Final Essay
“The soldiers who marched off to war in the summer of 1914 thought they would win a quick victory. However, the war lasted four years and was filled with horrors never before seen.” (World History: Chapter 27; Section 2; The Belligerents, Pg.709) What in the world sparked such a controversial situation as this one? The answer to this is the assassination of the Archduke Francis Ferdinand of Austria & his wife the Duchess of Hohenberg by Serb nationalist Gavrilo Princip on June 28, 1914 during their visit to Sarajevo, Bosnia. (http://www.firstworldwar.com/source/harrachmemoir.htm) This bloody war was separated by two sets of powers, the Allied Powers consisting of Russia, the British Empire, France, Italy, the United States, Romania, Serbia, and Belgium; the Central Powers consisted of Germany, Austria-Hungary, Turkey, and Bulgaria. The war ended November 11, 1918 on the 11th day of the 11th month at 11:00 in the morning. (http://www.firstworldwar.com/onthisday/1918_11_11.htm) At the closing of World War I, surely many were asking to what extent was German aggression to blame for the start of World War I? Well, look at the picture this way, Germany may not have in truth started the war itself, but it definitely ignited the train of countries fighting. It was the first to mobilize its troops and weaponry, and it influenced Austria-Hungary to attack the Serbians.
Shortly after the assassination of the Archduke Francis Ferdinand of Austria occurred, Germany took charge in place of Austria-Hungary, and declared war on Serbia. (http://www.firstworldwar.com/timeline/1914.htm) “It took the Austro-Hungarian government four weeks to send an ultimatum to Belgrade, demanding far-reaching powers to investigate the murder and the implication of the Serb government. The Serb government accepted most clauses but rejected some, knowing well that this would mean war with Austria. Russia had encouraged Serbia not to give in completely. Austria-Hungary was unwilling to consider a compromise and declared war on Serbia on 28 July.” (Raffael Scheck, Article: German Responsibility for the Outbreak of the War; http://www.firstworldwar.com/features/germanresponsibility.htm). The Germans put themselves in a position which made it seem that they were victims of the assassination of the Archduke Francis Ferdinand of Austria.
“As I write, Germany is reported to have declared war against Russia and France … Nothing like it has occurred since the great Napoleonic wars … All of Europe is to be a battle-ground … The future looks dark indeed.” (William Howard Taft, “A Message to the People of the United States”) July 28, 1914 marked the beginning of a dark four years. Since the Napoleonic period (one hundred years ago) no war had ever affected large areas of Europe. “The Franco-German war of 1870-71 had been the last violent conflict between industrially advanced nations in Europe. It had been decided within a few weeks. Fast mobilization, massive gun power, fast communications (telegraph), and the support of railroads …” (Raffael Scheck: http://www.firstworldwar.com/features/germanresponsibility.htm) On August 4, 1914, German soldiers disrespected the Belgian neutrality guarantee and marched straight through Belgium on to France. Germany also persuaded Bulgaria, a Slavic rival of Serbia, to enter the war on its side in October 1915.
If Germany would’ve just minded its business it wouldn’t have stirred up such a controversial situation which eventually led to the war. Austria-Hungary and Serbia could’ve simply worked this out on their own, without the negative influences of other countries intervening.
Another reason to blame German aggression for the start of World War I is the advance weaponry of Germany. The weapons in World War I were mass-produced using the same efficient methods used for manufacturing other products of the new industrial age. Each side of the war used weapons that had never been tried before. Allied shipping suffered greatly because of the attacks from German U-boats. The Germans also introduced poison gas as a weapon against enemy infantry. (World History: Chapter 27; Section 2; Innovations in Warfare, Pg.710) Machine guns were shot left and right, and there were fights battled in mid-air on war planes. In 1916 Britain introduced the war tank, a heavily armored vehicle with guns mounted on it.
