Modern World History Sheet Notes

Term Significance Nation A cultural group of people belonging to a similar ancestry. Regardless of whether or not the group has full sovereignty; a cultural unit. Examples are Brazilians, Tibetans, and Scots differentiating them from others. The Greeks are another example. They all still believe they are one nation from a similar ancestry of ancient Greece, despite immigration and cultural blending. State An independent territory that is recognized with full sovereignty over people and land; a political unit. While Taiwan is not a recognized state, it is an independent territory with full sovereignty over people and land. The United States, going from once a previous colony that had limited sovereignty, to a full state is another instance. Nation-state A cultural group belonging to a defined territory. If a nation’s homeland is in an independent and defined state. Examples include Japan, Sweden, Portugal, and Costa Rica. Nationalism Multinational state When two or more distinct nations reside in a political state. Canada and South Africa are examples. Spain is also a multinational state with Galicia and Catalonia. They are trying to gain independence (separatism) and just had elections as I have a friend in Barcelona. Multi-state nation When a nation’s homeland overlaps into more state’s territory. Somalia and Pre-WWII Germany are examples. There were ethnic German living in Poland, which led to expansionism. Ethnonationalism It is the feeling of belonging to a minority nation in a multinational state. Quebec believing the rest of Canada is different is an example, among Taiwan and Lithuania. Irredentism When a nation’s homeland is larger than the state’s political boundaries, caused by a multi-state nation. Pre-WWII Germany, other Germans lived in neighboring states, a policy that led to the outbreak of WWII. Stateless nation A nation with limited political control over land. Examples are Native Americans, the Kurds in Syria, Iraq, Iran, and Turkey as one culture, and Palestine. Nationalism The belief that people should be loyal to their nation. People share 6 bonds: culture, history, language, religion, nationality, and territory. An example is Hitler’s unification based against other nations. Before WWII, the Black Hand in Austria-Hungry, consisting of ethnic Serbians, assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand. They eliminated him in hopes of riding their homeland of foreigners that they believed they were superior over, a form of nationalism in loyalty to their nation. Economic Nationalism A political ideology that favors government intervention in the economy. Great Britain leaving the EU is one modern-day example. German Confederation It was a coalition of 39 German states, called the Zollverein, created by a conference in Vienna. They shared similar cultures and history so nationalism was pulling them together into one German state. Realpolitik “Blood and Iron” It was a style of diplomacy by Otto von Bismarck that focused on making political decisions based on practical views, not ideals. Realistically he knew the political situation was unfeasible to united different rulers so he instituted the “blood and iron” foreign policy. It was a foreign policy in Germany used by Otto von Bismarck to unite the separate German states into one nation-state through war and military strength. He believed that it was needed and the only way to successfully unite Germany. Franco-Prussian War 1870-71 It was a war between Germany and the second France empire as Otto von Bismarck and King Wilhelm I looked to continue their conquest following irredentism. They sought to expand their territory into France with ethnic-speaking Germans and defeated France with the capture of Paris and Napoleon III. Social Darwinism A theory by Charles Darwin of natural selection, or evolution for the survival of the fittest. It is the belief that life consists of competitive struggles where only the fittest survive. Powerful, imperialist nation-states began misinterpreting it to apply and help their own situation by claiming they were superior to others and therefore, were destined to rule over inferior peoples and cultures. By arguing that only the strongest of animals and countries survive, it justified stronger nations dominating weaker ones. The Europeans would use it to further their conquest of imperialism over others. Ethnocentrism Evaluation of other cultures, based on religion, customs, ethnicity, etc., from the perspective of one’s nation. By judging others from the standard and traditions, it was a justification of imperialism over “lesser nations”. Imperialism Imperialism The policy of extending a country’s power and influence by acquiring new territory through diplomacy or military force. Cultural, economic, and political aspects are integrated and exerted over societies of subordinate colonies. Often countries taking over colonies exploit their resources for personal gain without regard to the consequences. Direct Imperialism A form of imperialism when a country establishes direct political control over a territory, often as a colony or protectorate with the use of a military presence. In India, the British government ruled through direct rule taking over from the British East India Company. Indirect Imperialism A form of imperialism