Course Content
Background Information on 1870s European Powers
Before 1900, Europe was dominated by powerful empires such as the British, French, Austro-Hungarian, Russian, and Ottoman Empires. The period was marked by industrialization, imperial expansion, nationalism, and frequent political rivalries that set the stage for major conflicts.
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EUROPEAN POWERS
Events in Europe (1870–1914) Related to the First World War
Causes and Results of the First World War
World War I (1914–1918) was a global conflict triggered by political tensions and alliances among European powers. It caused massive loss of life and led to significant political and territorial changes worldwide.
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Main Causes of World War I
Political Alliances
The Arms Race
The Moroccan Crises
Nationalism in the Balkan Region
The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Results of World War I
Reasons Why the Central Powers and Germany Lost World War I
League of Nations
The League of Nations was an international organization formed after World War I to maintain peace and prevent future conflicts. It aimed to resolve disputes through dialogue and promote cooperation among nations.
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The Versailles Peace Treaty (1919)
Weaknesses of the Treaty
The League of Nations
League of Nations: COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES
League of Nations: Assessment
Achievements of the League of Nations
League of Nations: Weaknesses
Interwar Period
The interwar period refers to the years between World War I and World War II (1918–1939). It was marked by political instability, economic difficulties such as the Great Depression, and the rise of totalitarian regimes in countries like Germany and Italy. This period also saw efforts at peace through the League of Nations, but ultimately tensions grew, leading to the outbreak of World War II.
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Overview
ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN EUROPE POST-WWI
GERMANY’S CHALLENGES DUE TO REPARATIONS
The Great Economic Depression (1929-1932)
THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTION
Change of government in Russia, rise of Lenin and Stalin
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Background: The Russian Empire by 1900
The 1905 Revolution
The 1917 Revolution
The Provisional Government
November 1917 Revolution
Lenin’s Rise to Power, Achievement and Failures
Rise of Stalin, Achievement and Failures
Development of Dictatorship In Germany
Weimar republic, rise of Hitler, Achievements and his fall
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The Weimar Republic (1919-1933)
Adolf Hitler’s Rise
Origins of the Nazi Party
Factors Contributing to Nazi Popularity:
Hitler’s Domestic Policies
HITLER’S FOREIGN POLICIES (1933-1939)
Hitler’s Key Foreign Policy Actions
HITLER’S ACHIEVEMENTS IN FOREIGN POLICY
ASSESSMENT OF HITLER’S POLICIES
ASSESSMENT OF HITLER’S POLICIES
WWII
World War II (1939–1945) was a global conflict involving major powers divided into the Allies and Axis. It resulted in widespread destruction, the defeat of fascism, and significant geopolitical changes worldwide.
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CAUSES OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR
EVENTS LEADING TO WAR
EVENTS OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR
TURNING POINTS (1942–1943)
Why the Axis Powers Lost the War
The Move to End the War in 1945
Results of the Second World War
United Nations
Formation of UNO, Achievements and Failure
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Aims and Origins of UN
UN Agencies and their roles
ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE UNITED NATIONS
CHALLENGES FACING THE UNITED NATIONS
Similarities between the United Nations and the League of Nations
Differences between the United Nations and the League of Nations
CASE STUDIES OF UN INTERVENTIONS
Cold War Period
The Cold War was a prolonged period of political and military tension between the USA and the Soviet Union after World War II. It was characterized by rivalry, arms race, and competition for global influence without direct large-scale fighting between the two superpowers.
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1. Definition of the Cold War
2. Causes of the Cold War
3. Conflicts in the Cold War
4. Impact of the Cold War on Africa
5. Post-War Political and Economic Alliances (Summary)
Decolonisation of India and Kenya
Decolonisation of India and Kenya involved struggles for independence from British colonial rule, achieved through political movements and resistance. India gained independence in 1947, while Kenya achieved it in 1963 after a prolonged fight against colonial oppression.
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Factors Leading to Global Decolonisation
Summary of Causes
British Policy: Indirect Rule
Decolonisation of India
British Colonial Policies in India
Factors That Led to Indian Nationalism
Why India’s Independence Was Delayed
Key Stages in India’s Path to Independence
Gandhi’s Role in India’s Independence
Main Stages Leading to India’s Independence
INDEPENDENCE AND PARTITION OF INDIA (1947)
REASONS FOR INDIA’S PARTITION
DECOLONISATION OF KENYA
Studies Kenya struggles to Independence
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FACTORS THAT LED TO NATIONALISM IN KENYA
EVENTS THAT LED TO KENYA’S INDEPENDENCE
Impact of Mau Mau Uprising
STATE OF EMERGENCY (1952)
Impact of State of Emergency
3. FORMATION OF POLITICAL PARTIES
Roles of Political Parties
Kenya CONSTITUTIONAL TALKS
KENYA’S INDEPENDENCE
Postcolonial Crisis
The postcolonial crisis refers to the challenges African countries faced after gaining independence, including political instability, ethnic conflicts, economic difficulties, and weak governance. These issues often hindered development and nation-building efforts in the newly independent states.
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African Expectations at Independence
Major Challenges and Crises in Post-Colonial Africa
Case Study: Zambia’s Economic Crisis
Effects of the Economic Crisis in Zambia
History Form 4