The gruesome war was fought hiding in trenches most of the time by both sides. It was constant stalemate between the two powers. The Germans pulled out many intelligent tactics and plans and decided to use poison gas. “The German attack through Belgium and into France in August 1914 quickly stalled into a static trench war. Germany, looking to break the deadlock, decided that a possible solution was the use of poison gas.“(Brian Blodgett: Germany’s use of Chemical Warfare in World War 1).
As I previously mentioned the Germans invaded Belgium, completely disregarding the nation’s neutrality. Belgium’s neutrality agreement stated that they wouldn’t help any belligerents, or warring nations. Mostly all great powers agreed not to attack, but not Germany. Belgium’s location between Germany and France became highly important. The Germans wanted to be done and over with defeating France so they scoffed at the 1839 guarantee of Belgian Neutrality and marched right through on August 4, 1914. After four years of terror-filled war, the fighting ceased on November 11, 1918. The eleventh day, of the eleventh month, at 11:00. “By the autumn the German Army was no longer able to continue fighting. With revolution imminent, Germany’s political leadership petitioned for an armistice. It took effect at 11am on 11 November – the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. The war was over, and with its end many of the European dynasties fell.” (http://www.firstworldwar.com/timeline/1918.htm).
In sum, there are many factors to which German aggression to blame for the start of World War I. The Germans took control of the Austrian-Hungarians and convinced them to declare war on Serbia on account of the assassination of the Archduke Francis Ferdinand of Austria. The German’s advanced technology and mobilization of weapons opened the eyes of allying countries of both powers. Obviously, the easiest and quickest way to be done and over with the defeating of the French was to cut right through Belgium disregarding the nation’s neutrality guarantee. As you can see there are many valid points and reasons to blame the German’s for their unnecessary aggression for the start of World War I.
Pg.710 #1,2,4
#1
Propaganda: Ideas, facts, or rumors spread deliberately to further one’s cause or to damage an opposing cause.
War of Attrition: Slow wearing-down manner of warfare in which each side tries to outlast the other.
Contraband: War materials supplied by a neutral nation to a belligerent one.
Atrocities: Brutal crimes of war, often committed against civilians.
#2
Central Powers: World War I alliance
Allied Powers: Alliance that uncluded Great Britain, France, Russia (later, the Soviet Union), the United States, and other countries during World Wars I and II.
U-Boats: German submarines used in World War I.
Woodrow Wilson: 28th President of the United States; led the United States in World War I and secured the formation of the League of Nations (1856-1924).
Arthur Zimmermann: Arthur Zimmermann (1854-1940) was responsible as German Foreign Secretary for the Zimmermann Telegram which helped to draw the United States into World War One against Germany in April 1917.
#4
A) How did the new technology change the way the war was fought?
- New technology changed the way World War I was fought because it was pretty much an industrialized war. They use weapons that had never been tried before, for example Germany was the first nation to effectively use submarines in naval warfare and they also introduced poison gas as a weapon against infantry. Machine guns and long-range artillery were also introduced, and with such strong gun power they killed great numbers of people. Airplanes and tanks also greatly affected the war introducing new ways of fighting. The types of soldiers fighting also changed.
B) What principles were proclaimed by the United States for declaring war?
- The principles proclaimed by the United States for declaring war were the U-boats sinking ships that were carrying food and arms the the British. President Woodrow Wilson decided to step in and defend his country. Arthur Zimmermann’s secret telegram to the German ambassador in Mexico proposing an alliance between Germany and Mexicans also sparked great controversy. President Wilson addressed Congress, saying that ‘the world must be made safe for democracy.’ On April 6, 1917, Congress voted to declare war on Germany.
U-Boat
French Factory Worker (1910)
Imagine you are a French factory worker in the year 1910. Would you be in favor of a war with Germany? Why or why not? Make reference to specific historical events that happened in Europe in the last 50 years.
