Journey Through History PDF Study Notes 20th Century Conflicts

Journey Through History - New Topic-based Series Study Notes Topic 9 International conflicts and crises in the 20th century (I) – the two world wars Journey Through History - New Topic-based Series Study Notes Topic 9: International conflicts...

Journey Through History - New Topic-based Series Study Notes Topic 9 International conflicts and crises in the 20th century (I) – the two world wars Journey Through History - New Topic-based Series Study Notes Topic 9: International conflicts and crises in the 20th century (I) – ↑ the two world wars ©2022 Aristo Educational Press Ltd. HN3A_T9_SN-1  Journey Through History - New Topic-based Series Study Notes Topic 9 International conflicts and crises in the 20th century (I) – the two world wars Background and causes of the war (p.8-12) Pre-war conflicts and immediate cause (p.13-15) - Economic and colonial competition  The Moroccan Crises (1905-1906 and 1911) - Armaments race  The Bosnian Crisis (1908) - Alliance system  The Balkan Wars (1912 and 1913) WWI - Extreme nationalism  Immediate cause of the war: the Sarajevo Incident (1914) Austro-Serbian War (regional conflict) became a world war (1914-1918) (p.17-19) Problems left behind by WWI Failure of the Paris Peace Conference (p.22-25) - Major settlements: Signing the Treaty of Versailles with Economic problems in the inter-war Germany, achieving national self-determination, forming a period (p.26-28) collective security system - Economic downturn after WWI - Discontent of Italy and Germany about the settlements - The Great Depression (1929-1933) - Hidden dangers in national self-determination Affected the attitudes of Britain, France and the U.S Paved the way for Rise of totalitarianism (p.29-35) Attempts at collective security and their failure (p.40-43) - Totalitarianism in Italy: Fascism - Setbacks of the League of Nations WWII - Totalitarianism in Germany: Nazism - Appeasement policy of Britain and France - Totalitarianism in Japan: Militarism - Isolationism of the United States - The Soviet Union drawn closer to Germany Started Encourage Aggressions of the totalitarian countries in the 1930s (p.36-38) - Aggressions in Europe, Asia and Africa, leading to many international crises Events leading to the war and immediate cause (p.45) - Further expansion of Germany and Italy (March-April 1939) - The immediate cause: German invasion of Poland (September 1939) The Second World War (1939-1945) (p.46-47) A. Introduction to the two world wars  The first half of the 20th century saw the outbreak of two world wars.  The Second World War (referred to as WWII) is often regarded as a continuation of the First World War (referred to as WWI). 1. The First World War (1914-1918)  In the early 20th century, European nationalism became extreme.  The powers sought to have greater influence. This caused a number of international crises.  The outbreak of the Austro-Serbian War in 1914 marked the start of the First ©2022 Aristo Educational Press Ltd. HN3A_T9_SN-2  Journey Through History - New Topic-based Series Study Notes Topic 9 International conflicts and crises in the 20th century (I) – the two world wars World War. 2. The Second World War (1939-1945)  The peace conference after the First World War failed to resolve international crises. Alongside the problematic post-war economy, totalitarian countries emerged in Europe and Asia.  Their invasions sparked another world war in 1939. The First World War The Second World War Period 1914-1918 1939-1945 Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Axis Powers (Germany, Italy, Japan, etc.) Rival Camps Bulgaria, etc.) and Allied Powers (Britain, and Allied Powers (Britain, France, the France, Russia, Japan, the United States, etc.) United States, the Soviet Union, China, etc.)     Failure of the Paris Peace Conference  Economic and colonial competition Economic problems in the inter-war  Armaments race  period  Alliance system  Causes Rise of totalitarianism and aggression  Extreme nationalism  Failure of collective security Pre-war conflicts Immediate cause: German invasion of Immediate cause: the Sarajevo Incident Poland Main Europe Europe, Asia and Africa battlefields ©2022 Aristo Educational Press Ltd. HN3A_T9_SN-3 Journey Through History - New Topic-based Series Study Notes Topic 9 International conflicts and crises in the 20th century (I) – the two world wars B. International relations and reasons for conflicts before the two world wars 1. The First World War Guiding Question  What were the background and causes of the First World War? (a) International situation before the war  In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Britain, Germany, France, Austria- Hungary and Russia were called 'European powers'. - They had strong economic and military power, and dominated world affairs.  