Origins of the First World War
INTRODUCTION Since the First World War began, the depth of literature produced on it has been enormous. James Joll best explains the continued interest in the First World War as being due to the general acceptance amongst scholars in viewing the "First World War as the crucial event in the first half of the century" 1 with many of the subsequent violent events of the 20th century tracing their roots from the fall out of World War One. Few aspects of the intensive study into World War One have been so greatly investigated or debated as its origins. Due to the impact the First World War had upon shaping the 20th century, identifying the culprits responsible for starting the war has taken on an extraordinary resonance.2 Historians have been able to dissect the time period leading up to the outbreak of war many times over in order to create a series of wide ranging and often-contradictory theories related to who blame for starting the Great War of 1914-18 can be attributed to. Read individually without consideration and knowledge of other theories, each hypothesis is delivered by their proponents with such certainty and promise that it is easy to accept them without question. Traditionally Germany has received the majority of blame for starting the First World War. In 1919 German war guilt was written into the Versailles Treaty that finalised the end of the war, to the
Drawing upon one or more case studies, examine the role played by women during a violent conflict, and compare this with their role during the post-settlement peace building process.
Drawing upon one or more case studies, examine the role played by women during a violent conflict, and compare this with their role during the post-settlement peace building process. This essay will examine the role that women have played in a violent liberation/revolutionary struggle and the role they played in peace building and in the building of a new society after the conflict. I will be using the example of Eritrean liberation as my case study. War, armed conflict, revolution and struggles for independence have often been seen as men's business. In fact women have always been centrally involved in all of these activities, playing both active and passive roles - as aggressor and victim - just as men have. Most of the history of war and peace has women and men playing out the traditional roles that most societies have ascribed to them, although there have always been exceptional men and women who have stepped outside the norms. In the vast majority of cases, however, we can analyse women's and men's involvement in war as separate and different from each other. In most cases, wherever in the world, or whatever the time, the role that women have played has been generally similar. Over the last century there have been a large number of conflicts that have been fought as liberation struggles - either to liberate a nation from colonial rule, like Zimbabwe and Algeria;
Factors provoking mobilization in Germany and Italy 1914-1920
Factors provoking mobilization in Germany and Italy before the World War 1 until 1920 Scientific research and advancement in medicine in Europe had led to the improvement in human lives hence the increase in population. Industrial revolution on the other hand had created a prevalent phenomenon where mass migration from villages to urban areas where industries were centered. European economy moved towards a very cold and ruthless free market or capitalist system - laissez faire which means, maximum productions means, maximum profits. Capitalist system resulted in the emergence of a distinct social structure in Europe in form of social class; bourgeoisie and working class as two distinct social strata that define capitalist society. With rapid industrial activities and better means of transportation and communication especially printing press, Europeans in general were exposed to new ideas. Karl Marx's revolutionary ideas that mostly concerned with the working class; proletariat vis-à-vis the bourgeoisie in form of dialectic materialism especially appealed to the general working class in Europe. In sociological context, the emergence of mass society takes the forms of collective movement or social movement, hence collective action. Chris Pickvance defines social movement at abstract level as 'of opinion or social forces which challenge prevailing views... and at concrete
What generates nationalism and how important a factor is it in modern history
What generates nationalism and how important a factor is it in modern History? Defining nationalism is not as simple as just by getting to its root 'nation', because this can be problematic as nationalism is defined by certain aspects such as language, culture, ethnic, religion and even nation itself. Within political milieu, nationalism is further broken down into elements such as self determination, liberalism, nation-states, to mention but a few. This essay attempts to answer questions, what generates nationalism and how important a factor is it in shaping the course of modern History?. Not only nationalism varies but also evolves throughout history, thus, its definition maybe subject to the context of time and space. For example Nationalism in the nineteenth century Europe had its own distinct features and dynamics, so had Europe in the twentieth century although the latter can be said as the extension of the former, as in the case of the rise of extreme nationalism and fascism. With the emergence of new ideas, technological revolution in the mass media and information technology, Nationalism can be said to a large degree, undergo changes and dynamicity in its course, either, in terms of loosing its significance or gaining its significance. It is worthwhile to dwell on the term "nation" as an idea that is imbedded in "nationalism". Nation is derived from a Latin word
European Diplomacy Leading to The Great War.
Prelude to the Clash of Empires European Diplomacy Leading to The Great War The 20th Century brought about much change in the political and social system of Europe. In fact, "change" can be used as the one word to define the major characteristic of the last century. Borders, people, politics, ideologies, science and even the way people think suffered major leaps and modifications. New elements were introduced in almost every field, while others were transformed beyond recognition. But change was not always for the better. The 20th Century meant the worst wars the world has ever known, regimes of a brutality that reminded the dark ages and weapons of mass destruction (an element that was probably birthed by it) that could not even be dreamt of in the 19th Century. It had a promising beginning. The first years of the century were marked by prosperity and development - "La Belle Epoque" - life standards were increasing, culture was becoming more and more available and the image of war seemed nothing more than an atavism of past times. But not before the second decade would be over Europe would have had experienced the widest spread conflict it had yet to encounter. Europe's first great war of the twentieth century had roots in a heritage that belonged to all Europe. That heritage was autocracy. Kings ruled by right of birth. And kings extended their rule where they could and
History 325 - Second Term Essay
History 325 - Second Term Essay Professor Grant Reform of the Royal Navy 1880-1914 and the Anglo-German Détente as a cause of World War I JC Fraser (0031164) In the nineteenth century Great Britain's Royal Navy was the largest and most powerful navy in the world. More importantly, it was the force in which the English leaders placed their hopes for the security of the nation. At the turn of the century Great Britain's naval supremacy was being challenged by one of her continental rivals; Germany. The Anglo-German naval race, which preceded the Anglo-German détente, was one of the key developments that resulted in World War I. The naval race was a result of the technological advances that were occurring at the end of the nineteenth century. Historians have dubbed this rapid technological acceleration as "the naval revolution." Due to the advances of the naval revolution, other powers' emerging navies were put on an equal footing with the Royal Navy and when Germany began to threaten Great Britain's naval supremacy it lead to an increase in tension between the two countries. Tensions were relieved by a resulting naval détente, which gave Germany false hopes about the intentions of Great Britain. This misconception was a key factor in the approaching war. The naval revolution and the naval race had a huge impact on the affairs of Europe and one of the results was
Sir Arthur William Currie - this paper will attempt to prove that Sir Arthur Currie's successful involvement in the battle of Vimy Ridge served as a lynchpin to advancing his career to its highest point, and providing Canada a symbol that represents it on the international scene.