3. Conflicts in the Cold War

  • The Iron Curtain speech (1946) – Highlighted the division in Europe.

  • Korean War (1950–1953) – North (communist) vs. South (capitalist), supported by USSR/China and USA/UN respectively.

  • Cuban Missile Crisis (1962) – USSR installed missiles in Cuba; USA responded with a blockade; closest point to nuclear war.

  • The Congo Crisis (1960s) – Involved USA and USSR supporting opposing sides in newly independent Congo.

  • Vietnam War, Afghan War (not listed but relevant examples of proxy wars).

The Iron Curtain Speech (1946)

  • Delivered by Winston Churchill in Fulton, Missouri, USA.

  • Described the division between Western democracies and Eastern communist countries.

  • The term “Iron Curtain” symbolized the growing ideological and physical barrier in Europe.

  • Marked the beginning of Cold War rhetoric and distrust between East and West.

Korean War (1950–1953)

  • Korea was divided at the 38th parallel after WWII: North (communist), South (capitalist).

  • North Korea, supported by the USSR and China, invaded the South in 1950.

  • USA and United Nations forces intervened to support South Korea.

  • War ended in 1953 with an armistice, not a peace treaty, keeping Korea divided.

  • Showed how Cold War rivalries could result in actual warfare through proxies.

Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)

  • USSR placed nuclear missiles in Cuba, close to the USA.

  • The USA imposed a naval blockade to stop further Soviet shipments.

  • Intense 13-day standoff between President John F. Kennedy (USA) and Premier Nikita Khrushchev (USSR).

  • Resolved when USSR agreed to remove missiles from Cuba, and USA secretly agreed to remove missiles from Turkey.

  • Considered the closest the world came to nuclear war.

The Congo Crisis (1960s)

  • Occurred after Congo gained independence from Belgium in 1960.

  • Civil war broke out due to internal power struggles and foreign interests.

  • USA supported Joseph Mobutu, fearing the spread of communism.

  • USSR supported Patrice Lumumba, Congo’s first Prime Minister.

  • Ended with Mobutu seizing power, aligning Congo with Western powers.

  • Highlighted how Cold War tensions influenced African political conflicts.

Vietnam War (1955–1975)

  • North Vietnam (communist) vs. South Vietnam (anti-communist).

  • USSR and China supported the North; USA supported the South with troops and funding.

  • Escalated into full-scale war with massive US involvement.

  • US withdrew in 1973; in 1975, North Vietnam captured Saigon, unifying the country under communism.

  • One of the most controversial and costly Cold War proxy wars.

Afghan War (1979–1989)

  • USSR invaded Afghanistan to support a communist government facing rebellion.

  • USA, Pakistan, and others supported Mujahideen rebels with arms and training.

  • War turned into a long guerrilla conflict, draining Soviet resources.

  • USSR withdrew in 1989, seen as a major defeat for Soviet foreign policy.

  • War influenced the rise of extremist groups later on.

4. Impact of the Cold War on Africa

  • Increased militarization – Some African states received weapons from USA/USSR.

  • Proxy conflicts – Cold War powers supported opposing sides in civil wars.

  • Economic dependency – Aid used as a tool for influence.

  • Political instability – Foreign interference in African governments and leadership.

  • Ideological influence – Spread of communism and capitalism affected African policies.

Division and alliances – African nations aligned with either East or West.

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