History: 20th century. Causes, practices and effects of Wars.
Summary.
th
Unit 1: Wars in the 20 Century
Different types of war
Total War
It is when a country uses all his resource (humans, economy and military) to fight the war to ensure
victory over the enemy. In practical terms they must: create a large fighting force, use civilians, use all
weapons available and developing new ones. The government controls economy and media. Targeting
civilians as well as combatants in the quest of the total victory.
Limited War
It is when exist limits in war by confining the geographical area in which fighting takes place, limiting the
type if targets can be attacked, the weapons that can be used and the degree of mobilization. After 1945
this kind of war became a necessity to prevent the use of nuclear weapons. Korean War and Vietnam
War are considered limited war because USA and USSR impose restrictions to themselves in order to
prevent a very real danger confrontation.
Civil War
It is a conflict between two factions or regions of the same country; the clashing is over ethnic, religious,
politics or ideological issues. Like in the Spanish Civil War, between Nationalist and Republicans. The
combatants can be identified as insurgents.
Guerrilla Warfare
It is an unconventional warfare because instead on attack an enemy head on with the conventional
tactics, small groups use tactics against a large and less mobile formal army. Like Mao Zedong used
during the Chinese Civil War.
Key Terms
Economic cause: refers to the conflict for economic resources.
Economic effect: Inflation and food rationing are two effects lead by an economic conflict.
Social cause: wars start by tension between social groups or classes in a country or region.
Social effect: The structure and tradition tend to change after a war.
Political cause: Refers to a war that starts by a clash between different political factions.
Political effects: Wars can change the government or a nation by a complete reconfiguration of it.
Ideological cause: a fundamental clash of ideas between different groups about how government and
society should be run.
Ideological effect: It can affect the ideological position of a country and government.
,Unit 2: The causes of World War I
Franco-Prussian War (1870-71)
After Napoleonic war, 39 Germanic states in Europe existed, the largest, Austria and Prussian. The
Prussians defeated Denmark, Austria and France. The last one was not only defeated but also
humiliated, with less man they won and defeat France also helped that railways that they used to deliver
resources. In term of peace, France lost the territory of Alsace-Lorraine and had to pay an indemnity of
5’000 million marks and suffered Prussian occupations in parts of France until the debt is complete.. After
this the King of Prussia was proclaimed the German Emperor. Germany unification was complete but
without Austria.
France desired revenge. Germany became a new power in Europe and had the potential to be dominant.
European countries learnt that modern warfare had to be rapid and have a fast deployment.
Key characteristics of the Great European Power, c.1900.
• Germany
Germany was a democratic monarchy; its system was authoritarian held by the power of the Kaiser and
the Chancellor. The power of the German parliament was limited. After the Franco-Prussian War,
Germany became the strongest industrial power in Europe. Still they had socio-economic tensions
between expanding cities and social groups. They produced a large working class.
• France
France was a democratic republic and offered extensive civil liberties. Its economy was based on
agriculture, with most population living and working at the countryside. France was a wealthy nation.
Divided between the pacifists “left wing” and the revanchist “right wing” (imperialist ambitions and wanted
the reclamation of Alsace-Lorraine).
• Great Britain
Well-established parliamentary democracy, with a monarchy retaining limited powers, the first European
power to under go in the industrial revolution. Vast oversea empire. The most powerful international trader
until 1900 then was also Germany and USA. Britain had a similar socio-economic situation like Germany
the working class was discontent. The British government learnt to be alert to public opinion and the
power of the popular press. In the 19 th century, they followed a policy of “Splendid Isolation”, not wanting
conflicts with others. By 1900, they review the policy and started calling allies because of the competition
with Germany and the USA. Without navy, Britain was nothing because their biggest power was overseas
yet their navies were strong but vulnerable.
• Austria-Hungary
It was a dual monarchy led by a Emperor and parliaments. The system was heavily bureaucratic and
inefficient. Slow economy growth. The key problem was the national rivalries between their European
empire. In the 19th nationalist forcers and ambitions had unleashed across Europe. A key concern for the
Habsburg was the demise of the Ottoman Empire on their border, which strengthens the nationalist cause
,of many Slavic people who wanted independence from the Ottoman Empire. Its biggest concern was the
hostility and aggression of Serbia.