If I was a French factory worker in the year 1910, I would not be in favor of a war with Germany. A war with Germany would mean there would have to be a draft for soldiers to fight in the front line of this war. When they draft men for the military, they look for the lower class guys like me because the capitalists that own the factories we lower class guys work for honestly wouldn’t be fighting in the war. I mean sure we have better, faster and conveniently smaller weapons thanks to the Industrial Revolution, but I’m 100% against war. I wouldn’t have it in me to be planted in the center of pure gun-shots & blood. Being in war with another country causes demand to rise, which equals more work for my fellow factory worker friends. I seriously wouldn’t want to go through what the young men of Napolean’s Grand Armee had to during his many strenuous wars. I would rather just keep working for barely any money than die in a war (even though it does sound very honorable).
1910: Armaments factory in England
Pg.769 #3 & 4
#3
A) What were some of the factors that led to the fall of the Qing dynasty?
- Some of the factors that led to the fall of the Qing dynasty were:
- Open Door Policy
- Boxer Rebellion
- Different Imperial powers in China
- New political party (Kuomintang)
- Revolts led by Sun Yixian of the Kuomintang political party
B) How did the Nationalist movement grow and change under the leadership of Chiang Kai-shek?
- The Nationalist movement grew and changed under the leadership of Chiang Kai-shek by developing a stronger Nationalist army. They quickly gained control of Hunan province and the cities of the Wuhan area. He also established another Nationalist government in Nanjing.
C) What factors led to the rise of communism in China?
- The factors that led to the rise of communism in China were the weakening of the Kuomintang/ Chinese Nationalist Party, and them welcoming the Communist because they were in need of support. This allowed the Communist party to grow stronger.
#4
Speech:
I, as a membeer of the Nationalist group, I am one influenced by the Western ideas of Sun Yixian. In order to become a better nation, we must unite. Our people want a constitutional government with civil liberties guaranteed by a bill of rights. We also want China to become industrialized so that it could defend itself conomically against imperialist powers. We believe China could protect irself against foreign control only of it became a modern nation. If we allow the Communist to take over they will overpower us.
Chiang Kai-shek
Pg.416 #4; Pg.421 #2
Pg.416 #4
A) What changes did the growth of cities bring to China?
- The changes that the growth of cities brought to China was the growth of popular culture in China. They began to specialize in the manufacture or production of certain goods. They increased the amount of land used for farming, and planted new crops such as peanuts, sweet potatoes, and tobacco. People began to read novels and plays in the common everyday language. Scholarship also flourished.
B) What attitudes might Chinese rulers have had toward foreigners during the period of the Ming and Qing dynasties?
- The attitude that these Chinese rulers may have had toward foreigners during the period of the Ming and Qing dynasties were probably not good. They were seriously focused on protecting China to the fullest and making sure no one ever conquered China again. They didn’t want any invaders in their country and therefore went ahead to strengthen the Great Wall of China.
Pg.421 #2
Opium War: Conflict from 1839 to 1842 between China and Britain that arose due to Britain’s export of opium to China.
Treaty of Nanjing: Treaty following the Opium War in which China gave Hong Kong to Britain and opened ports to British Trade.
Taiping Rebellion: Revolt in China from 1850 to 1864, led by Hong Xiuquan who, influenced by Christian teachings, declared a mission to establish a new dynasty.
Opium War
Pg.681 #1 & 3
#1
Meiji Restoration: Change when a group of Samurai overthrew the Tokugawa and shogunate and restored the emperor to emperor.
Diet: Japan’s two-house national legislature.
Sino-Japanese War: War between China and Japan over Korea in 1894, resulting in a Japanese victory.
Treaty of Shimonoseki: 1895 treaty forcing China to recognize independence of Korea and make concessions to Japan.
Mongkut: Ascended to power in 1851. Studied western ideas to understand his enemies and help modernize his country.
Liliuokalani: (1838-1917) First woman ever to become ruler of Hawaiian Islands, and also the last. In 1893, business leaders gained enough power to end the queen’s reign.
