Download USA Major Political Players Woodrow Wilson

USA
Major Political Players
● Woodrow Wilson - president during WWI
● Franklin Delano Roosevelt - initiated New Deal policies to hinder the Depression
Role in and Impact of the Great War
● On April 6, 1917, the US joined allies Britain, France, and Russia to fight in the war
● Over 2 million soldiers fought under General John J. Pershing, catalyzed end of war
Internal Political, Economic, and Military Developments and Issues
● With war orders flooding in from Europe, American manufacturers grew rich and began
to lead the world in industry
● The war catapulted America into a leading role in economic and military affairs.
● The Great Depression, on October 29, 1929, was a result of the stock market crashing
● The New Deal was composed of programs that combating economic depression, used
government spending to stimulate the economy, and increased the state’s intervention in
US social and economic life. Social Security came from the New Deal.
● A draft was put into place, expanding the US’s military to around 2.8 million men
● Politically, the US faced a wave of anti-Socialism after the war.
International Relationships
● Received money from the Allies who owed the US after borrowing money for resources
and supplies pre-entry of the US
● Created defensive triple alliance with France and England
Potential for War
● Woodrow Wilson advocated peace to help prevent another world war
Great Britain Interwar Years Analysis- KIFP
Major Political Players:
● Neville Chamberlain- He pushed for appeasement of Germany’s demand for land and
ceded them Czechoslovakia, as an exchange for peace.
● Winston Churchill- Fought against the ceding of land to Germany, warned others about
the German threat. Most likely to be appointed Prime Minister should war break out.
Role in and Impact of the Great War:
● Great Britain fought for the Allies and fought for the sovereignty of Germany when
France wished to dissolve the latter during the Treaty of Versailles.
● Britain developed war debts to the United States, and is struggling to pay them.
Political Developments:
● Unity of British Empire may be in doubt as Edward VII will likely abdicate in order to
marry his mistress, and George VI is reluctant to take the throne.
● Britain has become more democratic by introducing universal male suffrage, and suffrage
for women over 30.
● Britain is experiencing movements toward fascism lead by Oswald Mosley due to their
dissatisfaction of the government during the depression.
Economic Developments: (bad to worse)
● Before Great Depression
-the return to the gold standard(1925) led to overvalued Sterling, which reduced demand
for exports, resulting in lower economic growth.
-deflation increase debt and reduce spending because of falling prices.
● During/After Great Depression
-left the gold standard; devalued the Pound.
-relied heavily on trade, so with decline in global demand and lower exports, GB was in
recession.
Military Developments:
● Britain committed to the mechanization of cavalry, which included the formation of the
Royal Armored Corps and the abandoning of horses by the Royal Scots Grey.
● Reintroduction of conscription helped double the size of the Territorial Army.
International Relationships:
● British potential allies were France, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa,
Poland, China, US, Belgium, Netherlands, Norway, Yugoslavia, (USSR).
● British potential enemies were Germany, Italy, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, (Japan).
Potential for War:
● The Anglo-Polish treaty of 1939 states that Britain shall come to the aid of Poland should
Germany and her allies attack, and declare war on the invaders.
● The British were concerned with German annexation and fascism, especially when
Germany took over Rhineland, which was demilitarized, without opposition.
One of the major political players in Mexico was Porfirio Díaz, the authoritarian
president who was ruling Mexico from 1867. Later, Francisco Madero challenged Díaz’s
dictatorship in 1910, but only stayed in power for a short period of time. Following Madero’s
brief rule, Victoriano Huerta attempted to return to an autocratic-styled government, but was
unsuccessful. Finally, Alvaro Obregón became the leader of the Mexican government in 1915.
The outbreak of World War I influenced the start of the Mexican Revolution, a period of
political disarray lasting from 1910 to 1920 (discussed in detail below). Mexico did not play a
major role in the war itself, but did export some goods that helped its economy thrive.