• Russia
An autocratic ‘divine’ monarchy, the Tsar being perceived as God. The state was bureaucratic and
ineffective. Rapid industrialization at the end of the 19 th yet people remained as peasants, working in land
with intensive labour process. A revolution exploded in 1905 after Russia had being defeated by Japan
because of the discontent of people about the regime. Even though it did not change the regime, it
introduced a limited degree of democracy. Working conditions were not improved. After a few lost, Russia
wasn’t seen as the great military power. They also wanted to prop up the Ottoman Empire to prevent
Austria-Hungary to expand.
• Turkey
Turkey was the sick man of Europe. The Ottoman declined and the Sultan’s power was undermined. The
regime was corrupt and inefficient. Revolts could not being content. The political discontent and the
foreign debt led the empire to its end. There was division inside thee Turkish Empire between the Turks,
Slavs and others. The Sultan was overthrown in 1909. Most European power agreed that the best
solution was to prop up the Turkish regime and try to persuade it to modernize. Russia and Austria-
Hungary was not part of this, they wanted to focus in other things.
Long-term causes of the World War I
Bismarck’s web of alliances
Bismarck German chancellor created a web of alliances in other to protect Germany.
• The Dreikaiserbund or Three Emperor’s league (1873)
The Dreikaiserbund joined Germany, Russia and Austria-Hungary in an alliance with the purpose to keep
France isolated.
• The Dual Alliance (1879)
Austria-Hungary and Russia came into conflict over events in the Balkans so the Dreikaiserbund
collapsed. Germany and Austria-Hungary agreed to assist one other if Russia attacked them. Each
country also agreed to remain neutral in case another European country attacked them in other to
maintain peace.
• The Three Emperor’s Alliance (1881)
Russia turned back to Germany. Bismarck now proposed a new Dreikaiserbund. It said that if Russia,
Germany or Austria-Hungary were at war the other would remain neutral. The alliance also tried to
resolve Austro-Russian disputes in the Balkans.
• The Triple Alliance (1882)
, An alliance that was between Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy. If two or more countries attacked one
of them, the allies would be lending help.
• The Reinsurance Treaty (1887)
The Three- Emperor’s Alliance fell down due to Balkans problems. Bismarck proposed now that Germany
and Russia would stay friendly.
The New Course and Weltpolitik
In 1888, Kaiser Wilhelm II came to throne in Germany and Leo von Caprivi replaced Bismarck as
Chancellor in 1890. They took a new course of German foreign policy. The Reinsurance Treaty failure
helped to start the Franco-Russian Alliance in 1894. In which said that if they were attack by Germany
they must give support. German policy makers look beyond Europe and follow the policy that they hoped
would make Germany a colonial power, with an oversea empire and navy, same as benefit German
population with their social and political problems at home. This policy is known as Weltpolitik, which was
supported by various patriotic groups. .
Imperialism
One of the main causes of tension between the European powers (1880-1905) was colonial rivalry. The
Europeans had increase domination in of countries in Africa and Far East and competed to built vast
empires. Germany’s desire to make the influence felt outside Europe was to bring conflict with the more
established colonial powers, particularly in Britain.
The emergence of the alliance system
The Weltpolitik brought Germany into conflict with Britain. In 1897, Admiral von Tirpitz shared Kaiser’s
belief that Germany should mount a naval challenge to Britain and within a year a Naval Law through the
Reichstag that provided for the building of 17 ships over the next seven years. Britain responded with its
naval supremacy. Britain made an alliance with Japan followed by an entente with France, which was not
a formal alliance.
The naval race
The effect of German’s intension was that Britain was to start a naval arms race. In 1906, they launched a
super-battleship known as HMS Dreadnought which its speed, range and firepower was the best. The
naval race between Britain and Germany caused a complete change of mood within the British population
itself. Newspapers now projected Germany as the major enemy of Britain.
The situation in the Balkans
• Turkey
Once Turkey ruled over the whole Balkans, but was not impotent. Serbs, Greeks and Bulgars already
revolted and set up their own independent nation states. Turkey was struggling on remaining its Balkans
territories.
