gallipoli. December 18th 1915 - December 20th 1915 The Anzacs evacuated Gallipoli March 1916 Australia joins the western front July 19th 1916 The Battle of Fromelles was a disastrous failure for Australian forces, resulting in over 5,500 casualties, the greatest single-day loss for Australia in WWI. July 23rd 1916 - September 3rd 1916 Australians managed to capture the village of Pozières, whereupon they were subjected to relentless artillery bombardment that reduced the village to rubble and inflicted a heavy toll among the allied troops. June 7th 1917 Plumer's force of New Zealand, Irish, Australian, Canadian and British troops took their objectives within a matter of hours and 7,000 German soldiers were captured. German counterattacks failed to retake the territory they had lost.  October 26th 1917 an unsuccessful Allied attempt to break out of the Ypres salient that resulted in over 250,000 Allied casualties and failed to achieve its objectives. April 5th 1918 The Battle of Villers-Bretonneux was a critical defensive victory for the Allies, where Australian and British troops repelled a major German offensive and retook the strategically important town of Villers-Bretonneux. ○ Australian Battles in WW2 May 4th 1942 - May 8th 1942 The Battle of the Coral Sea prevented the Japanese capture of Port Moresby, marked the first carrier-vs-carrier battle fought entirely with aircraft, involved combined US and Australian forces including HMAS Australia, and delivered a strategic Allied victory that weakened Japanese naval power. July 1942 - November 1942 The Kokoda Track Campaign halted the Japanese advance towards Australia, showcased Australian endurance and bravery in challenging jungle warfare, secured Papua New Guinea, and was critical for Australia’s defense while enhancing its military reputation. August 25th 1942 - September 7th 1942 The Battle of Milne Bay marked the first clear land defeat of Japanese forces in the Pacific, achieved through superior intelligence, Australian-led numerical strength, combined Australian and US defense, and effective Allied preparation and coordination. October 23rd 1942 - November 11th 1942 The Second Battle of El Alamein was a decisive Allied victory in North Africa, with the 9th Australian Division playing a key role, ending the Axis threat, showcasing combined arms tactics, and paving the way for the Allied invasion of Axis-held territories.  November 16th 1942 - January 22nd 1943 Allied forces, through intense jungle warfare and significant Australian-American cooperation, overcame heavily fortified Japanese defenses in New Guinea, securing Papua and ensuring regional dominance despite high casualties. March 2nd 1943 - March 4th 1943 Allied forces, leveraging air superiority, advanced intelligence, and joint coordination between the US Navy, RAN, USAAF, and RAAF, successfully halted Japanese reinforcements to Lae, New Guinea, demonstrating the effectiveness of air-naval cooperation in the Pacific War. ○ Australian Enlistment in WW1 and WW2 Enlistment in WW1 At the start of WWI, many Australians felt loyal to Britain, with most recent migrants from the UK. Initially, people enlisted for pay, adventure, or to serve the Empire. After heavy losses at Gallipoli and the Western Front, enlistment was driven more by duty and patriotism. Enlistment in WW2 Australians enlisted in WWII out of patriotism, a desire to protect Australia and the British Empire, and the call to adventure, with many later joining to defend against the Japanese threat, inspired by the Anzac tradition. ○ The Gallipoli Campaign Early on the morning of 25 April 1915, Allied forces landed on the Gallipoli peninsula in Ottoman Türkiye. The Gallipoli Campaign was a land-based element of a broad strategy to defeat the Ottoman Empire. Over 8 months, the Anzacs advanced little further than the positions they had taken on that first day of the landings. By November 1915, it was clear that the stalemate was not likely to be broken, and the Anzacs were evacuated from the peninsula with very few casualties. The Gallipoli Campaign was a military defeat, but the battles fought on Gallipoli established the military reputation of the original Anzacs. ○ The Kokoda Campaign The Kokoda Trail was a crucial battleground during World War II, where Australian and Japanese forces fought a series of desperate battles in the rugged terrain of Papua New Guinea. The Japanese attempted to capture Port Moresby by advancing along the Kokoda Trail, but were ultimately pushed back by the Australians in a costly campaign. The fighting on the Kokoda Trail was some of the most intense encountered by Australian troops during the war, with over 2,200 Australian casualties. The successful defense of the trail ensured that Allied bases in northern Australia would not be threatened by the Japanese. ○ Prisoners of War WW1 The prisoners of war were forced to work under harsh conditions, with limited food and shelter. However, some officer camps provided better living conditions. The Red Cross played a crucial role in supporting the prisoners by sending food parcels. The story of Douglas Grant, an Aboriginal Australian prisoner who was treated relatively well, is also highlighted. Overall, the webpage provides a glimpse into the difficult lives of Australian POWs in German captivity during the war. WW2 Allied prisoners of war held by the Japanese during World War II endured horrific treatment, including malnutrition, disease, torture, and forced labor. Many were executed or died on "hell ships" transporting them to Japan and other locations. Despite this, the POWs resisted and sabotaged their captors whenever possible. Their stories demonstrate incredible strength and resilience, though the long-term physical and mental toll was immense. ○ Women at War WW1 During World War I, many Australian women took on new roles to support the war effort, such as serving as nurses, volunteering with the Red Cross, and working in military support roles. While most women remained in traditional homemaker roles, the war led to some expansion of employment opportunities for women in areas like commercial work, professional roles, and transportation. The contributions of Australian women during the war were commemorated, though to a lesser extent than the Anzac legend focused on the experiences of men. WW2 Women made crucial contributions to the Australian home front during World War II, taking on jobs traditionally held by men. Many joined the Women's Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF), Australian Women's Army Service (AWAS), and other organizations, serving as coders, munitions workers, drivers, and more. Their service was vital, but they often faced challenges and discrimination, with employers paying them less than their male counterparts. ○ The Impact on the Soldiers and civilians WW1 Beyond the heavy military losses, WW1 disrupted the economy, fueled political divisions over conscription, and led to the persecution of "enemy aliens” (Foreigner resident in a country with which his country is at war). The debates over conscription were especially bitter, splitting the Australian Labor Party and shifting the political landscape to the right. The war also triggered industrial unrest and a rise in xenophobia (dislike of or prejudice against people from other countries), with thousands of "enemy aliens" interned and deported. Overall, the war inflicted significant damage on the Australian home front.  WW2 During World War II, the Australian home front experienced attacks, fear, and uncertainty as Japan advanced in the Pacific. The government implemented measures to increase manpower for the war effort, and civilians were expected to make economic and social sacrifices. Despite the hardships, many Australians remember this time for its sense of unity and people working hard together. Compare how WWI and WWII affected the lives of Australians on the home front?