when a country uses indirect means, usually economic but often with a military threat, to control a nation or territory. Many of the African nations were ruled through indirect imperialism, using other local leaders to enforce the rule of a more powerful country. Sphere of Influence A region that a state has a level of culture, economic, military, and political exclusivity; serves the interests of foreign powers. An example is in China by French, U.S., Britain, etc. It can be expressed through economic imperialism. Economic Imperialism A form of imperialism pertaining to economic means when a country holds significant influence or control over the economy of a territory. The British East India Company maintained its control and influence in India through economic imperialism. Extractive Economy An economy based on extracting natural resources for sale or trade. Colonies of colonization were extractive economies as their resources were reaped for the benefit of greater countries Mercantile Economy An economy following the economic policy of maximizing exports with minimal imports. It was most commonly used for imperialism and colonization through high tariffs to limit imports. Migration The White Man’s Burden Movement of people and nations around the world to different places. Imperialism increased the need for specific goods and services that shifted towards labor in fields, factories, and mines that resulted in cultural migration in order to fill the demand. Racist poem by Rudy Kipling in which he states that the white man needed to colonize those deemed “uncivil” around the world and bring education, better customs, etc. It was his way of justifying imperialism, and wanted the U.S. to follow imperialism as in European countries. India Viceroy Governor-general of India that communicated closely with the secretary of state for Great Britain. British Raj British reigned over India as a colony of imperialism. After the Great Revolt, the British government took over from the British East India Company. The British Raj had several laws enacted to consolidate power and prevent further rebellions. They conducted a census to determine religious population in India, trying to see things in black and white and not seeing the whole picture. The railway system in India strengthened the British Raj by connecting people. The military troops were transported faster and trade was expedited to increase the value of the colony. Partition of India and Pakistan 1947 The British division of India and Pakistan to divide the colony into two separate countries. The Muslim ethnicities were in Pakistan and the Hindu ethnicities were in India. The British government knew little when they drew the lines and it has resulted in many conflicts. Ethnicities were trapped on the wrong side and it represented the negative consequences of imperialism. Africa Scramble for Africa A period of imperialism in Africa when European states claimed territories. The Europeans wanted the colonies for their raw materials to fuel economic growth. With industrialization, the need for resources was increased. Competition also played a minor role in the causes as countries did not want to fall behind. Berlin Conference 1884-85 Conference between European countries to discuss and video after when they claimed territory. Excluded representatives from African countries. Beginning of colonization. Reducing conflict through “claiming” colonies and competition expedite imperialism in Africa. Egypt Location Liberia Protected by U.S. Ethiopia Battle of Adwa 1896 - Battle between Italy and Ethiopia in which Ethiopia wins. Important in resisting European imperialism. Began friendly, but uncompromising treaty resulted in deteriorating relationship. One day battle and ill-trained Ethiopian forces defeat well-trained British forces. The Ethiopian textbook source is more in-depth and credits the victory to national pride. Symbol of hope. Treaty of Addis Ababa 1896 - Treaty between Ethiopia and Italy. Stay free and not colonized. The only other country free of imperialism in Africa was Liberia. Algeria Came under French rule. Tried to assimilate their colony and focused on spreading the French culture. Democratic Republic of the Congo King Leopold of Belgium was the absolute ruler of Congo. Harsh ruler with inhuman abuse primarily focused on what money he could get out of it. Ghana Came under British rule and governed through indirect rule with proxy leaders in place. Kenya Another British colony and wanted to use it as a place to settle and focused on resources in land for British settlers. Mexican Revolution Porfirio Diaz Francisco Madero Seized control of the government and continued modernization with growth of the economy. Rule known as the “Pirifiado”. Created wealth inequality for the rich, and struggles for the poor. Took over with support after Diaz. Francisco Villa Rebel leader of cowboys and workers, financial goals. Helped Modero. Emiliano Zapata Rebel leader for peasants focused on land reform. Opposed Madero, Huerta, and Carranza. Venustiano Carranza Constitutionalist. Established Constitution of 1917. Alvaro Obregon General and peace with Villa, Modernization Victoriano Huerta All three revolutionary groups opposed him. Benito Juarez Leader of a liberal rebellion in 1858. He believed in European progress and