• Austria-Hungary
Summary.
th
Unit 1: Wars in the 20 Century
Different types of war
Total War
It is when a country uses all his resource (humans, economy and military) to fight the war to ensure
victory over the enemy. In practical terms they must: create a large fighting force, use civilians, use all
weapons available and developing new ones. The government controls economy and media. Targeting
civilians as well as combatants in the quest of the total victory.
Limited War
It is when exist limits in war by confining the geographical area in which fighting takes place, limiting the
type if targets can be attacked, the weapons that can be used and the degree of mobilization. After 1945
this kind of war became a necessity to prevent the use of nuclear weapons. Korean War and Vietnam
War are considered limited war because USA and USSR impose restrictions to themselves in order to
prevent a very real danger confrontation.
Civil War
It is a conflict between two factions or regions of the same country; the clashing is over ethnic, religious,
politics or ideological issues. Like in the Spanish Civil War, between Nationalist and Republicans. The
combatants can be identified as insurgents.
Guerrilla Warfare
It is an unconventional warfare because instead on attack an enemy head on with the conventional
tactics, small groups use tactics against a large and less mobile formal army. Like Mao Zedong used
during the Chinese Civil War.
Key Terms
Economic cause: refers to the conflict for economic resources.
Economic effect: Inflation and food rationing are two effects lead by an economic conflict.
Social cause: wars start by tension between social groups or classes in a country or region.
Social effect: The structure and tradition tend to change after a war.
Political cause: Refers to a war that starts by a clash between different political factions.
Political effects: Wars can change the government or a nation by a complete reconfiguration of it.
Ideological cause: a fundamental clash of ideas between different groups about how government and
society should be run.
Ideological effect: It can affect the ideological position of a country and government.
,Unit 2: The causes of World War I
Franco-Prussian War (1870-71)
After Napoleonic war, 39 Germanic states in Europe existed, the largest, Austria and Prussian. The
Prussians defeated Denmark, Austria and France. The last one was not only defeated but also
humiliated, with less man they won and defeat France also helped that railways that they used to deliver
resources. In term of peace, France lost the territory of Alsace-Lorraine and had to pay an indemnity of
5’000 million marks and suffered Prussian occupations in parts of France until the debt is complete.. After
this the King of Prussia was proclaimed the German Emperor. Germany unification was complete but
without Austria.
France desired revenge. Germany became a new power in Europe and had the potential to be dominant.
European countries learnt that modern warfare had to be rapid and have a fast deployment.
Key characteristics of the Great European Power, c.1900.
• Germany
Germany was a democratic monarchy; its system was authoritarian held by the power of the Kaiser and
the Chancellor. The power of the German parliament was limited. After the Franco-Prussian War,
Germany became the strongest industrial power in Europe. Still they had socio-economic tensions
between expanding cities and social groups. They produced a large working class.
• France
France was a democratic republic and offered extensive civil liberties. Its economy was based on
agriculture, with most population living and working at the countryside. France was a wealthy nation.
Divided between the pacifists “left wing” and the revanchist “right wing” (imperialist ambitions and wanted
the reclamation of Alsace-Lorraine).
• Great Britain
Well-established parliamentary democracy, with a monarchy retaining limited powers, the first European
power to under go in the industrial revolution. Vast oversea empire. The most powerful international trader
until 1900 then was also Germany and USA. Britain had a similar socio-economic situation like Germany
the working class was discontent. The British government learnt to be alert to public opinion and the
power of the popular press. In the 19 th century, they followed a policy of “Splendid Isolation”, not wanting
conflicts with others. By 1900, they review the policy and started calling allies because of the competition
with Germany and the USA. Without navy, Britain was nothing because their biggest power was overseas
yet their navies were strong but vulnerable.
• Austria-Hungary
It was a dual monarchy led by a Emperor and parliaments. The system was heavily bureaucratic and
inefficient. Slow economy growth. The key problem was the national rivalries between their European
empire. In the 19th nationalist forcers and ambitions had unleashed across Europe. A key concern for the
Habsburg was the demise of the Ottoman Empire on their border, which strengthens the nationalist cause
,of many Slavic people who wanted independence from the Ottoman Empire. Its biggest concern was the
hostility and aggression of Serbia.