Many political, and social, developments were evident in Mexico. Labor agitation and
class conflict increased, causing the Mexican Revolution. Initially, Latin American nations were
actively engaged in trade with Europe. In return for exports, such as coffee, Mexico received
vital European goods. However, the United States gradually began to exert influence over
Mexico and other areas in Latin America, and the power of Europe waned. The U.S. became
involved in conflicts with Mexico, but briefly withdrew as a result of the beginning of World
War I. At the same time, Porfirio Diaz had been transforming the Mexico’s economy. But, he
only achieved this by allowing major portions of the economy to be controlled by foreigners. In
addition, Diaz resisted any opposition to his regime. Growing sentiment created resistance from
Francisco Madero and peasants, united by Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata. Together, they
were successful in removing Diaz from power. Unfortunately, the next President, Victoriano
Huerta, continued to rule like Diaz. Villa and Zapata also removed him from power, and Alvaro
Obregon emerged as the victor. Finally, the Mexican Constitution of 1917 gave more rights to
working class, along with land reforms and restriction for foreign occupation of resources. In
response, cristeros, conservative peasants against secularization and change, resorted to outright
violence until a compromise was established.
Economically, as a result of the start of World War I, Mexico could not receive the
supplies it traditionally imported from Europe. Consequently, it had to begin to produce its own
necessities, a theory known as import substitution.
Mexico provided aid to the United States and Britain during WWI in the form of fuel, oil,
and other raw materials necessary to the war.
Mexico officially remained a neutral nation in WWI, neither supporting the Allies or the
Central Powers. But, it did provide certain raw materials and aid to the Allies. However, Mexico
did continue to show animosity towards the United States as a result of its interference in
Mexican society. Germany attempted to ally with Mexico in order to defeat the U.S. It expressed
its desire through various methods, the most famous of which is the Zimmerman Telegram.
However, Mexico resisted the offer because of the internal divisions it was gradually
overcoming.
Mexico has a huge potential for war, as it still wants to get revenge on the United States
for meddling in its internal and political matters. The consolidation of power in Mexico after
prolonged disarray would also allow Mexico to fight unitedly against the U.S.
Africa
By Amy Tian and Jessica Zhang
Major Political Players:
● Great Britain, France, and many other European countries who had African colonies and
maintained control and influence in Africa
Role in and Impact of the Great War:
● British and French drew soldiers and raw materials from their African colonies
● War disrupted newly colonized African societies
Political Developments:
● French colonies
○ Opportunities for political organization severely restricted before, during, and
after the war
○ Led to major strikes and riots
● British colonies
○ More tolerance for political organization
○ Still had many strikes and rebellions
Economic Developments:
● African merchants and farmers suffered from shipping shortages and decline in demand
for crops
Military Developments:
● Not very advanced but included the fundamentals and weapons such as cannons and
small bombs
International Relationships (Potential Allies/Enemies):
● Africa was unhappy with British and French colonizers
○ Europe dragged them into the war
○ Europe promised better jobs and public honors but did not keep promise
○ Economic slump brought by Great Depression
Potential for War:
● High
○ Upset that the whites took over their home country
○ Segregated even in their homeland (apartheid)
■ Lower paying jobs
■ Had to carry I.D. cards
■ Forced labor in order to pay taxes
Prohibited from growing profitable crop
Italy During the Interwar Period - Vivian Ryker - B2
Major Political Players
● Prime minister Vittorio Orlando
○ The people turned against Orlando when he came back empty handed from the Treaty of
Versailles
● Chamber of Deputies
○ Primary governing body - grew corrupt because its members were unpaid
● Benito Mussolini
○ Founded the Fascist party (the white shirts)
■ Anti - Communist (Communists - red shirts)