However, relations between the European powers became tense. - Economic and colonial competition, alliance system, armaments race and extreme nationalism led to suspicion and hatred. - The unstable European situation paved the way for a world war. 1. Rise of Germany and its 'world politics' Germany quickly emerged as a European power after 1871. It adopted an expansionist foreign policy called 'world politics'. Britain believed that Germany was a threat and thus their relations deteriorated. Take back the territory!! 1. Hostility between France and Germany France was defeated in the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871). Germany also tried to isolate France afterwards. France wanted to take revenge on Germany, get back its land and end its diplomatic isolation. 1. Ambitions of Austria-Hungary and Russia in the Balkans The Balkans After losing its control of Central Europe, Austria-Hungary hoped to expand in the Balkans in Southeastern Europe. Russia supported the expansion of Serbia, also a Slavic nation, in the Balkans. AustroRussian relations worsened. (b) Background and causes of the war (i) Economic and colonial competition ©2022 Aristo Educational Press Ltd. HN3A_T9_SN-4 Journey Through History - New Topic-based Series Study Notes Topic 9 International conflicts and crises in the 20th century (I) – the two world wars Overview  In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the European powers restricted the import of goods to protect their own industrial development.  They also competed for overseas colonies to get markets and resources.  During this period, Africa, South Asia and Southeast Asia were almost entirely partitioned among the powers. Effects  Economic and colonial competition caused conflicts among the European powers.  To protect their own interests, they formed alliances and expanded their armaments. The armaments race among the powers was then intensified. (ii) Armaments race Forms  In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the European powers competed in expanding armies and armaments to protect their national security and overseas interests. The race took the following forms: - Army race: They introduced conscription to build up large armies. - Arms race: They developed new and more powerful weapons. - Naval race: They built powerful battleships. Britain and Germany were the chief rivals. They competed in building 'dreadnoughts' from 1906. Effects  The armaments race increased tensions and made war more likely.  The European powers thought they were strong when they had a lot of weapons. - They would not give way easily when they had quarrels with other countries.  The armaments race made the Europeans more warlike. - They believed that war could bring glory to their countries. - They supported going to war to solve problems. (iii) Alliance system Triple Alliance and Triple Entente  1882: To isolate France, Germany formed the Triple Alliance with Austria- Hungary and Italy. ©2022 Aristo Educational Press Ltd. HN3A_T9_SN-5 Journey Through History - New Topic-based Series Study Notes Topic 9 International conflicts and crises in the 20th century (I) – the two world wars  1907: Russia, Britain and France formed the Triple Entente.  Europe was divided into two rival camps. Effects  The situation in Europe became tenser.  The alliances were made in secret. - This caused suspicion and fear among the powers.  The powers thought they were supported by their allies. - They would not give way easily when they had quarrels with other countries.  As each had allies, a small quarrel between two powers would involve more powers, leading to a major conflict and even a general war. The two rival camps in Europe in 1907 Triple Alliance Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy Triple Entente Britain, France, Russia (iv) Extreme nationalism Rise  Nationalism is the desire of people of the same race and culture to govern themselves.  It became extreme in Europe in the early 20th century. - Europeans supported territorial expansion to gain national glory and the use of force to solve conflicts.  Extreme nationalism triggered some threatening national movements in Europe.  France was determined to take revenge on Germany for its defeat France: Revenge in the Franco-Prussian War and to get back Alsace-Lorraine from against Germany Germany.  Pan-Germanism promoted the idea of uniting all Germans in Germany: Europe to build a 'Greater Germanic Empire'. Pan-Germanism  Some Pan-Germanists even believed that Germans were the most superior race and they hoped to conquer the world.  Russia's Pan-Slavism advocated bringing all Slavs in Europe under Russia: Pan-Slavism Russian leadership. Therefore, Russia supported Slavic states, including Serbia, to expand in the Balkans. Serbia:  Serbia wanted to unite the Serbians in Austria-Hungary and the Greater Serbia Balkans to form a “Greater Serbia’. Austria-Hungary:  After the 1860s, Austria-Hungary lost control of Central Europe. Expanding into the To regain national glory, it started to expand into the Balkans.  