Emilio Aguinaldo: Led the Filipinos in a fight for independence.
#3
A) How did the British rule affect India?
- The British rule affected India by keeping public order and ending many local wars among the other states. They builte roads, bridges, and railroads, established factories, hospitals, and schools, and tried to improv Indian farming methods. It was quite awkward between the two very different groups living side by side. The British ended up putting themselves above Indian society.
B) Why were the Japenese able to reform and industrialize their nation so quickly?
- The Japenese were able to reform and industrialize their nation so quickly because of The Meiji Restoration. Westerners did not rule in Japan, but they greatly influenced the Japanese with their Western ideas. In response to this, Japan changed its form of government and began to industrialize.
C) How did United States expansion in Hawaii differ from it’s expansion in the Philippines?
- The United States expansion in Hawaii differed from it’s expansion in the Philippines because in Hawaii business people from the United States began to arrive in Hawaii in 1865 and started huge sugarcane and pineapple plantations. They soon wanted more control over the island’s government, in 1893 the business leaders gained the power to do so and they ended up taking over Hawaii in 1898. As for the expansion in the Philippines they had to use military power to gain control.
Queen Liliuokalani
Pg.558 #1; Pg.563 #1 & 2
Pg.558 #1
Capitalism: Economic system in which individuals or corporations, rather than governments, control the factors of production.
Commercial Capitalism: Early economic system in which most capitalists were merchants who bought and sold goods.
Industrial Capitalism: Type of capitalism that began during the industrial revolution when capitalists were involved in producing and manufacturing goods themselves, often using mechanized and industrialized methods of production.
Interchangeable Parts: Identical parts that can replace each other.
Mass Production: System of producing large numbers of identical items.
Corporations: Businesses that allow people to buy stock in the company.
Monopoly: Complete control of the production or sale of a single good or service by a single firm.
Cartels: Corporate combinations that control entire industries.
Business Cycle: Alternating periods of prosperity and decline.
Depression: Period in which the decreased demand of goods causes the whole economy to sink.
Pg.563 #1
Free Enterprise: System in which economy forces work automatically and naturally, without mercantilism laws or regulations.
Laissez-Faire: Belief that the government shouldn’t interfere with the operation of businesses.
Humanitarians: People who work to improve the conditions of others.
Utilitarianism: Belief that a law was useful of it led to “the greatest happiness of the greatest number” of people.
Strike: Refusal of workers to work until their demands are met.
Unions: Associations of workers that combine forces and demands of different workers.
Collective Bargaining: Process of negotiation between management and union representatives
#2
Adam Smith: Scottish economist who wrote Inquiry into the nature and causes of the Wealth of Nations.
Thomas Malthus: An Anglican clergyman who became a professor of economics. Author of An Essay on the Principle of Population.
David Ridcardo: British economist wrote that working-class poverty in inevitable. Author of Principles of Political Economy and Taxation.
Charles Dickens: English writer. Used his novels to attack greedy employers.
Jeremy Bentham: He put forth the theory of utilitarianism.
John Stuart Mill: English philosopher who believed that the government should work for the good of all its citizens.
Adam Smith
Pg.550 #1 & 2
#1
Enclosure Movement: Practive of fencing or enclosing common lands into individual holdings.
Crop Rotation: The practice of alternating crops of different kinds to preserve soil fertility.
Industrial Revolution: Term for changes beginning in the 1700s, when power driven machines began to do much of the work that people had done before.
Factors of Production: Basic resources for industrialization, such as necessary land, capital, and labor.
Mechanization: Basic resources for industrialization, such as necessary land, capital, and labor.
Factory System: Production of goods in a factory through the use of machines and a large number of workers.
Vulcanization: Process of treating rubber to make it more useful.
#2
Jethro Tull: Invented a seed drill that made it possible to plant seeds in straight rows. Also made a horse-drawn hoe to dig up weeds between the rows and break up soil before planting.