Sir Arthur William Currie April 17 2012 Sir Arthur Currie ________________ Written By: Nick Coutu . Overview 1.1 Abstract of report: English: The aim of this research paper is to illuminate readers on Sir Arthur Currie's exploits in Vimy Ridge, where this battle alone served as a lynchpin in winning the war in the Allies' favour. An important connection between Sir Arthur Currie and the battle will be made to illustrate the influence he has had in Canada's future on the international and cultural scene. Indeed, Vimy Ridge served as an important symbol, and it is a symbol which Currie's genius has instigated because it was an unprecedented victory for the allied forces. The paper will attempt to prove that Currie is one of the most important strategist during the war that helped make the Allies win because of his genius. It will close with new insight into the other side of Currie... .2 Background to and scope of investigation A particular interest towards Canadian generals has sprung from researching about the First World. Indeed, it is fascinating to observe that the Canadians played a particularly important role during this war, which helped the allied forces to end the war rapidly and in their favour. So, it was decided that research be conducted on one of the greatest Canadian generals of all time, to illustrate how Canada has come a long way from simply being
Why was there a 'scramble for Africa' in the late 19th century?
Eleanor Fell Tony Howe Why was there a 'scramble for Africa' in the late 19th century? The 'scramble for Africa' has been called 'one of the most remarkable events in the history of the world'1. It explains a period between 1876 and 1914, where the continent of Africa was completely annexed by the leading European powers: Britain, France, Germany, Portugal and Italy, leaving just two countries with independence: Ethiopia and Liberia. Thirty new colonies and protectorates were created, ten million square miles of land gained, along with a population of 110 million people2. The 'scramble' was part of the 'New Imperialism' that came about in the late 19th century and historians have debated its causes extensively, but no consensus has ever been reached. These include economic gain, political strategy and nationalism, but no one single factor appears to explain why Europe took control of the continent so quickly and with such aggression. It has been widely accepted that the 'scramble' began as a result of increased interest in the continent owing to explorations by men such as David Livingstone3 and due to King Leopold II of Belgium assuming control over the Congo basin, believing it to be rich in minerals. This upset the balance of power that had existed and began a chain reaction, which led to the European powers competing for new colonies. There is much evidence to
To what extent did Wilson's achievements as PM outweigh his failures between 1963 and 1976?
To what extent did Wilson's achievements as PM outweigh his failures between 1963 and 1976? Introduction To determine the extent of Wilson's achievements compared to his failures I must weigh up his achievements and failures as PM on a personal and professional level. I will define each of his failures and achievements in terms of Wilson's responsibilities as PM, such as, manifesto commitments, modernising the country and in comparison to other administrations or in relation to specific issues. I will also take into account influential factors of the period and weigh up their affect, if any on Wilson's performance as PM. Harold Wilson governed the country from 1964 until 1970 and then again from 1974 until his resignation in 1976. Many liberal policies were introduced during his time in power, including the 1967 Sexual Offences Act, which decriminalised homosexual practices and the 1967 Abortion Act which legalised abortion. However, his government is also remembered for the deteriorating relations with Trade Unions and the huge economic problems, such as rising inflation and low relative growth. Wilson's biggest political achievement was to win four elections after Labour had been in the wilderness for thirteen years "he had achieved something no previous PM had done this century...led four administrations"1 Additionally, an early political achievement was to increase his
WW1 Research Paper - The Actual Impact of Chemical Warfare in World War I
The Actual Impact of Chemical Warfare in World War I “Chlorine kills by irritating the lungs to such an extent that they flood with fluid, and the victim ‘drowns’; gas victims show blueness of the lips and face and the blood becomes starved of oxygen.”[1] From this description of the devastating impact of chemical agents on unprotected soldiers at war, it is evident that this inhumane fighting tactic had the potential to play a crucial role in World War I. But chemical weapons had some drawbacks. First, they were difficult for the user to control due to weather conditions. Second, soldiers were able to protect themselves with proper attire which limited chemical warfare’s ultimate impact. As a result, many people have misunderstood the actual role and impact of chemical warfare during World War I. This paper will demonstrate that, in fact, the most significant impact of chemical weapons during World War I was their psychological effect – that is, the sheer panic and terror that could overtake a soldier at the thought of becoming exposed to these vicious chemical agents. It will provide evidence that after some early success, chemical warfare did not break the stalemate on the battlefield, nor did it contribute to a significantly increased death toll in the soldiers’ ranks. The paper will begin with an overview of chemical weapons used during World War I,