■ Advocated the glorification of war
■ 250,000 official party members - mostly lower-middle class
■ Wanted glory for Italy
■ The king feared violence, so he named Mussolini premier in 1922
● Used his army to get rid of all opposition to Fascism in local gov’t
● Started social and economic reforms
● Communism - strong in northern Italy, but was a minority because of the Fascist majority
● Socialism - always present, but also a minority to Fascist majority
Role in World War I
● Originally fought for the Triple Alliance, then switched to the Triple Entente because of territorial disputes
with Austria-Hungary
● Stayed out of the war at first, but joined b/c of the Treaty of London - Britain promised Italy land if they
fought in the war
● Failed against Austria-Hungary in the Disaster of Caporetto
Impact of World War I
● Economic drain - spent more during the war than they did in the past 50 years
● Debt, inflation, and unemployment skyrocket b/c of $ spent on war efforts
● Got almost nothing out of the Treaty of Versailles - made their gov’t seem weak
● Poverty led to unrest, which led to the rise of fascism and socialism
Political Developments
● Growth of Fascism, Communism, and Socialism
● Extreme tensions between Fascist and Communist parties
Economic Developments
● Economic devastation due to debt - leads to unemployment, poverty, inflation
Military Developments
● Sunk lots of money (money they didn’t have) into their military because of the rise of Fascist beliefs
○ This army would eventually fight against Italy’s communist army
International Relationships
● Fought for the Triple Alliance at first, but switched to the Triple Entente b/c of land disputes
● Fought for the Axis Powers during WWII (Germany, Japan, Italy) because…
○ The countries of the Axis Powers all wanted to destabilize the European order and get rid of the
Soviet Union
Potential for War
● Not very warlike/not likely to start a war - no powerful/impressive military
● Cannot start a war against the Soviet Union alone, so they join with Germany and Japan
○ Treaties: Rome-Berlin Axis - friendship with each other - Nov. 1, 1936
Anti-Comintern Pact - against Soviet Union - May 22, 1939
Tripartite Pact - formation of the Axis Powers - Sept. 27, 1940
CHINA: Parker Jou and Rithwik Palivela
Key political players
Major political players included: Sun Yat-sen was the leader of the anti-Qing Revolutionary
Alliance, Yuan Shikai was the most powerful warlord who made a bid for ruler of China,
Japan, Mao Zedong, the leader of the Communist party, and Chiang Kai Shek.
China during WWI
China entered World War I in 1917. They sent 140,000 laborers to Western powers and declared
war on Germany in order to gain a spot in the negotiations at Versailles. Militarily, the Chinese
accomplished little. At the treaty of Versailles, the Chinese gained little. The contested province of
Shandong was transferred to Japan. There were also protests in China against China’s part in the
negotiations.
Political developments
During the interwar years, China had been essentially divided into two opposing forces. The
Nationalists, led by Chiang Kai-Shek (Formerly led by Sun Yat-sen), and the Kuomintang led by Mao
ZeDong. The Nationalists forged alliances with foreign groups and warlords. The nationalists were
dependent on support provided by businessmen and merchants. Under Sun Yat-sen, the nationalists had
formed an alliance with the communists. Once under Chiang Kai Shek, the nationalist party turned
against the Guomindang, killing many members. This precipitated The Long March, which secured
Mao’s base of power. Up to World War II, the two parties continued their fighting, with Chiang Kai Shek
gaining the upper hand.
Economic Developments
China benefitted from WWI economically. The decreased competition in trade among the
Western powers due to the taxing war created more demand for Chinese goods and materials. The
agricultural economy, however, plummeted. Due to increasing tensions between leaders and warlords, the
peasants’ economic problems continued. The Guomindang didn’t keep up their promises for land reforms
and didn’t maintain irrigation systems, causing droughts and famines, and a huge drop in productivity..
During this period, China became increasingly industrialized, in part due to foreign aid, and soon
possessed a sizable economy. Though badly hit by the Great Depression, China recovered relatively
quickly.