reform. Implemented economy based on trade. Plan de Ayala Issued by Zapata two days after Madero took office, declaring that Madero was a traitor and a true road map for land reform. Almost too quick which shows their desire for immediate action. Plan de San Luis Potosí Call to arms from Madero after Diaz unfairly had him arrested. Constitution of 1857 In the La Reforma. Focused on the government and establishing liberal government, a revolutionary idea. Constitution of 1917 Separated Church and state, more government control. Land reform. Active government role. Similarly focused on the well being of citizens, but more so focused on the people. Russian Revolution Alexander II Alexander III Nicholas II Eliminated serfdom in first step toward western modernization. Needed to keep up with rest of the world. Expansion of railroad system. Harsh crackdown against opposition following father’s murder. Began to digress from father’s westernization attempts: Russianification. Secret police. Lacked leadership and people turned away from him. Incapable and incompetent. Karl Marx Serfdom Russo-Japanese War Bloody Sunday October Manifesto Duma Appealed to many because he gave reasons for their struggles. Peasant in the feudal system. Bad conditions but not totally blamed the tsar. Abolished by Tsar Alexander II. It was a war between Russia and Japan over imperial possessions. When talk of an end to the war stalled, President Theodore Roosevelt convinced both sides to sign a peace treaty. For his efforts, Roosevelt won the Nobel Peace Prize. This prominently displayed America’s growing role in world affairs. Russia got destroyed and it reinforced the need for Russian modernization. Tsar troops killing protesters; beginning of revolution. Political reforms to ease tensions at home. Modernization of culture. Russian revolutionaries disregarded the manifesto Representative government. Provisional Government Temporary Vladimir Lenin Bolshevik. Bolsheviks Lenin supporters that believed in small highly educated individuals should lead the mass peasants. They promoted marxism and wanted to redistribute the assembly. They were opposed to WWI. Mensheviks Working class was open to anyone that utilized more violent methods. Josef Stalin Chinese Revolution Empress Dowager Cixi Open Door Policy Actually ruled China After the Boxer Rebellion, Secretary of State John Hay reasserted America’s Open Door Policy that the United States wanted to “preserve Chinese territorial and administrative entity”; or that America had no means of colonizing China for themselves. It stated China would be free and open to trade from anyone. Sino-Japanese War 1894 The Sino-Japanese War was a conflict between the Qing dynasty of China and the Empire of Japan primarily over influence in Korea. The Japanese won. Boxer Rebellion 1899 The Boxer Rebellion was a Chinese, anti-imperialist uprising that took place in China between 1899 and 1901. The Righteous and Harmonious Fists got the name “Boxers” from Europeans because of its training in martial arts. They celebrated traditional Chinese customs and criticized Western ways. Their anger soon became a violent rebellion. In 1900, they killed foreign missionaries and terrorized Beijing. As a result, a multinationalist force of European, American, and Japanese troops were sent to the Chinese capital to end the Boxer Rebellion. Revolution of 1911 & Sun Yat-Sen (Nationalist) Led by Sun Yat-Sen, the 1911 Revolution, ended China's last imperial dynasty, the Qing dynasty, and resulted in the establishment of the Republic of China. Nationalist Party & Chiang Kai-shek Chiang Kai-shek was the Nationalist leader of China in the 1940s. Before Japan invaded China in WWII, Jieshi had been fighting a civil war against communists led by Mao Zedong. In WWII, Jieshi and Mao joined forces to fight off the Japanese, but once WWII ended, they resumed their civil war. The Soviet Union, being communist, supported Mao, while the United States sent several billion dollars in aid to Jieshi. American leaders feared that if Jieshi was defeated, communism would be spread to most of Asia. Despite American support, he could not stop Mao. Jieshi fled the Chinese mainland and Mao’s communists took control of the People’s Republic of China. Many shocked Americans asked, “Who lost China?” Warlord Era The Warlord Era was a period in the history of China when control of the country was divided among former warlords and other regional factions from 1916 to 1928. The Warlord Era ended when Chiang Kai-shek officially unified China through the Northern Expedition, marking the beginning of the Nanjing decade. Several of the warlords continued to maintain their influence through the 1930s and the 1940s, which was problematic for the Nationalist government during both the Second Sino-Japanese War and Chinese Civil War. Communist Party & Mao Zedong May 4th Movement Mao Zedong was the head of communists forces fighting a civil war for control of China. He had temporarily joined forces with his enemy, Jiang Jieshi, during WWII, but once the war ended, the violent civil war began again. Mao was backed by the Soviet Union, while Jieshi was backed by the United States. In 1949 Mao’s forces took control and renamed the world’s most populous country the “People’s Republic of China”. The May Fourth Movement was a Chinese