Austria-Hungary also severely suppressed Slavic separatist ©2022 Aristo Educational Press Ltd. HN3A_T9_SN-6 Journey Through History - New Topic-based Series Study Notes Topic 9 International conflicts and crises in the 20th century (I) – the two world wars Balkans activities to combat Pan-Slavism within the country. Effects  Extreme nationalists supported their countries to adopt a strong foreign policy and even to wage war to achieve national goals.  Extreme nationalism intensified the tensions in Europe. It also led to many crises in Africa and the Balkans. These crises worsened international relations. (c) Pre-war conflicts and immediate cause (i) The Moroccan Crises (1905-1906 and 1911) The First Moroccan Crisis (1905-1906)  1905: Kaiser William II visited Morocco to show support for the independence of Morocco. This hindered France's plan to acquire Morocco.  France, Britain and Russia later joined together against Germany. - They diplomatically defeated Germany, which was supported by Austria- Hungary only. The Second Moroccan Crisis (1911)  1911: France sent troops to Morocco to suppress the riots there. Germany sent a gunboat to the Moroccan port of Agadir. - Britain and France were prepared to go to war with Germany. Eventually, Germany gave in.  1912: Morocco became a French protectorate. ©2022 Aristo Educational Press Ltd. HN3A_T9_SN-7 Journey Through History - New Topic-based Series Study Notes Topic 9 International conflicts and crises in the 20th century (I) – the two world wars Effects  After the first crisis, France, Britain and Russia drew closer. - They formed the Triple Entente in 1907.  Germany became more hostile to Britain and France, but valued more the alliance with Austria-Hungary, its only supporter in the crises.  The Moroccan Crises further divided Europe into two rival camps and increased tensions in Europe. (ii) The Bosnian Crisis (1908)  1908: Austria-Hungary annexed Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Balkans. - Serbia was angry about this because it also wanted to get these two places.  Serbia asked Russia for help. Germany supported Austria-Hungary. - Europe was brought very close to war.  Russia eventually advised Serbia to accept the annexation. - Hostility intensified between Austria-Hungary and Serbia after the crisis. (iii) The Balkan Wars (1912 and 1913) The First Balkan War (1912)  1912: Serbia, Bulgaria, Montenegro and Greece formed the Balkan League and declared war on the Ottoman Empire (Turkey). - The Ottoman Empire was defeated and lost almost all its territories in the Balkans. The Second Balkan War (1913)  1913: The Balkan League split up because of territorial disputes.  Bulgaria attacked Serbia and Greece. The Second Balkan War started. - Bulgaria was defeated and lost most of the territories it got from the First Balkan War. Effects  Serbia's territories were greatly enlarged after the Balkan Wars. - However, it failed to acquire access to the Adriatic Sea as an independent Albania, supported by Austria-Hungary, was founded.  Anti-Austrian sentiment grew stronger in Serbia. - Austro-Serbia relations further worsened. ©2022 Aristo Educational Press Ltd. HN3A_T9_SN-8 Journey Through History - New Topic-based Series Study Notes Topic 9 International conflicts and crises in the 20th century (I) – the two world wars The Balkans in 1912 (left) and in 1913 (right) (iv) Immediate cause of the war: the Sarajevo Incident (1914)  On June 28, 1914, Princip, a Bosnian student, assassinated the heir to the Austrian throne, Archduke Ferdinand, and his wife in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia.  Princip was associated with an anti-Austrian secret society in Serbia. - Austria-Hungary accused Serbia of causing the incident. (d) Outbreak of the war  After the Sarajevo Incident, Austria-Hungary wanted to crush Serbia once and for all.  With the support of Germany, Austria-Hungary sent an ultimatum to Serbia on July 23. It also demanded that Serbia reply to the ultimatum within 48 hours.  The main terms of the ultimatum included: - Serbia had to stop all anti-Austrian activities; - Serbia had to dismiss all its anti-Austrian officials; - Austria-Hungary would send officials to Serbia to ensure that the demands were carried out.  Serbia accepted most of the terms upon the advice of Russia. However, it refused to allow Austrian officials to enter the country.  When Britain failed in its attempt to mediate, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia on July 28. ©2022 Aristo Educational Press Ltd. HN3A_T9_SN-9 Journey Through History - New Topic-based Series Study Notes Topic 9 International conflicts and crises in the 20th century (I) – the two world wars  As other countries joined the war successively, the Austro-Serbian War became a world war.  