Global Conflict | AP World History - Grade 9 PDF Download

The World War I Era

• Causes of World War I

  • Complex Alliances
  • Imperialism and Competition for Colonies
  • Nationalism
  • Militarism and Arms Race

• Key Events

  • Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
  • Declaration of War
  • Trench Warfare
  • Entry of the United States

• Major Players

  • Allied Powers
  • Central Powers

• Technological Advancements

  • Tanks
  • Poison Gas
  • Aircraft
  • Machine Guns

• Impacts of World War I

  • Loss of Life
  • Treaty of Versailles
  • Rise of Communism
  • League of Nations

Causes of World War I

• At the start of the 20th century, most regions across the globe were under European colonization, leading to interconnected instability in Europe.
• Historical conflicts among European nations, coupled with industrial advancements and heightened nationalism, fueled military expansions, technological advancements, and the emergence of power-seeking adversaries.
• Formation of Alliances
  • In the 1880s, the Triple Alliance comprising Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy was established to safeguard against potential threats from France.
  • The France-Russian alliance was created to counterbalance Germany's influence.
  • The Schlieffen Plan was Germany's strategy to attack France by passing through Belgium, a neutral country.
  • Formation of Triple Entente
    • The Ottoman Empire faced internal turmoil, losing territories to movements such as Greece's independence and Slavic regions seeking autonomy.
    • Bosnia and Herzegovina remained under Austria-Hungary's control following the Berlin Conference of 1878.
• Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
  • The trigger event occurred when Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary.
  • This event catalyzed the outbreak of war as Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, leading to a chain reaction involving alliances and escalating tensions.
• Global Involvement and Major Events
  • Over 40 nations engaged in the conflict due to widespread colonial ties, with the United States joining the Allies in 1917 after incidents such as the sinking of the Lusitania.
  • The war culminated in the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, imposing harsh penalties on Germany, which contributed to economic hardships and sowed the seeds for future conflicts.
• Aftermath and Consequences
  • The dissolution of empires like Austria-Hungary and the rise of new nations like Czechoslovakia reshaped the geopolitical landscape.
  • President Wilson's vision for global peace through the League of Nations faced challenges, with the organization failing to gain widespread support.
• Russian Revolution and its Impact
  • The Russian Revolution saw the rise of socialist movements, culminating in the establishment of the Soviet Union under leaders like Vladimir Lenin.
  • Internal conflicts, such as the Civil War and the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, transformed Russia into the Soviet Union, leading to geopolitical shifts and distrust from Western nations.
• Transformation in the Middle East
  • The collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the rise of Turkish nationalism, exemplified by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, marked a significant shift in the region's dynamics.
  • This era also witnessed the Armenian genocide and territorial losses, shaping the modern boundaries of nations like Turkey.

Main Events Leading to World War I

• Bosnia and Herzegovina remained under the control of Austria-Hungary, a decision made during the 1878 Berlin Conference.
• The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in Bosnia by the Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip served as a catalyst for the outbreak of war.
• This event led to Austria-Hungary declaring war on Serbia, triggering a chain reaction due to pre-existing alliances: Russia sided with Serbia, while France, Germany, and Britain honored their alliances. Italy later joined the Triple Entente in 1915.

Key Figures

• Archduke Franz Ferdinand: Heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, whose assassination in Sarajevo intensified tensions in Europe.
• Gavrilo Princip: A Bosnian Serb who assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand, sparking the events that led to World War I.

Central Powers Alliance

• The Central Powers Alliance consisted of the Ottoman Empire, Germany, and Austria-Hungary.
• Over 40 countries joined the war effort, partly due to widespread colonial connections.

United States' Involvement

• The U.S. entered the war on the side of the Allies in 1917.
• This decision followed Germany's sinking of the British ship Lusitania in 1915, which had over 100 American passengers on board.
• Germany's repeated sinking of American ships that were supplying resources to Britain further escalated tensions.
• A significant factor was the Zimmermann telegram, a secret communication where Germany proposed a military alliance with Mexico against the U.S.
• Prior to this, the U.S. pursued an isolationist policy, maintaining neutrality and focusing on internal affairs.

Isolationism

• The Great War lasted until Germany and Central Powers surrendered in November 1918. This conflict resulted in the loss of 8.5 million soldiers and 20 million civilians.
• The casualties of the Great War were staggering, with 8.5 million soldiers losing their lives.
• Additionally, 20 million civilians perished as a consequence of the prolonged conflict.