Military Developments
Due to the already existing civil war in China, by the time WWII had started there were already
over 2 million regular soldiers. The Soviets also helped China develop its military through the founding
of the Whampoa Military Academy in 1924, first headed by Chiang Kai-shek. Throughout the period,
China continued to modernize their army, importing western weapons and advisors.
International Relationships
China was wary of all foreign nations and their influences in this time period, a big factor being
their own internal instability. As the rule of China shifted hands, different leaders had different foreign
policies. China was wary and hostile against Japan due to Japanese seizure of the Shandong region and
their forced acceptance of the 21 demands. China was allied to the Entente powers, which were France,
Britain, and Russia.
.Potential for War
China’s potential for war is at a medium level. China, at this time, due to the conflict between
Chiang Kai Shek and Mao Zedong already possesses over 2 million regular troops, some having western
training. In addition, China possesses the largest human population on earth. However, China is
politically unstable, with Chiang Kai Shek having unified China, but Mao Zedong and the Guomindang
contending his leadership. China, at this time is also becoming increasingly industrialized, in part due to
the boycott of Japanese goods. However, in the countryside, farm production of edible food slowed, and
China was forced to import grain, thus impairing their ability to fight effective war.
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INTERWAR YEARS ANALYSIS - India
Major Political Players
a. National Congress Party: became a political party in 1885; focus of the the nationalist
movement; supported by British officers in early years
b. Britain: through the final years of the British Raj
c. B.G. Tilak: first popular leader in nationalist movement with a mass following; believed
in nationalism based on Hinduism and led boycotts of British goods and administration;
influenced underground societies
d. Mohandas Gandhi: led peaceful campaign uniting all of India for independence
Role and Impact of the Great War
a. Many troops offered by Indian princes to support the Allies (especially Britain)
b. Loans given to Britain by Indian princes to help support the military
Political Developments
a. Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms: aka Government of India Act of 1919; increased power
of local autonomy, but did not allow self-rule
b. Rowat Act: canceled the powers given by the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms; gave
British the power of unlimited search and seizure
c. Rise of nationalism: Under Gandhi's key negotiation and satyagraha strategy, the Indian
population was united against British restrictions and racism
d. Government of India Act 1935: regional autonomy and direct elections allowed
Economic Developments
a. Indian businessmen were angered by favoritism towards British investors
i.
Large portion of the budget went to cover expenses of army and pensions of
British administrators
ii.
Needs of British home economy ---> Indian peasantry had to produce more cash
crops (cotton, jute, indigo) ---> decline in food production ---> suffering from
food shortages
b. Wartime inflation caused…
i.
Shipping shortages caused peasants an inability to sell goods
ii.
Rising costs--> labor wages to drop - bosses got rich from profits
Military Developments
a. approximately 1,105,000 Indian personnel sent E. Africa, Middle East, Europe
i.
Many died or starved to continue efforts in conflict that had little to do w/ them
b. Moved away from violent protest to nonviolent protest (Gandhi - satyagraha)
i.
Gandhi’s nonviolent forces and protests were not state funded - from his
followers that participated in peaceful strikes and demonstrations
International Relationships (India and Great Britain)
a. the National Congress Party was very loyal to the British - became mroe independent
b. Underground secret societies attacked British officials and government buildings
c. British did not keep promises (Indians get self-government in return for support)
Potential for War
a. Civil war potential is high due to the rise of nationalism through Gandhi's movements
b. Potential for international war is low due to the positive relations and stance of India
Nina Li and Geetika Gogineni
AP World Project
France
Major Political Players:
- Raymond Poincare was prime minister between 1922-1924
- Georges Clemenceau was a French premier who pushed for heavy reparations and
punishments towards the Germans after World War I
Role in and Impact of the Great War:
- World War I resulted in many casualties and deaths
- Battle in Alsace-Lorraine lead to near destruction of France’s most advanced armies
- French gained land back from the Germans after World War I
- World War I resulted in revolts from French colonies
Internal Political:
- France was thrown into disarray without stability or clear ideology
- The Depression lead to the rise of socialist and communist political parties in France
called the Popular Front
Economic Development:
- Workforce of France declined and never revived
- World War I resulted in economic devastation
- The French relied on laborers recruited from colonies of Africa and Vietnam to replace
factory workers and farmers that went off to war
Military Developments and Issues:
- Many workers and men were drafted to fight World War I
- Technological advances lead to more deaths and casualties
- In 1916, the French loss 700,000 troops on the Western Front
International Relationships:
- Triple Entente consists of France, Britain, Italy (1915), and Russia
- Triple Alliance/ Central Powers consists of Germany and Austria-Hungary
Potential for War:
- France was neutral until Germans plan to invade France before Russians mobilized but
the plan failed (Schlieffen Plan)
- After World War I, France claimed to suffer the most during World War I
- France along with the British demanded for reparations, land, and punishments on the
Germans
Nora Helou and Marion Gale
Japan
Major Political Players
● General Tojo Hideki was one of the leaders of a military group that tried to get political
power (and failed).