anti-imperialist, cultural, and political movement which grew out of student protests in Beijing. World War I Militarism Militarism is the belief or desire that a country should maintain a strong military capability and be prepared to use it to defend its national interests. It was one of the causes of WWI was European countries competing for bigger and better militaries in the spirit of militarism as they prepared for whenever war would come. Nationalism Pride for one's country and support in their interests; many times at the exclusion of other nations and their interests. Imperialism A policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force. Alliances A relationship between two powers that forms a union that provides mutual benefits. Triple Alliance vs. Triple Entente The Triple Alliance of WWI consisted of Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, and the Ottoman Empire. The Triple Entente was an alliance between France, Russia, and Great Britain before the war. It later lead the nations to be reckless and overconfident which lead to war. Economic Rivalry Economic Rivalry was a source of tension between the great powers. Based on the technological and industrial advances made by them and how it affected the power of the nations. Archduke Francis Ferdinand was the heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary Empire. He was assassinated in his capital of Bosnia by a group of ethnic Serbians who believed Bosnia rightfully belonged to Serbia. His assassination was the tip of the iceberg that started WWI. The following events went in such order: Serbia denied to cooperate with Austria-Hungary after the assassination of their Archduke, so Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. Russia tried to help its ally, Serbia, so Germany declared war on Russia, and vice versa with Russia. After Germany declared war on Belgium, a neutral country near France, Great Britain's ally, Assassination of Archduke Franz and Great Britain declared war on Germany, and so did Ferdinand France. Trench Warfare Trench Warfare was primarily used in WWI and it made life miserable for the soldiers. They fought in wet, muddy trenches while artillery shells fired over their heads until fields, trees, and homes were charred beyond recognition. Globalization of War Imperialism, alliances, trench warfare. Many cultures from all-around the world involved - not just restricted to Europeans. Schlieffen Plan Name given to German war plans, due to the influence of Field Marshal Alfred von Schlieffen and his thinking on an invasion of France and Belgium (he claimed it was a bad idea but only after it actually played out and failed). Post World Wars Genocide Nuremberg Trials The destruction of a nation or an ethnic group. They are killed because they are members of a specific group. The Nuremberg trials were a series of military tribunals held after World War II by the Allied forces under international law and the laws of war. They persecuted Nazi war criminals. Cold War The Cold War was a period of ideological and geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union, and their respective allies, the Western Bloc and the Eastern Bloc, after World War II. Containment During the Cold War, the U.S. and its Western allies tried to contain the spread of communism throughout the world by conflicting with influence and policies. The Western bloc and its respective allies against the Communism East fought the battle of Communism and free market capitalism and democracy. The conflict often took places in proxy states and governments as the United States attempt to maintain a free democracy and contain a spreading Communist beliefs. Truman Doctrine The Truman Doctrine was President Truman’s promise to help nations struggling against communist movements. In 1947, President Truman addressed both houses of Congress asking for aid to Greece and Turkey to help fight against “armed minorities or outside pressures”. Truman argued that the United States needed to take a more active role in world affairs or the peace of the world and welfare of the nation would be in danger. The Truman Doctrine set a precedent for American foreign policy. Marshall Plan The Marshall Plan was an economic and foreign policy that offered aid to Western European countries. After WWII, there were severe shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies. U.S. Secretary of State George C. Marshall warned that without economic health, there can be no political stability or assured peace. The Marshall Plan gave $13 billion in grants and loans to Western European nations. The program provided food to reduce famine, fuel to heat houses, and money to jump-start economies. The Marshall Plan exemplified how U.S. aid could act as both economic and foreign policy. The aid help countries who desperately need assistance and also helped the American economy by increasing trade. Aid was offered to Soviet satellite states, but Stalin refused to let them accept it. The Marshall Plan improve relations against the expansion of communism. NATO & Warsaw Pact The North Atlantic Treaty Organization was a military alliance formed to counter Soviet expansion. Twelve Western European and North American nations agreed if one were to be attacked, it would be considered an attack on all of them. Today NATO is comprised