The Treaty of Versailles

The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919 to mark the official conclusion of World War I, imposed significant obligations on Germany:

• Germany was mandated to pay war reparations, cede territories, and reduce its military capacity to prevent future power resurgence.
• The stringent terms of the treaty, aimed at weakening Germany, inadvertently contributed to widespread poverty and resentment within the country. This environment set the stage for the rise of figures like Adolf Hitler.
• Furthermore, the Treaty of Versailles led to the dismantling of Austria-Hungary, resulting in the formation of new nations such as Czechoslovakia.
• In contrast to President Wilson's Fourteen Points, which emphasized future peace and a balanced power structure, the Treaty of Versailles prioritized punitive measures, drawing criticism from nations like Britain and France.
• The Treaty of Versailles
  • Germany was required to pay war reparations, relinquish territory, and reduce its military strength to prevent future aggression. The economic hardships and resentment in Germany following World War I contributed to the rise of Adolf Hitler.
• The Dissolution of Austria-Hungary
  • Austria-Hungary was dismantled, leading to the creation of new nations like Czechoslovakia.
• Shift from Wilson's Fourteen Points
  • The Treaty of Versailles represented a departure from President Wilson's Fourteen Points, focusing more on establishing a sustainable peace and power balance. However, it faced disapproval from Britain and France, leading to stringent punishments imposed on Germany.
• President Wilson's Vision
  • President Wilson advocated for the formation of a League of Nations to ensure global peace and promote humanitarian objectives. Despite his efforts, the concept faced limited acceptance, even within the United States.
• The League of Nations
  • The League of Nations was envisioned as a council of nations aimed at maintaining peace and advancing humanitarian causes. However, its effectiveness was hindered by lack of widespread support.
• The Russian Revolution
  • Following the forced abdication of Czar Nicholas II in 1917, socialists in Russia organized, spurred by deep-seated resentment among the working class. Key events included the unsuccessful war against Japan, the violent suppression of protestors during "Bloody Sunday," and the establishment of a provisional government by Alexander Kerensky.
  • The Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, gained prominence with their socialist ideology. Lenin's April Theses demanded peace, land reforms, and power to the local councils (soviets). Subsequently, the Bolsheviks seized control of the government, leading to the formation of the Soviet Union.
  • The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk in 1918 marked a temporary truce between Russia and Germany, resulting in territorial concessions for Russia. Counterrevolutions ensued within the Russian Empire, prompting the Bolsheviks to establish the Red Army under Leon Trotsky to quell opposition.
  • The Soviet Union emerged as a powerful nation with a formidable military, raising suspicions and distrust among Western countries.

Russian Revolution

• Socialists began organizing following the forced abdication of Czar Nicholas II in 1917. There was significant discontent among the working class.
• Russia had suffered a defeat in the war against Japan over Manchuria in 1904 and had resorted to violence against peaceful protestors in 1905 (known as Bloody Sunday).
• Alexander Kerensky established a provisional government, but it proved ineffective due to disagreements with the local councils, or soviets, which represented workers, peasants, and soldiers.
• The socialist faction known as the Bolsheviks, led by the Marxist Vladimir Lenin, gained prominence.
• Lenin's April Theses demanded peace, land redistribution for peasants, and the transfer of power to the soviets within six months. The Bolsheviks subsequently seized control of the government, leading to the formation of the Soviet Union.
• The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk in 1918 resulted in an armistice with Germany, with Russia ceding a portion of western territory to Germany, prompting their exit from World War I.
• Counterrevolutions emerged within the Russian empire, spurring the Bolsheviks to establish the Red Army, commanded by Leon Trotsky, to quell these uprisings.
• The Soviet Union evolved into a powerful nation that was viewed with suspicion by its Western neighbors due to its formidable military capabilities.

Czar Nicholas II

Czar Nicholas II's forced abdication in 1917 marked a turning point in Russian history, triggering widespread discontent among the working class. He had led Russia into a disastrous war with Japan over Manchuria in 1904 and resorted to violent suppression of peaceful protests, notably the infamous Bloody Sunday massacre in 1905. These events fueled the rise of socialist movements and ultimately paved the way for the Bolshevik Revolution.