● Minister of finance, Korekiyo Takahashi increased government spending to provide jobs.
○ This generates new demands for food and manufactured items, making an export
boom.
Role in and Impact of the Great War
● Japan sided with Britain and attacked German colonies in China and Southeast Asia.
● Japanese soldiers never fought in any battlefronts in Europe.
Internal Political, Economic, and Military Developments and Issues
● Starting in the 1920s, Japan began a large industrializing movement.
○ Technology improved and jobs increased as a result.
● Japan’s economy grew vastly in strength.
○ This changed when the Depression hit- it hit Japan very hard (Showa Depression)
○ Japan suffered far less than most Western nation, active government policies
quickly changed that.
● Authoritarian military rule took over Japan, although it wasn’t outright fascism.
● In an effort to increase their influence in China, Japan’s military invaded and started the
second Sino-Japanese War during a Chinese civil war.
● Japan structured its navy in a way to specifically fight the United States.
International Relationships
● Japan depended heavily on cheap exports to the West, as it needed the money from trade
to pay for fuel, raw materials, and to support population increase.
● Western countries no longer imported Japanese luxuries, like silk.
○ The value of Japanese exports dropped by 50% between 1929 and 1931.
● U.S. and Japan did not get along, making their relationship rocky.
● Japan began to invade parts of Manchuria, which erased much of their relations with China.
Potential for War
● Ultra Nationalism was common in Japan in the 1930s,
● The U.S. and Japan saw each other as military threats, and a trade rivalry began.
○ Japanese resented racial discrimination in U.S. immigration laws.
● Japan became more aggressive- with an authoritarian military ruling over the country.
Spain
Major Political Players
● Alfonso XIII of Spain: Reign 17 May 1886-14 April 1931, King of Spain
● Miguel Primo de Rivera- Spanish dictator who promised to eliminate corruption. Took office
after WW1. Promised to only be in office for 90 days but remained. Used to be Spanish general.
● Jose Antonio Primo de Rivera- Formed fascist party, son of former Spanish dictator. Established
Falange Espanaola , in manifesto denounced all other systems and promoted fascism
● Miguel Primo de Rivera: January 8, 1870 – March 16, 1930, Dictator/Prime Minister of Spain,
supported by Alphonso XIII
Role in and Impact of the Great War
Benevolently neutral towards Great Britain and France given geographical location. “The Neutral Ally”
Significant source of goods for France, the allies, and South America. Eased suffering in World War I by
aiding prisoners of war.
Political Developments
● Francophiles vs Germanophiles.
● Germanophiles predominant among the privileged social groups (the clergy, the aristocracy, the
court, the upper bourgeoisie, the army, the landowning oligarchy) right wing parties Carlists and
the Mauristas. German victory constituted the best guarantee for the consolidation of conservative
● Francophiles were social and political groups hostile to the status quo: the intellectuals, the
professional middle classes, Republicans, Socialists and Regionalists. triumph of the Entente
produce democracy and political freedom throughout Europe.