of 30 nations with the purpose of defending one another from a Soviet/Russian invasion. Interwar Years Wilson’s 14 Points President Wilson outlined America’s war aims in his address to Congress that became known as the Fourteen Points. The idea of the Fourteen Points was to achieve peace without victory. The Fourteen Points sought to fundamentally change the world by promoting openness, encouraging independence, and supporting freedom. President Wilson and his Fourteen Points called for open-world diplomacy. Treaty of Versailles Treaty of Versailles was the peace treaty to end WWI. Main 5 points of treaty (consequences): War guilt Germany blamed for war; Reparations; German territories and colonies; Germany's armed forces: forced to demilitarize; League of nations: created (not effective, Germany not invited to join). Rhineland A region in Germany designated a demilitarized zone by the Treaty of Versailles; Hitler violated the treaty and sent German troops there in 1936. League of Nations The League of Nations was Wilson’s final and most ambitious idea for peace. The goal was to secure “mutual guarantees of political independence and territorial integrity to great and small states alike.” During a victorious Allies peace conference in 1919, Wilson attended to represent the United States and promote his ideas of world peace, but other nations did not listen as they believed Germany should pay for the war damages. Dawes Plan The Dawes Plan was an agreement for U.S. loans to Germany to make reparation payments to Britain and France. President Coolidge insisted on Britain and France to pay their war debt to the U.S., so with Germany’s reparation payments, they could pay off their debt to the U.S.. The entire plan was orchestrated by U.S. money, but when the 1929 stock market crash made money run dry, payments stopped. Kellogg-Briand Pact The Kellogg-Briand Pact was an attempt in 1928 to “outlaw” war between U.S. Secretary of State Kellogg and French Foreign Minister Briand. Although 62 nations ratified the pact, it never grew to any more than ink and paper as it was unenforceable. It was another attempt by American leaders to avoid another war by keeping the rest of the world at arm’s length. Washington Conference The Washington Naval Disarmament Conference was a world conference between world leaders after WWI. A naval race between Britain and Germany was one the causes of the great war and diplomats wanted to halt another arms race before it got out of control again. World leaders agreed to limit the construction of large warships and also agreed on a settlement between several problems of Japan and the West. Treaty of Locarno Germany finally accepted the treaty of Versailles. Lead to Germany to join the league of nations. Great Depression The Great Depression was a period lasting from 1929 to 1941, in which the U.S. economy faltered and unemployment soared beyond 25%. Some of the major reasons for the depression were due to Farmers hurting because of surplus, uneven wealthy distribution, and easy credit along with the Great Crash. Totalitarianism Totalitarianism is a theory of a form of government in which a single party or leader controls the economic, social, and cultural lives of its people. After WWI and the Great Depression devasted countries, aggressive Dictators fed on the bitterness and desperation to gain control and turn the country into a totalitarian state. Fascism and nazism Government ideology led by a dictator with complete power. Nationalism in Germany led by Hitler. Totalitarian socialism/ “communism” State controlled economy in the interests of preserving socialism. Russia with Stalin. Liberal democracy A form of democracy that protects the rights of the minority. Adolf Hitler Adolf Hitler led the Nazi party in Germany to become one of the most well known totalitarian dictators. He wrote Mein Kampf while in prison after the party attempted a rebellion. In the book, Hilter blames many people, ideologies, and the most significant, people of Jewish heritage, for Germany’s problems. Hilter outlined his hatreds and soon-plans for world domination. Benito Mussolini Benito Mussolini took control of Italy as a totalitarian state after founding the Fasci di Combattimento. Although Italy emerged victorious after WWI, they did not feel they got what they were owed and on top of that, the Great Depression devastated the economy. Mussolini promised to make Italy great again. He soon began to check all the boxes of a totalitarian state: single dictatorship with complete control, use of police and terror to enforce rule, government control of media and wide-spread propaganda, etc. Josef Stalin Josef Stalin took over as head of the Communist Party after Lenin’s death and began his cruel, ruthless, and tyrannical rain over Russia. He did not think twice about killing or silencing rivals or threats to power. His efforts to transform the Soviet Union into an industrial power resulted in the deaths of at least 10 million people. Stalin purged the Communist Party of traitors of any sort and using a combination of fear and propaganda, was able to remain in power. Emperor Hirohito Japan did not begin like others, began relatively well after the WWI. Militarism took shape Appeasement Accepting demands in order to avoid conflict. Disarmament Giving up military weapons.