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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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History Form 4

Key Foreign Policy Actions:

  1. Withdrawal from the League of Nations and Disarmament Conference (1933):

    • Hitler withdrew Germany from the Disarmament Conference and the League of Nations after facing opposition to German rearmament.

    • This marked the beginning of Germany’s rearmament under Hitler.

  2. German-Polish Pact (1934):

    • Agreement between Germany and Poland to settle border disputes and prevent war.

  3. Anglo-German Naval Agreement (1935):

    • Britain allowed Germany to rebuild its navy to 35% of Britain’s strength, leading to the re-occupation of the Saar coal basin by German forces.

  4. Restoration of German Armed Strength (1935):

    • Conscription was reintroduced, and the German military grew to 36 divisions with increased air force capabilities.

  5. The Rome-Berlin Axis (1936):

    • Agreement between Italy and Germany to unite against Communism and further expand living space (Lebensraum).

    • Recognized Austria as independent and pledged mutual support in expanding totalitarian governments.

  6. Anti-Comintern Pact (1936):

    • Germany, Italy, and Japan formed an alliance to resist the spread of Communism, particularly from the Soviet Union.

    • It solidified Germany’s ties with Italy and Japan.

  7. Occupation of the Rhineland (1936):

    • German troops marched into the demilitarized Rhineland, defying the Versailles Treaty. No resistance was offered by France or other powers.

  8. Spanish Civil War (1936-1939):

    • Germany and Italy supported Francisco Franco’s Nationalists against the Republican forces in Spain, which included Communists and anarchists.

    • Germany aimed to test its military strength, defeat Communism, and gain strategic allies.

  9. The Invasion of Austria (Anschluss, 1938):

    • Hitler annexed Austria, claiming it was a unification of all Germans.

    • Benefits included additional soldiers, resources, and influence.

  10. The Pact of Steel (May 1939):

    • A mutual defense agreement between Italy and Germany, reinforcing their alliance.

  11. Annexation of the Sudetenland (1938):

    • Hitler claimed that ethnic Germans in the Sudetenland were being mistreated by Czechoslovakia. Britain and France, through the Munich Agreement, allowed Hitler to annex the region without military intervention.

  12. Nazi-Soviet Pact (1939):

    • A non-aggression pact between Germany and the Soviet Union. The two powers agreed to divide Poland and prevent war between them.

The invasion of Poland by Germany (on 1st September 1939) triggered the start of World War II.

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