● Escalating domestic issues exacerbated by diplomatic conflicts, Germany challenged Spain's
neutrality policy. Precarious position during the war necessity to maintain neutrality, so suffered
serious consequences. Focus on foreign policy→ governments rose and fell as all proved
incapable of resolving Spain's ever-increasing problems. Thus the rise of fascism.
● Jose Antonio Primo de Rivera formed fascist party that neglected all freedoms
Economic Developments
Gold reserves more than tripled during the great war. Government paid off national debt. Economic and
military inability to wage war initially, however.
Military Developments
No direct military action as a neutral country. Interned small German force along northwest African
colony. Intervened in battled countries to aid prisoners of war.
International Relationships
Spain’s neutrality was challenged by Germany’s submarine warfare. Spain was humiliated because it
could not overcome Germany’s submarine threat.
Spain signed Cartagena Agreements with the Entente
Potential for War
Spain’s government had fallen apart greatly after the war with USA. Their “navy” only had only 3
battleships, 7 cruisers and 7 destroyers left. Militarily, there was little that Spain could provide to either
side. Spain wouldn’t have been a significant force even if they did enter the war.
Egypt
Major Players
● Evelyn Cromer: an official who worked in Egypt before the war. Did not help the plight of
the peasants, instead working with local officials.
● Saad Zaghlul: founded the Al-Wafd al-Misri (Egyptian Delegation), which demanded for
Egyptian presence in European discussions of Egypt’s independence.
Role in/Impact of Great War
● No direct participation, but supplies and soldiers travelled through Suez Canal.
● The defeat of Axis powers such as Turkey led to hopes that the country could gain
independence.
Internal Developments/Issues
● the Wafd protest against their underrepresentation in independence talks. Key members,
including Zaghlul, are arrested.
● Caused widespread revolt against foreign presence in general in Egypt. Journalists lead
the protests, with newspapers questioning the rule of the Europeans.
● After the British realize the anti-foreign sentiment is shared by the majority of Egyptians,
the British government proposes immediate independence in 1922.
● However, British troops remain in Egypt to protect the country’s interests such as the
Suez Canal.
● The majority of peasants are controlled by a small group of lords.
● 98% of the peasants are illiterate and 95% have eye diseases.
● With a large portion of Egypt’s resources and agriculture devoted to the war effort, the
country is poor and many peasants are starving.
● Egyptian military tries to take Sudan.
International Relationships
● Egypt has a long history of dominance by various European nations, and was named a
protectorate of Britain in 1914.
● Even though there has been a history of violent revolt in Egypt against European
influence, the Egyptians managed to avoid an all-out war.
● Britain willingly granted Egypt independence in 1922.
● Egyptian attempt to incorporate Sudan into their country generated friction with the
British, who evicted all the Egyptian forces from the country.
Potential for War
● The issue over Sudan remains unsolved, which could generate problems in the future.
● In addition, Egypt is determined to not be controlled by outside powers, such as the
Ottomans.
Gabi Ruderman and Ria Jain
Eastern Europe
Major Political Players
1. Archduke Franz Ferdinand - assassinated; catalyst for the outbreak of war
2. Franz Joseph I of Austria - ruler of Austro-Hungarian Empire during WWI
Role in and Impact of the Great War
1. The first country to declare war due to their archduke Franz Ferdinand’s assassination
(declared war against Serbia)
2. Yugoslavia became a country of many different ethnic groups, but those groups were not
similar enough to be a part of an effective state due to ethnic conflicts and linguistic
challenges.
Political Developments
1. Countries that had recently separated from the Austro-Hungarian Empire such as
Romania and Yugoslavia created democracies, but their governments quickly became
fascist dictatorships due to the lack of understanding of democracy
2. Czechoslovakia, recently separated from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, was the only
democracy that was actually functional during the Interwar period. Their democracy
ended when they were usurped by Germany’s expansionism in 1938.