Alexander Kerensky and the Bolshevik Revolution

• Alexander Kerensky lost the war against Japan in 1904 and faced backlash for firing at peaceful protestors in 1905 during the infamous "Bloody Sunday" incident.
• Alexander Kerensky attempted to establish a provisional government, which proved ineffective due to disagreements with the local councils known as soviets, representing workers, peasants, and soldiers.

Role of the Bolsheviks and Vladimir Lenin

• The Bolsheviks, a socialist party led by Marxist thinker Vladimir Lenin, gained prominence.
• Lenin's "April Theses" outlined demands for peace, land redistribution for peasants, and the transfer of power to the soviets. Within six months, they assumed control, eventually forming the Soviet Union.

Treaty of Brest-Litovsk

• In 1918, the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk was signed, leading to an armistice with Germany. Russia ceded portions of western territory to Germany, prompting their withdrawal from World War I.

Treaty of Brest-Litovsk

• Counterrevolutions emerged in the Russian empire, prompting the Bolsheviks to establish the Red Army led by Leon Trotsky to quell these uprisings.
• Following the Ottoman Empire's alliance with the Central Powers, a movement advocating Turkish culture arose, leading to the Armenian genocide and a shift towards Turkish nationalism. This shift ultimately resulted in substantial territorial losses during peace negotiations.

Red Army

The Red Army of the Soviet Union became a formidable military force, causing Western nations to view the Soviet Union with apprehension due to its powerful military capabilities.

Leon Trotsky

• Leon Trotsky played a pivotal role in leading the Red Army during a time of significant internal and external challenges in the Soviet Union.

Mustafa Kemal (Ataturk)

• Mustafa Kemal, known as Ataturk, orchestrated a successful military campaign against invading Greek forces and subsequently overthrew the Ottoman Empire, assuming the position of the first President of Turkey.

World War II Era

• Stalin and the Soviet Union
  • New Economic Policy (NEP)

    In the 1920s, Lenin introduced the New Economic Policy (NEP) which permitted farmers to sell portions of grain for profit. However, after Lenin's death, the new Communist leader, Joseph Stalin, abandoned this policy.

  • Five-Year Plans and Collectivization

    Stalin implemented the Five-Year Plans, involving the takeover of private farms for state-owned enterprises, a process known as collectivization. This approach essentially led to a form of totalitarianism.

  • Industrialization under Stalin

    Stalin focused on industrializing the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) through methods that relied heavily on terror tactics, including the use of secret police, conducting bogus trials, and carrying out assassinations.

The Great Depression

The Great DepressionThe Great Depression

• War incurring high costs, leading to European debts to the US (particularly France and Germany)
• Currency stability was fragile due to credit-based systems, culminating in the 1929 US stock market crash with global repercussions
• Widespread unemployment in the US and Germany, with a third of the workforce jobless, fostering a loss of faith in governing bodies and the rise of fascist ideologies

Fascism

• The core idea of Fascism is to suppress the will of the individual in favor of the collective good of the people.
• It aimed for a unified society similar to the communists, but unlike communism, it did not abolish private property or class distinctions.
• Fascism strongly promoted extreme nationalism, often centered around racial identity.

Fascism in Italy

• Italy was the birthplace of the first fascist state, established by Benito Mussolini in 1919.
• Mussolini's paramilitary group, the Blackshirts, engaged in violent conflicts with socialist and communist factions to garner support from industrial and landowning elites.
• With minimal resistance, Mussolini was appointed Prime Minister by the Italian king and proceeded to seize control of the Parliament in 1922.

Overview of the First Fascist State

• The very first fascist state was established in 1919 by Benito Mussolini.
• Mussolini's paramilitary group, known as the Blackshirts, engaged in conflicts against socialist and communist factions to gain support from industrial and land-owning elites.
• Upon appointment by the Italian king, Mussolini assumed the role of Prime Minister.
• Mussolini faced minimal resistance and managed to seize control of the Parliament in 1922.

Key Points Explained

• Establishment of the First Fascist State: In 1919, Benito Mussolini laid the foundation for the inaugural fascist state, marking a significant moment in political history.
• Role of the Blackshirts: The Blackshirts, a paramilitary force led by Mussolini, engaged in confrontations with socialist and communist groups to garner support from key sections of society, such as factory owners and landholders.
• Appointment as Prime Minister: Following an endorsement from the Italian monarch, Mussolini assumed the position of Prime Minister, consolidating his authority within the government.
• Consolidation of Power: With little opposition, Mussolini successfully seized control of the Parliament in 1922, solidifying his grip on the state's governance.