Therefore, the Sarajevo Incident is seen as the immediate cause of the First World War. 2. The Second World War Guiding Question  What were the background and causes of the Second World War? (a) International situation after the First World War  Post-war problems cast a shadow over the prospect of peace. - Faced with post-war social and economic problems, Britain and France were unable and unwilling to intervene in European affairs. - The governments of Germany and Italy lost support as people were dissatisfied with the post-war arrangements.  As post-war problems continued to trouble Europe, coupled with the economic crisis of the late 1920s, the international situation underwent a drastic change.  Germany, Italy and Japan all started invasions, intensifying the threat of another world war. 1. Discontent of Germany and Italy The defeated Germany signed the harsh Treaty of Versailles. Germans were very angry about it. The victorious Italians failed to get the lands promised by the Allied Powers. They accused their government of incompetence. We were betrayed 1. Japan's rapid expansion During the First World War, Japan signed a secret treaty with Britain, France and the United States to ensure that its interests in Asia were not China threatened. After the war, Japan's rapid expansion into China and the Pacific region alarmed the Americans. 1. Weakened Britain and France, and isolationist United States When will we be employed again? Britain and France suffered serious losses and the process of reconstruction was slow. Though the United States was a major decision-maker in the post-war peace conference, it quickly returned to its isolationist policy (b) Failure of the Paris Peace Conference (1919) (i) Calling of Paris Peace Conference  In 1919, the victorious countries held the Paris Peace Conference to discuss the peace settlement.  Leaders of the United States, Britain and France dominated the conference. - They were known as the 'Big Three'. The 'Big Three' Aims Wilson To maintain world peace (American President)  proposed the Fourteen Points as basis for the peace settlement ©2022 Aristo Educational Press Ltd. HN3A_T9_SN-10 Journey Through History - New Topic-based Series Study Notes Topic 9 International conflicts and crises in the 20th century (I) – the two world wars  opposed punishing Germany harshly in order not to deepen the enmity among the powers To weaken Germany permanently Clemenceau  demanded Germany return the French land gained in the Franco- (French Prime Prussian War Minister)  demanded harsh punishment on Germany in order to weaken Germany permanently To maintain a balance of power Lloyd George  wanted to maintain a balance of power and did not want to see (British Prime Germany weakened too much Minister)  wanted to take over German colonies and maintain Britain's naval supremacy  The defeated countries were not invited to the conference or consulted about the peace terms. - They signed separate peace treaties between 1919 and 1920 and were punished. - Germany was punished most heavily. (ii) Major settlements Signing the Treaty of Versailles (June 1919)  According to the treaty, Germany had to disarm, pay reparations and cede some land. It also had to accept the war-guilt clause, bearing full responsibility for causing the war. ©2022 Aristo Educational Press Ltd. HN3A_T9_SN-11 Journey Through History - New Topic-based Series Study Notes Topic 9 International conflicts and crises in the 20th century (I) – the two world wars Achieving national self-determination  In accordance with the principle of national self-determination, the defeated countries ceded territories to peoples of Eastern Europe. - New independent nation-states such as Hungary and Czechoslovakia were established. Forming a collective security system  President Wilson's proposal to form an international peacekeeping body was adopted.  1920: The League of Nations was set up. - It aimed to maintain peace through collective security. - Countries would take collective actions to solve international conflicts. (iii) Discontent of Italy and Germany Italy - failed to get all the lands promised  Italy did not get all the lands promised by the Allied Powers at the Paris Peace Conference.  The Italians felt betrayed by their allies and blamed their government for being unable to protect national interests. They wanted to have a strong leader to bring national glory. Germany - punished too harshly  The Germans felt that the Treaty of Versailles was harsh, and it was unfair for Germany to accept the war-guilt clause.  They wanted to take revenge and were discontented with their Weimar Republic government. They longed for a strong leader to overthrow the treaty and rebuild national glory. The main terms of the Treaty of Versailles  The German army was reduced to 100,000; no tanks, submarines or fighter planes were allowed  The Rhineland would become a demilitarized zone  Had to give up all its colonies  Had to cede 13% of its land to neighbouring countries  Had to pay reparations amounting to 6.6 billion pounds over 42 years  Had to accept the war-guilt clause  Germany and Austria were forbidden to be unified ©2022 Aristo Educational Press Ltd. HN3A_T9_SN-12