Economic Developments
1. Austria-Hungary did not have colonies unlike every other major European power - did
not have as many resources as a result
2. The British convinced Italy to support them by promising Italy substantial amounts of
territory that belonged to Austria-Hungary
Military Developments
1. Austro-Hungarian generals were poor leaders and the multiethnic soldiers often held
little to no loyalty to the Austrian emperor
2. Austrian forces were able to hold their ground against numerous Russian invasions
3. They were able to be even more offensive against the Italians due to incompetent
generals, costly campaigns, and corrupt politicians
International Relationships
1. Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia (in response to assassination of archduke
Franz Ferdinand)
2. Austria-Hungary was on the side of the Triple Alliance (along with Germany, the
Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria)
3. Italy declared war on Austria-Hungary when they entered on the side of the Triple
Entente
Potential for War
1. Declared war against Serbia for the assassination, even though their reaction could have
been less severe
2. The rulers of Austria-Hungary were determined to end the long history of Serbian
challenges to their control over parts of the Balkans, and they were pushing for war as a
result.
Elise Hogarth and Mae Shu
AP World History B2
Mrs. Kelly
15 March 2016
Major Political Players
● Kamal Ataturk- drove back Greek armies, conducted many reforms throughout Turkey
● Hussein- used British promise of independence to convince Arabs to support Britain against the
Turks in World War I
● Leon Pinkser- Zionist who believed that Jewish assimilation into Christian nations was
impossible, wanted a homeland for Jews
● Theodor Herzl- established World Zionist Organization in 1897 to promote Jewish migration to
Palestine
Role in and Impact of the Great War
● Turkey entered war in 1915 because they wanted to restore Ottoman Empire to its former glory
● Ottoman Empire was Germany’s main support outside of Europe
● Much of fighting done in Middle East
Political Developments
● 1923- Turkey became an independent country, abolished sultanate
○ Ataturk’s political reforms were modeled on western precedents and attempted to
secularize the nation
■ He led the new republic, but ruled Turkey as an authoritarian government
● Mandate system- European nations, Britain and France, assumed control in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon,
and Palestine
○ The British went back on their promise to let the Arabs be free
Economic Developments
● In the Turkish republic, the economy was still controlled by the government
● During the Great Depression, prices of agricultural goods declined
○ Tried to imitate western economy structure, which was also in trouble
Military Developments
● During WWI, the Turks suffered many military disasters
○ Blamed these disasters on Armenians, led to Armenian Genocide, killing over one
million Armenians (1915)
International Relationships
● Turks sided with Central Powers in WWI
● World Zionist Organization promoted Jewish migration to Palestine to form a Jewish homeland
● British promised Jews a homeland in Palestine
○ Balfour Declaration
● British also promised to give the Arabs independence
Potential for War
● Palestinian issue with British angered Arabs, but war was not very likely because the Middle East
powers were divided
The Interwar Years - Germany
By Patrick Horan and Charlie Harriman
Major Political Players
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Adolf Hitler rises to power in Germany following the German defeat in World War One.
Through the National Socialist, or nazi, regime, Hitler and his associates imposed their
own version of fascism on the masses through promises of bringing Germany back to its
former strength. Hitler constructed a totalitarian German government in the 1930s.
Joseph Goebbels was the head of the ministry of propaganda for the German
government under Adolf Hitler. He was responsible for the reflection of nazi ideology in
all forms of media in Germany
Role In and Impact of the Great War
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Germany was part of the central powers in World War One.
German armies became the primary aggressor in the war, attempting to annex parts of
France and Eastern Europe.
Because of their large role in the war, Germany was punished most severely in
reparations from the Treaty of Versailles.
These punitive reparations were the main cause of economic destabilization.
Political Developments
●
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After the war, Germany swung sharply into ultra-conservatism, electing the fascist Nazi
party into power.