Rise of Hitler

• Background: After the abdication of the German emperor following World War I, a conservative democratic republic known as the Weimar Republic was established.
• Influence of Mussolini: The success of Mussolini in Italy had a significant impact on Germany. This influence led to the rise of the Nationalist Socialist Party (Nazis) in the 1920s.
• Rise of the Nazis: In the midst of economic crisis, the people of Germany began to reject the Weimar Republic's elected body, the Reichstag.
• Adolf Hitler's Leadership: Adolf Hitler, who became the head of the Nazi Party, promoted ideologies of extreme nationalism and the belief in the superiority of the Aryan race. By 1932, the Nazis had gained significant power in the German government, with Hitler assuming leadership of the Reichstag in 1933.
• Establishment of the Third Reich: Hitler seized control of the government, establishing his fascist rule known as the Third Reich.

Reichstag

• Adolf Hitler: Adolf Hitler assumed leadership of the Nazi Party, advocating extreme nationalism and the ideology of a superior race. He propagated the belief that the Aryan race was the most superior.
• Adolf Hitler's Rise: By 1932, the Nazis held significant power in the German government, leading to Hitler's appointment as the leader of the Reichstag in 1933.
• Seizure of Government: Hitler took control of the government, establishing his dictatorial rule, which became known as the Third Reich.

Adolf Hitler

• Nazi Dominance: In 1932, the Nazis gained control over the German government, paving the way for Hitler's ascendancy to leadership in the Reichstag in 1933.
• Fascist Rule: Hitler's authoritative governance marked by extreme nationalism and racism was termed the Third Reich, symbolizing his absolute power and control.

Third Reich

• The Third Reich represented Adolf Hitler's regime in Germany, characterized by totalitarian control and the propagation of Nazi ideology.

Appeasement

Appeasement was a policy followed by European nations in the lead-up to World War II, particularly in response to Hitler's aggressive actions.

• Hitler's Military Rebuilding

  Against the Treaty of Versailles, Hitler started to rebuild the German military and withdrew Germany from the League of Nations. This move indicated a clear violation of the treaty terms.

• Spanish Civil War

  Following the fall of the Spanish monarchy, Spain plunged into turmoil. General Francisco Franco led a nationalist army, seizing control of significant territories and establishing a dictatorship in 1939 with support from Germany and Italy. This conflict demonstrated the complex political landscape of Europe at the time.

• Munich Conference and Sudetenland

  At the Munich Conference of 1938, Hitler, Mussolini, and Neville Chamberlain of England agreed to give Hitler the Sudetenland in an attempt to appease his expansionist ambitions. However, this concession failed to prevent further aggression.

• Outbreak of World War II

  Hitler's subsequent invasions of Czechoslovakia and Poland, along with Italy's annexation of Albania, led to the signing of the Nazi-Soviet Pact. This agreement divided Europe and paved the way for Germany's invasion of Poland, triggering the start of World War II when Britain and France declared war on Germany.

Francisco Franco

• Hitler's actions in the lead-up to WWII:
  • Hitler reclaimed the Rhineland area of Germany, allied with Japan, annexed Austria, and acquired Sudetenland at the Munich Conference of 1938.
  • Subsequent events: Hitler's invasion of the rest of Czechoslovakia in 1939 and Italy's invasion of Albania in the same year.
  • The Nazi-Soviet Pact: Germany and the Soviet Union agreed not to interfere in each other's territories and decided to divide up the remaining land in Europe.

Nazi-Soviet Pact

• Outbreak of WWII:
  • Following Germany's invasion of Poland, Britain and France declared war on Germany, marking the beginning of World War II.

Japan

Japan emerged as a significant global power through pivotal events and strategic alliances:

• Japan became a formidable world power upon forming an alliance with Britain in 1905. This collaboration bolstered Japan's international standing and influence.
• The Japanese economy experienced a period of prosperity post-World War I until the onset of the Great Depression. During this time, Japanese militarists gained traction, consolidating power within the nation.
• In 1931, Japan initiated the invasion of Manchuria, subsequently renaming it as Manchukuo. This expansionist move marked a significant shift in Japan's foreign policy.