Richard Arkwright: Invented a way to drive the spinning “jenny” by waterpower.
Eli Whitney: Invented the cotton gin.
James Watt: Studied and improved Newcomen’s steam engine.
Henry Bessemer: Developed the “Bessemer process” which is a cheaper and more efficient method of making steel.
Robert Fulton: First to build profitable steamboat.
Samuel Morse: Invented a new form of communication, a telegraph.
Cotton Gin; Eli Whitney
Pg.636 #2 & 4; Pg.642 #4
Pg. 636 #2
Carbonari: Secret society of Italian nationalists in the early 1800s.
Giuseppe Mazzini: Italian patriot who spurred the movement for an independent, unified Italy with his political writings and machinations, conducted mostly from exile in London.
Young Italy Movement: Group of Italian patriots dedicated to spreading ideas of nationalism.
King Victor Emmanuel II: Of sardinia; was not especially sympathetic to the liberals, but he did not want to expand sardinian territory.
Camillio Benso di Cavour: King Victor Emmanuel II’s chief minister; a republican and an italian patriot.
Napoléon III: French emperor who wanted to increase French influence; thought that if the Austrians were driven from Italy, France might be able to dominate the Italian states.
Giuseppe Garibaldi: Italian general and nationalist who led 1,000 volunteers in the capture of Sicily and Naples (1860). His conquest led to the formation of the kingdom of Italy (1861).
#4
A) What two events led to new nationalist movements for unification in Italy?
- The two events which led to new nationalist movements for unification in Italy were the French Revolution & the Young Italy Movement.
B) Who were the important leaders in the fight for Italian unification?
- The important leaders in the fight for Italian unification were Giuseppe Mazzini, Camillo Benso di Cavour, Napoleon III, and Giuseppe Garibaldi.
C) Why did the kingdom of Sardinia take the lead in Italian unification?
- The kingdom of Sardinia took the lead in Italian unification because Cavour and the Sardinian parliament supported the goals of the liberals. Cavour also wanted Sardinia to lead the way in uniting and industrializing Italy.
Pg.642 #4
A) How did Prussia replace Austria as the leading German state in Europe?
- Prussia replaced Austria as the leading German state in Europe because of the ruling of William I & Otto von Bismark as head of the Prussian cabinet. Bismarck built the Prussian army into a powerful way machine. Through the fighting of The Danish War, The Seven Weeks’ War, and The Franco-Prussian War came Prussia’s replacement over Austria.
B) Contrast the ways in which German unification differed from Italian unification?
- The two unifications differed because German unification was going up against both Austria & Prussia, this resulted in a German Empire. The Italian unification had only one state and did not result in an empire.
C) After unification, what was the makeup of the German government?
- After unification, the makeup of the German government was of one emperor, King William I and one chief minister, Bismarck. There was a legislative branch which consisted of two houses, the Bundesrat (upper house consisting of 58 appointed members) and the Reichstag (legislative assemnly consisting of almost 400 members).
Explanation of Simon Bolivar’s Quote
“We have achieved our independence at the expense of everything else.”
This quote basically means that though the struggle may have been a great one, Simon Bolivar worked hard to gain independence in South America. During the proccess of gaining independance he fought many wars and his standards were set high for himself because in a way he wanted to be like Napolean, liberating a great amount of countries. The independent government of Haiti gave Simon Bolivar money and weapons when he promised to free all of the slaves in Latin America. He dreamed of a Gran Colombia, where all the people in the lands Columbus discovered living together in one country — But the people of Latin America wanted their own countries. Gran Colombia broke up into Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador and Panama. Simon Bolivar liberated the northern half of South America: Colombia, Venezuela, Peru and Bolivia while Jose de San Martin liberated the southern half: Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Chile. Mimicking the French Revolution, when the two liberators met in Guayaquil, Ecuador they agreed that the South American Countries should be free, equal and fraternal.