• Russia
An autocratic ‘divine’ monarchy, the Tsar being perceived as God. The state was bureaucratic and
ineffective. Rapid industrialization at the end of the 19 th yet people remained as peasants, working in land
with intensive labour process. A revolution exploded in 1905 after Russia had being defeated by Japan
because of the discontent of people about the regime. Even though it did not change the regime, it
introduced a limited degree of democracy. Working conditions were not improved. After a few lost, Russia
wasn’t seen as the great military power. They also wanted to prop up the Ottoman Empire to prevent
Austria-Hungary to expand.
• Turkey
Turkey was the sick man of Europe. The Ottoman declined and the Sultan’s power was undermined. The
regime was corrupt and inefficient. Revolts could not being content. The political discontent and the
foreign debt led the empire to its end. There was division inside thee Turkish Empire between the Turks,
Slavs and others. The Sultan was overthrown in 1909. Most European power agreed that the best
solution was to prop up the Turkish regime and try to persuade it to modernize. Russia and Austria-
Hungary was not part of this, they wanted to focus in other things.
Long-term causes of the World War I
Bismarck’s web of alliances
Bismarck German chancellor created a web of alliances in other to protect Germany.
• The Dreikaiserbund or Three Emperor’s league (1873)
The Dreikaiserbund joined Germany, Russia and Austria-Hungary in an alliance with the purpose to keep
France isolated.
• The Dual Alliance (1879)
Austria-Hungary and Russia came into conflict over events in the Balkans so the Dreikaiserbund
collapsed. Germany and Austria-Hungary agreed to assist one other if Russia attacked them. Each
country also agreed to remain neutral in case another European country attacked them in other to
maintain peace.
• The Three Emperor’s Alliance (1881)
Russia turned back to Germany. Bismarck now proposed a new Dreikaiserbund. It said that if Russia,
Germany or Austria-Hungary were at war the other would remain neutral. The alliance also tried to
resolve Austro-Russian disputes in the Balkans.
• The Triple Alliance (1882)
, An alliance that was between Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy. If two or more countries attacked one
of them, the allies would be lending help.
• The Reinsurance Treaty (1887)
The Three- Emperor’s Alliance fell down due to Balkans problems. Bismarck proposed now that Germany
and Russia would stay friendly.
The New Course and Weltpolitik
In 1888, Kaiser Wilhelm II came to throne in Germany and Leo von Caprivi replaced Bismarck as
Chancellor in 1890. They took a new course of German foreign policy. The Reinsurance Treaty failure
helped to start the Franco-Russian Alliance in 1894. In which said that if they were attack by Germany
they must give support. German policy makers look beyond Europe and follow the policy that they hoped
would make Germany a colonial power, with an oversea empire and navy, same as benefit German
population with their social and political problems at home. This policy is known as Weltpolitik, which was
supported by various patriotic groups. .
Imperialism
One of the main causes of tension between the European powers (1880-1905) was colonial rivalry. The
Europeans had increase domination in of countries in Africa and Far East and competed to built vast
empires. Germany’s desire to make the influence felt outside Europe was to bring conflict with the more
established colonial powers, particularly in Britain.
The emergence of the alliance system
The Weltpolitik brought Germany into conflict with Britain. In 1897, Admiral von Tirpitz shared Kaiser’s
belief that Germany should mount a naval challenge to Britain and within a year a Naval Law through the
Reichstag that provided for the building of 17 ships over the next seven years. Britain responded with its
naval supremacy. Britain made an alliance with Japan followed by an entente with France, which was not
a formal alliance.
The naval race
The effect of German’s intension was that Britain was to start a naval arms race. In 1906, they launched a
super-battleship known as HMS Dreadnought which its speed, range and firepower was the best. The
naval race between Britain and Germany caused a complete change of mood within the British population
itself. Newspapers now projected Germany as the major enemy of Britain.
The situation in the Balkans
• Turkey
Once Turkey ruled over the whole Balkans, but was not impotent. Serbs, Greeks and Bulgars already
revolted and set up their own independent nation states. Turkey was struggling on remaining its Balkans
territories.
• Austria-Hungary