Manchukuo

Manchukuo was the name given to the territory of Manchuria after Japan's annexation:

• Following the invasion of Manchuria in 1931, Japan established control over the region and rebranded it as Manchukuo. This territorial acquisition aimed to further Japan's imperial ambitions in East Asia.

Anti-Comintern Pact

The Anti-Comintern Pact symbolized Japan's strategic realignment towards anti-communist ideologies:

• As Japan withdrew from the League of Nations, it entered into the Anti-Comintern Pact with Germany, signaling a shift towards anti-communist alliances. This pact laid the foundation for their subsequent collaboration.
• In 1937, Japan initiated a full-scale war against China, a conflict that eventually merged into World War II. This military campaign had profound implications for the region and the global balance of power.

Review of WWII

• Hitler's blitzkrieg strategy devastated multiple countries by early 1940, with Germany gaining control of Poland, Holland, Belgium, and France.
• Winston Churchill, Britain's Prime Minister, stood firm against German pressures, notably during the Battle of Britain, despite intense German airstrikes.
• Germany's invasion of Greece in 1941, breaching their agreement with the Soviet Union, led to the Soviet Union's invasion by Germany.
• The United States initially avoided entering the conflict but took action by freezing Japan's assets in response to Japanese hostility.
• Japan's alliance with Rome and Berlin through the Tripartite Pact broadened the scope of the war, prompting Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, drawing the US into the conflict.
• The Manhattan Project was initiated by the US in response, leading to the development of the atomic bomb.
• In 1943, the US and Britain assumed control of Italy, followed by the D-Day landings in France by US, Britain, and Canada in 1944, eventually liberating France.
• By 1945, Allied forces surrounded Germany, culminating in the end of the European war when Hitler took his own life.
• To conclude the Pacific conflict, the US dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan, prompting Japan's surrender.

Blitzkrieg

• During the Battle of Britain, Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister of Britain, stood firm against Germany's pressures, even in the face of German airstrikes from their superior airforce.

Winston Churchill and the Battle of Britain

• In 1941, Germany violated their agreement with the Soviet Union by invading Greece, subsequently leading to an invasion of the Soviet Union.
• The United States initially aimed to stay out of conflicts, but following Japan's aggression, froze Japanese assets in the U.S. This action led to Japan joining the Tripartite Pact with Rome and Berlin, thereby expanding the war globally.
• As a response to U.S. sanctions, Japan launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii in 1941, prompting the U.S. to enter the war.

Pearl Harbor and the Manhattan Project

• After the Pearl Harbor attack, the U.S. initiated the Manhattan Project, a significant undertaking focused on developing the atomic bomb.

The Holocaust

• During the Holocaust, millions of Jews were gathered by the Germans and systematically killed in concentration camps with the objective of establishing the Aryan race.

The Peace Settlement

• Following the conflict, a Peace Settlement was reached where the United States and the Soviet Union emerged as superpowers, leading to the demilitarization of Germany and Japan.

Europe Torn to Shreds

• After World War II, the United States implemented the Marshall Plan to reconstruct Europe, which was accepted only by Western European nations. This initiative significantly contributed to the rapid economic recovery of these nations within a decade.

Marshall Plan

The Marshall Plan, spearheaded by the United States post-World War II, aimed to provide financial aid to Western European countries for rebuilding their economies and infrastructure.

Decline of Colonialism

• The aftermath of World War II fueled a spirit of resistance among native populations in colonized territories, leading them to rebel against their colonial rulers.

War's Impact on Colonized Peoples

The experience of war served as a catalyst for many oppressed native populations, inspiring them to challenge and ultimately overthrow their colonial oppressors in pursuit of independence and self-governance.

Big Changes for Women

• During the wartime period, women assumed key roles in the workforce while men were engaged in combat. Following the war, many women continued working in various professions.

Creation of International Organizations

• The United Nations was established in 1945 with the primary aim of preventing the occurrence of another major conflict. Its goal was to serve as a mediator and intervene in global disputes.
• The UN responded to the atrocities of the Holocaust by issuing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, emphasizing the importance of human rights protection.
• In addition to the United Nations, other global institutions such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs (GATT) were formed to regulate and stabilize the global economy.

Cold War

• The Cold War was a period of tension and rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, characterized by political, economic, and military competition.
• Both superpowers aimed to prevent the other from expanding its influence beyond its borders, leading to strategies of containment that lasted for about 50 years.