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

Overview

  • Definition of Nationalism: The desire of people with a common culture to gain independence and self-rule.
  • Geographic Context: The Balkans, located in southeast Europe, included Greece, Romania, Albania, Montenegro, Serbia, Bulgaria, and parts of the Ottoman Empire (Turkey).

Background

  • By 1878, several Balkan countries had gained independence from the Ottoman Empire, increasing nationalistic sentiments.
  • Tensions: Nationalism fueled conflicts between Serbia and Austria-Hungary, as Serbia supported Slavic nationalist groups while Austria-Hungary feared Slavic uprisings within its borders.

 

Interests of Serbia

  1. Pan-Slavism: Promote unity among Slavic peoples and independence from Austro-Hungarian control.
  2. Claiming Bosnia-Herzegovina: Majority Serb population; annexed by Austria-Hungary in 1908.
  3. Access to the Adriatic Sea: Serbia sought to connect with maritime trade routes.

Interests of Austria-Hungary

  1. Balkan Dominance: Aimed to control territory from the Adriatic Sea to the Aegean Sea.
  2. Prevent Ottoman Breakup: Fearing revolts within its empire due to the weakening of the Ottoman influence.
  3. Counter Pan-Slavism: Prevent Serbian influence from threatening the unity of Austria-Hungary.

Interests of Russia

  1. Trade Routes: Desired access to the Mediterranean Sea for trade after setbacks in the Far East.
  2. Naval Passage: Needed an ice-free route for ships via the Dardanelles and the Bosphorus.
  3. Support for Independence: Backed Slavic nations in their fight for autonomy.

The Balkan League (1912)

  • Formation: Comprised Serbia, Greece, Bulgaria, and Montenegro, supported by Russia.
  • Aims:
    1. Foster Balkan nationalism against Ottoman rule.
    2. Promote Pan-Slavism and counter the Young Turks’ influence.

The Young Turks Movement (1908)

  • Objective: Aimed to strengthen the Turkish Empire and prevent its breakup.
  • Leadership: Led by Enver Bey, the movement overthrew Sultan Abdul Hamid II and replaced him with his brother, Muhammed V.
  • Aims:
    1. Establish a strong Turkish Empire.
    2. Prevent the rise of Pan-Slavism.

Bosnia Crisis (1908)

  • Context: Austria-Hungary annexed Bosnia during a revolution in Turkey, angering Serbia, which sought to claim the province due to its significant Serb population.
  • Response: Serbia appealed to Russia for support, prompting a call for a European conference.
  • Outcomes:
    • Germany backed Austria-Hungary, leading to a lack of support for Serbia.
    • France withdrew to avoid conflict, and Britain remained passive to prevent war with Germany.
    • Russia, recalling its defeat in Japan, refrained from risking another war without allies.
    • Austria retained control of Bosnia, solidifying the Austria-Germany alliance.

Consequences of the Bosnia Crisis

  1. Increased Hostility: Serbia’s resentment toward Austria intensified, contributing to the tensions that sparked World War I.
  2. Russian Military Buildup: Determined to avoid further humiliation, Russia began significant military preparations to support Serbia in the future.

The First Balkan War (1912)

  • Participants: Serbia, Greece, Montenegro, and Bulgaria (the Balkan League) attacked the Ottoman Empire.
  • Objective: To capture remaining Ottoman territories in Europe and weaken the Young Turks’ influence.

The London Treaty (Conference of Ambassadors, May 1913)

  • Purpose: To negotiate peace and prevent escalation.
  • Decisions:
    1. Division of Turkish territories among Balkan League members.
    2. Division of Macedonia.
    3. Creation of Albania, which Austria-Hungary blocked from being accessed by Serbia to limit its power.
  • Aftermath: The treaty quickly fell apart as tensions rose, leading to the Second Balkan War.

The Second Balkan War (1913)

  • Causes: Bulgaria’s dissatisfaction with the London Treaty, particularly its loss of Macedonia.
  • Conflict: Bulgaria attacked Serbia; Greece, Romania, and Turkey supported Serbia.
  • Outcome: Bulgaria faced defeat at the Battle of Stip.

Treaty of Bucharest (August 1913)

  • Terms:
    1. Greece gained southern Macedonia.
    2. Serbia received northern Macedonia.
    3. Romania acquired territory along the Black Sea coast (south Dobruja).
    4. Turkey regained Adrianople from Bulgaria.

Contribution of the Balkan Wars to World War I

  1. Heightened Tensions: The wars increased animosity between Serbia and Austria-Hungary. Austria sought to crush Serbia’s nationalistic aspirations, which threatened both empires.
    • Serbia resented Austria’s annexation of Bosnia and its obstruction of Serbian access to the Adriatic Sea.
  2. Involvement of Great Powers: The conflicts drew in major European powers, with Russia supporting Serbia and Germany backing Austria-Hungary, pushing Europe closer to war.
  3. Formation of Alliances: The sides taken in the Balkan conflicts foreshadowed World War I alignments:
    • Allied Powers: Russia, Serbia, Greece, Romania.
    • Central Powers: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, Turkey.
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