The government changed from a parliamentary monarchy to a totalitarian dictatorship,
headed by Adolf Hitler.
Economic Developments
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To pay reparations, interwar Germany just printed more money
Unprecedented inflation caused the economy to flop
Hitler began planning to capture more territory to recoup losses.
Military Developments
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The German Army was limited to 100,000 soldiers
The German’s were allowed no military planes, tanks, heavy artillery, or submarines
The navy was severely downsized to very few ships.
International Relationships
●
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Germany’s allies were Japan, Italy (Axis Powers) and eventually Slovakia, Romania, and
Hungary.
Germany’s enemies were most European nations and Russia.
Potential for War
●
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Germany invaded land lost after World War 1 such as the Rhineland, Czechoslovakia,
Poland.
The German government had begun rounding up Jews and the Holocaust had
effectively begun.
Interwar Russia
● Major Political Players
○ Tsar Nicholas was the last emperor of Russia and was executed along with his
whole family.
○ This and a group of members within the imperial parliament breaking off and
forming the Provisional committee helped remove imperial power.
○ Vladimir Lenin then overthrew the Provisional Committee and formed what is
now known as the USSR
● Role in and Impact of the Great War
○ The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk was signed after Russia could not balance their
internal and external conflicts, this gave a majority of their Western territories to
Germany
○ After the war when the Treaty of Versailles was signed, Russia did not regain
their territories, but instead these territories became their own individual nations.
● Political Developments
○ The Tsar was assassinated and temporarily replaced with the Duma, but was
quickly overthrown by the Provisional Committee
○ The Provisional Committee did not last for long as they were forcefully removed
by the Bolsheviks which then formed the USSR
● Economic Developments
○ Although Russia had a moderately free market before the war they were not able
to maintain this standpoint
○ With the overthrow of the traditional government and takeover by the USSR there
was no longer any outside trade or capitalist ideas within the state
● Military Developments
○ During the Great War, Russia was far behind in terms of weaponry due to a very
underdeveloped Industrial system.
○ After the Bolsheviks came to power, Russia was able to catch up and even
developing equally advanced weaponry for example the Russian equivalent to the
standard American M1 Garand rifle, the Mosin Nagant which became the
standard issue weapon among Soviet Soldiers even outside of Russia
● Potential for War
○ After dealing with their internal conflicts, Russia was very prone to external
fighting and wanted as much territory as they could gain no matter how they
would gain it.
Interwar- South America
-Major Political Players
●
Brazil- Epitáco Pessoa was president shortly after WWI, a founder of the League of
Nations, had a role in the Treaty of Versailles
●
Chile- Gen. Carlos Ibáñez was president starting 1931, strong attempts to salvage
Chilean economy
-Role in and Impact of the Great War
●
Brazil joined the war late, in 1917, with the allied powers
●
All the rest of South America remained neutral
●
Brazil- Sharp drop in important coffee and latex exports
●
Brazil- Increased trade due to extreme demand for foodstuffs
●
Chile- Neutral, but hit hard by the Great Depression
-International issues and developments
●
Brazil- Old president, Venceslau Brás, was replaced by Epitácio Pessoa
●
Brazil- Army grew nearly 10x larger (18,000 to 175,000 troops)
●
Brazil- Luxury trade experienced sharp losses, meat and fish trade greatly increases
●
Brazil takes part of Treaty of Versailles, gets 70 Brazilian ships previously captured by
axis powers
●
Chile- Hit hard by neutral stance, high unemployment and sharp decrease in copper and
nitrate trade
●
Chile- Adopted import-substitution industrialization in 1937
-International Relationships
●
As almost all of South America remained neutral, no real international disputes occurred
(except Brazil)
●
Many of these countries took out loans to help their economies after WWI
●
Brazil allied with the allied powers, specifically Britain and America
-Potential for War: Very low. Hurt economies eventually rebounded, no major catalysts, and
very little political change all lead to low probability for war, and especially for starting one.