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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

THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE (ICJ)

  • The ICJ is elected by the General Assembly and the Security Council.

  • It comprises 15 judges from different nationalities to promote impartiality.

  • Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands.

Functions:

  • Provides advisory opinions to the General Assembly on international legal matters.

  • Hears and adjudicates disputes between states, e.g.,

    • Border dispute between Holland and Belgium.

    • Fishing rights dispute between Britain and Norway.

THE TRUSTEESHIP COUNCIL

  • It succeeded the Mandates Commission of the League of Nations.

  • Supervised mandated territories, ensuring their development toward self-governance and eventual independence.

THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL (ECOSOC)

Functions:

  • Tackles social and economic issues such as:

    • Population

    • Employment

    • Human rights

    • Drug control

    • Women and children’s welfare

  • Coordinates the activities of UN commissions and specialised agencies such as:

    • ILO

    • UNICEF

    • WHO

  • Encourages regional development in:

    • Europe

    • Africa

    • Asia

    • Far East

    • Americas

SPECIALISED AGENCIES OF THE UNITED NATIONS

1. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

  • Promotes global literacy by supporting educational institutions.

  • Coordinates activities of scientists, scholars, and artists globally.

2. United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)

  • Established in 1946 to assist children affected by World War II.

  • Works alongside WHO on health issues affecting children in poor and war-torn nations.

Functions:

  • Aids homeless children during wars.

  • Enhances children’s health and living standards.

  • Establishes health centres and trains health personnel.

  • Immunises children against measles, polio, and tetanus.

  • Promotes breastfeeding and discourages bottle feeding.

3. International Monetary Fund (IMF)

  • Facilitates international trade.

  • Supports economic development.

  • Provides short-term loans to nations with economic issues, subject to IMF policy compliance.

4. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

  • Provides emergency food aid during crises like droughts and conflicts.

  • Educates farmers on modern farming methods.

  • Promotes increased food production with improved seed varieties.

  • Offers financial assistance to new farming projects.

5. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

  • Assists and repatriates refugees by providing food, shelter, and protection.
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