Overview
At the turn of the century, imperialism was soon captivating Europeans. Africa was consumed by European countries expanding into it. This new form of colonization, called New Imperialism, was spread throughout the powerful states of Europe and some minor countries that wanted recognition. This was brought by the theory of Social Darwinism, only the rich and powerful can survive. Meanwhile the conflicts of Europe from countries overstepping their boundaries kept growing, A Serbian Nationalist, wanting to keep from Austria-Hungary annexing his home state, assassinated the Archduke Franz Ferdinand, unknowingly starting a war between countries. Russia came to support Serbia, and Germany to Austria-Hungary, soon enough in time almost all the major European states took sides in the war. While the Great War continued, Russia faced some internal problems in their country. Nicholas II was having trouble keeping maintaining his country stable and there were two major revolutions. The February Revolution caused the abdication of the czar, and the October Revolution brought the Bolsheviks into power, establishing the Soviet Union.
Key Events
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key people
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Top Dog
The Fourteen Points is a key factor during the 1900s since it played a major role in setting the stage for events to unfold. The Fourteen Points set by the Treaty of Paris, but a proposal from Woodrow Wilson before the war, was to establish the League of Nations, but was not fulfilled due to Senator Henry Cabot, among others, did not ratify the document to allow them to participate in it. The United States had to withdraw from being a part of the League of Nations, and the other European states were left on their own. Aside from the League of Nations, the other thirteen points were; no more secret agreements, free navigation of all seas, an end to all economic barriers between countries, countries to reduce weapon numbers, all decisions regarding the colonies should be impartial, the German Army is to be removed from Russia, Russia should be left to develop her own political set-up, Belgium should be independent like before the war, France should be fully liberated and allowed to recover Alsace-Lorraine, all Italians are to be allowed to live in Italy, Italy's borders are to "along clearly recognizable lines of nationality.", self-determination should be allowed for all those living in Austria-Hungary, self-determination and guarantees of independence should be allowed for the Balkan states, the Turkish people should be governed by the Turkish government, non-Turks in the old Turkish Empire should govern themselves, an independent Poland should be created which should have access to the sea. These points were to establish self determination, peace, and opportunities to minor countries.
Gavrilo Princip, a Serbian Nationalist plays a big role in the 19th century, seeing that his actions caused the beginning of World War II. Princip was part of the Black Hand, an organization that opposed their country being annexed by the Austria-Hungary Empire. His role in this war, was that he assassinated the Archduke Franz Ferdinand during a parade. Although it seems like something minor, this triggers a series of events. Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia with Germany. Then Russia joins with Serbia in the war and results in creation of European Alliances and mobilization. This is the beginning of the Great War. Eventually, almost all the major countries side with someone.
Gavrilo Princip, a Serbian Nationalist plays a big role in the 19th century, seeing that his actions caused the beginning of World War II. Princip was part of the Black Hand, an organization that opposed their country being annexed by the Austria-Hungary Empire. His role in this war, was that he assassinated the Archduke Franz Ferdinand during a parade. Although it seems like something minor, this triggers a series of events. Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia with Germany. Then Russia joins with Serbia in the war and results in creation of European Alliances and mobilization. This is the beginning of the Great War. Eventually, almost all the major countries side with someone.
timeline 1850-1918
- 1850: The start of imperialism in Europe, and migration throughout Europe to the US, Canada, and South America. Most of Africa resulted to be under the rule of Europe.
- 1870's: France and Germany industrializes rapidly, resulted in Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871).
- 1880-1900: Most of Africa falls under European rule except Ethiopia and Liberia. Peak point of imperialism.
- 1904-1905: Russo-Japanese War, Revolution of 1905 in Russia. Major setback for Russia since they lost.
- 1905: First Moroccan Crisis. Germany was started to be seen as potential threat.
- 1907: Japanese-Russian War left Russia vulnerable and settled disputes with Great Britain in Persia and Central Asia. Signed Anglo-Russian Agreement that led to the Triple Entente.
- 1913: Schlieffen Plan. Failed plan of the Germans to take over France.
- 1914: Archduke Franz Ferdinand assassinated by Gavrilo Princip. Total War. The beginning of World War II.
- 1914: Trench Warfare. This type of warfare led to many deaths of soldiers in Europe.
- 1915: Sinking of the Luisitania. Led to the U.S. to be more involved with war.
- 1917: Russian Revolutions (February and October). Revolutions led to abdication of the tsar and establishment of the USSR.
- 1918: League of Nations formed, once it was about to go through, the U.S. withdrew