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

1. The Rise of Stalin to Power

• Background to Stalin’s Rise:

  • Lenin died in 1924, creating a power vacuum.

  • Struggle for leadership emerged within the Communist Party.

  • Main contenders: Joseph Stalin vs. Leon Trotsky.

• Stalin’s Strategies:

  • Became General Secretary of the Communist Party (1923) – used the role to place loyal allies in powerful positions.

  • Formed a triumvirate alliance with Kamenev and Zinoviev to isolate Trotsky.

  • Promoted idea of “Socialism in One Country” vs. Trotsky’s “Permanent Revolution.”

  • Used political manipulation and internal support from the Politburo.

  • Carried out purges of political opponents: Trotsky, Kamenev, Zinoviev, Bukharin.

  • Gained full control by 1927.

The Purges (1927–1941)

• Definition and Purpose

  • A campaign led by Joseph Stalin to eliminate political rivals and perceived threats.

  • Aimed at securing Stalin’s total control over the Communist Party and the Soviet Union.

• Key Actions

  • Mass arrests, torture, and executions carried out by the secret police (NKVD) under Nikolai Yezhov.

  • Victims were accused of:

    • Espionage

    • Plotting against Stalin

    • Supporting capitalism

    • Sabotage or treason

• Main Reasons for the Purges

  • To eliminate political opposition.

  • To secure Stalin’s personal power.

  • To suppress dissent and create a climate of fear.

  • To blame others for economic and political failures.

• Targets of the Purges

  • Old Bolsheviks (Lenin’s former allies):

    • Leon Trotsky (later assassinated in Mexico)

    • Zinoviev

    • Kamenev

    • Bukharin

    • Sergey Kirov

  • Kulaks (wealthy peasants resisting collectivization).

  • Military officers, intellectuals, religious leaders, and ordinary citizens.

  • Even Stalin’s closest allies were not spared.

• Effects of the Purges

• Political and Social:

  • Stalin became a totalitarian dictator.

  • Citizens lived in fear, many pretended to support Stalin.

  • Mass paranoia and distrust in society.

  • Severe restrictions on freedom (speech, religion, press).

  • Suppression of religious institutions; churches closed, leaders exiled or killed.

• Economic:

  • Loss of experienced leaders and professionals led to poor governance.

  • Agricultural and industrial productivity dropped, especially after the killing of skilled Kulaks.

  • The economy suffered due to a lack of initiative and innovation.

• Educational:

  • Education and academic freedom were restricted.

  • Textbooks were rewritten to glorify Stalin.

  • Teachers and intellectuals feared expressing ideas.

• Additional Notes

  • Known as “The Crime of the Century” due to its brutality.

  • Stalin’s wife committed suicide in 1935, reportedly disturbed by the extent of the purges.

Ways Stalin Consolidated Power in the Soviet Union (Concise)

  • Control of Party Machinery: Appointed loyal allies to key positions in the Communist Party.

  • Elimination of Rivals: Removed opponents through purges, arrests, and assassinations.

  • Use of Propaganda: Built a cult of personality portraying himself as Lenin’s heir.

  • Use of Secret Police (NKVD): Used fear, surveillance, and executions to crush dissent.

  • Appealing Ideology: Promoted “Socialism in One Country” over global revolution.

2. How Stalin Made Russia Strong Economically and Politically

• Political Strength:

  • Established a dictatorship backed by fear and loyalty.

  • Controlled the Communist Party and the state completely.

  • Used the secret police (NKVD) to suppress opposition.

  • Introduced the 1936 Constitution, creating the Supreme Soviet, giving an illusion of democracy.

  • Purges eliminated threats and instilled fear.

  • Promoted censorship and propaganda to boost his image and Communist ideology.

• Economic Strength:

  • Implemented Collectivisation and Five-Year Plans.

  • Focused on rapid industrialisation and agricultural reform.

  • Built major industries: steel, coal, oil, armaments, machinery.

  • Expanded transport systems (railroads, canals).

  • Made Russia militarily and economically self-sufficient.

3. Stalin’s Achievements and Failures

• Achievements:

  • Transformed USSR into an industrial superpower.

  • Successfully defended USSR against Nazi Germany during WWII.

  • Expanded education and literacy, especially among workers and peasants.

  • Reduced unemployment and improved food self-sufficiency.

  • Led USSR to become a superpower.

  • Played a role in forming the United Nations.

  • Extended communism to Eastern Europe (satellite states).

  • Promoted national unity and pride.

• Failures:

  • Purges led to mass deaths, fear, and weakened governance.

  • Caused widespread famine due to forced collectivisation.

  • Suppressed freedom of speech, religion, and political opposition.

  • Education and science were controlled and politicised.

  • Became an oppressive dictator, not a democratic leader.

  • Civil liberties were absent; citizens lived under surveillance and fear.

4. Stalin’s Economic Policies

• Collectivisation:

  • Small farms merged into Kolkhozes (collective farms).

  • Aimed to increase food production, reduce inflation, and supply industry with surplus labor.

  • Kulaks (rich peasants) were targeted, leading to resistance and executions.

  • Caused famines and deaths but improved long-term industrial workforce.

• Effects:

  • Short-term famine and deaths.

  • Destruction of livestock and crops.

  • Long-term increase in food self-sufficiency.

  • Led to rural literacy improvements.

  • Helped prepare Russia for war production during WWII.

• Five-Year Plans (1928–1941):

• First Plan (1928–32):

  • Focused on heavy industries – coal, iron, steel, electricity.

  • Aimed at transforming USSR into an industrial power.

  • Promoted education for industrial work.

• Second Plan (1932–37):

  • Consolidated earlier gains, expanded factories.

  • Built industries away from borders for protection.

• Third Plan (1937–41):

  • Initially food-focused, later shifted to arms production due to war threats.

5. The Impact of Communism on Russia and the World

• On Russia:

  • Created a centrally planned economy.

  • Eliminated private property.

  • Promoted equality, though the elite still held power.

  • Controlled education, media, and religion.

  • Suppressed dissent using secret police.

  • Made Russia a global superpower.

On the World:

  • Inspired communist revolutions in China, Cuba, Vietnam, etc.

  • Promoted anti-colonial struggles in Africa and Asia.

  • Deepened tensions with capitalist countries (Cold War).

  • Led to formation of rival alliances like NATO and Warsaw Pact.

  • Promoted state control over economies and societies elsewhere.
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