History 20: How to Think About History Unit 3: Imperialism in Africa & World War I

Events are the products of other events Causation Events are the products of other events Imperialism is what happens when one country meets its own needs at the expense of another England and France dominated the Ottoman Empire to prevent Russia from moving into the Balkans Belgium established a colony in Congo to exploit its vast mineral wealth

Change is ongoing and ever present Austria, French, German, Russian, and English diplomats ultimately decided to go to war in 1914-1918 Citizens of these countries initially went to war believing it would be a short conflict As the war dragged on citizens began questioning the wisdom and authority of their governments New political movements emerged to replace the “old” political parties like the Liberals and Conservatives, e.g. Socialist political parties Once the war was over, people no longer unquestioningly accept the authority of traditional elites, e.g. kings, political parties, etc. Some historians argue World War I resulted in the cynicism and the inability of people to trust authority today

Continuity connects different historical periods and developments World War I was a “dress rehearsal” for World War II The same sides faced off against one another, e.g. Germany against France/England The Treaty of Versailles didn’t end World War I so much as create another reason to go to war again twenty years later

History is not a science but a perspective or story Perspectives & Biases History is not a science but a perspective or story Germany was forced to sign the Treaty of Versailles and accept the “war guilt clause” Some historians argue Germany’s unqualified support of Austria- Hungary prevented a peaceful resolution to a diplomatic crisis making war inevitable Other historians argue it’s impossible to pin the responsibility for starting the war on one nation Russia wanted war in order to restore its reputation as a great power following their defeat at the hands of Japan France wanted revenge for losing the Franco-Prussian war and to get Alsace-Lorraine back Germany openly competed with England for naval supremacy