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Major Events in the First Half of the 20th Century - Coggle Diagram
Major Events in the First Half of the 20th Century
1914-1918
The First World War
Introduction：a global conflict rooted in the political and economic imbalances among capitalist countries transitioning to imperialism in the early 20th century. These imbalances led to intense competition among imperialist powers for the redivision of the world and the struggle for global supremacy.
Main participating countries
Central Powers:German Empire,Austria-Hungray,Ottoman Empire
Allied Powers:French Republic,the UK,Russian Empire,Italy,Belgium
Resulting events
The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary (Sarajevo Event)
On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, and his wife were assassinated in Sarajevo by Gavrilo Princip, a Serbian nationalist.
The Battle of the Marne
From September 5 to 12, 1914, the German and Allied forces engaged in a major battle near the Marne River in France.
Impacts:
Political and Geopolitical Impact
Reshaping of Europe
Rise of New Powers
Formation of International Organizations
Economic Impact
Destruction and Disruption
Economic Shifts
Military and Strategic Impact
Introduction of New Technologies
Stalemate on the Western Front
Social and Cultural Impact
Sense of Disillusionment
Promotion of Peace and Anti-War Movements
Long-Term Consequences
Shaping of the 20th Century: The war played a crucial role in shaping the political, economic, and social landscape of the 20th century, influencing events and movements for decades after its end.
Legacy of Conflict: The war left a lasting legacy of conflict and instability in many regions, particularly in Europe and the Middle East.
Connections:World War I Triggered the October Revolution: World War I brought profound suffering to the Russian people, intensifying social contradictions and fueling the anti-war movement.
1917
October Revolution
Connections
the establishment of the Soviet Union demonstrated the potential of socialist economic planning, which some countries considered as an alternative to the capitalist free market system that had failed during the Great Depression.
the Soviet Union's economic expansion and industrialization during the Great Depression highlighted the potential of socialist economic development.
Resulting events
The Provisional Government's Failure to Meet Popular Demands
After the February Revolution in 1917, which led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II, a provisional government was established. However, this government failed to address the pressing needs and demands of the Russian people, including an end to the country's involvement in World War I and the implementation of social reforms.
The Bolshevik Seizure of Power
On October 25, 1917, The Bolsheviks, who had been gaining support among the working class and rural poor, took control of key government buildings and institutions, including the Winter Palace, the former residence of the tsars.
Impacts
Political
establishing the first socialist state in history
Long-term consequences: the influence of the October Revolution spread to China, inspiring Chinese intellectuals and revolutionaries, leading to the spread of Marxism and the establishment of the Communist Party of China.
Economic
the implementation of socialist economic policies, such as the nationalization of key industries and the establishment of state control over the economy
Social and ideological
a profound impact on gender roles, education, and social welfare
spreading the ideas of socialism and communism across the globe
Introduction:The October Revolution, also known as the Bolshevik Revolution, took place in Russia in November 1917 .Led by Vladimir Lenin and the Bolshevik Party, this revolution overthrew the provisional government that had taken power after the February Revolution of 1917.
1929-1933
Great Depression
Main participating countries:The US, Britain, France, Germany, and Japan
Resulting events:
Stock Market Crash
the Stock Market Crash of 1929 marked the beginning of the Great Depression. On October 24, 1929, known as "Black Thursday," the U.S. stock market suddenly collapsed, triggering a massive selling spree that lasted for several days.
the implementation of the Roosevelt New Deal
a series of economic programs and reforms implemented by the U.S. government to combat the Great Depression. Under the leadership of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the New Deal aimed to stabilize the banking system, create jobs through public works projects, reform the financial markets, and provide social welfare and labor protections.
Introduction:a severe global economic downturn that began in 1929 and lasted until about 1939. It originated in the United States and later spread to the entire capitalist world. This crisis was characterized by its long duration, wide spread, and devastating impact. It was triggered by various factors, including the collapse of the stock market, overproduction, and a decline in consumer spending.
Impacts
Social
High Unemployment and Poverty
Social Unrest and Crime
Political
Government Intervention and Policy Changes
Long-term Consequences:shaped modern economic policies and societal responses to economic downturns. It has emphasized the importance of financial stability, government intervention, and social welfare systems to mitigate the impacts of economic crises.
Rise of Fascism
Economic
Bank failures and financial distress
Industrial Production Decline
International Trade Contraction
Connections:
The combination of economic distress, political instability, and international tensions created an environment in which conflicts could easily escalate.
Ultimately, these factors contributed to the outbreak of World War II, with many countries seeking to expand their territories and resources to alleviate their domestic economic crises.
1939-1945
The Second World War
Connections
The aftermath of WWI set the stage for WWII. The Treaty of Versailles, which ended WWI, was perceived as harsh and punitive towards Germany, fostering resentment and a desire for revenge among the German populace. This resentment played a crucial role in the rise of Nazi Germany and the eventual outbreak of WWII.
The post-WWI geopolitical landscape, characterized by the Versailles-Washington system, aimed to redistribute power and territories among the victorious nations. However, this system was unstable and led to further tensions and conflicts, ultimately culminating in WWII.
The human cost of WWI was immense, with millions of lives lost and countless more injured and displaced. The legacy of this conflict, including the loss of life, destruction of infrastructure, and psychological trauma, continued to influence the social and political landscape during the interwar years and beyond.
The economic crisis of the 1920s and 1930s, particularly the Great Depression, exacerbated social and political tensions in many countries. This economic downturn contributed to the rise of extremist political parties and movements, which sought to address the economic hardships through aggressive foreign policies and military expansion.
Main participating countries
Allies powers:the United States, Britain, China, the Soviet Union
Axis powers: Germany, Italy, and Japan
Resulting events
The Bombing of Pearl Harbor
On December 7, 1941, Japanese forces launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, a major naval base of the United States located in Hawaii. The attack resulted in the destruction of numerous U.S. naval vessels and aircraft, and caused significant casualties.
The Normandy Landings(D-Day)
On June 6, 1944, Allied forces launched a massive amphibious assault on the beaches of Normandy in France, codenamed Operation Overlord or simply D-Day. This operation was the largest seaborne invasion in history and involved over 14,000 aircraft and nearly 7,000 ships.
Introductionan :an unprecedented global conflict that took place between September 1, 1939, and August 15, 1945. It had a profound impact on the fate of humanity and marked a major turning point in human history.
Impacts
Political and Geopolitical Shifts
End of colonialism and acceleration of decolonization movements.
Formation of the United Nations to prevent future conflicts.
Rise of the United States and the Soviet Union as superpowers.
Economic Destruction and Reconstruction
Human loss and trauma
Long-term Consequences
It reshaped global geopolitics, leading to the rise of new superpowers and the establishment of international organizations aimed at preventing future conflicts. Moreover, the humanitarian consequences, including widespread psychological trauma and population displacement, continue to be felt today, reminding us of the devastating effects of war and the importance of promoting peace and understanding among nations.
Social and Cultural Changes
Connections:The victory of the October Revolution demonstrated the power and courage of the proletariat, inspiring socialist movements and anti-imperialist struggles worldwide. This, in turn, influenced the political landscape during World War II, as socialist countries like the Soviet Union played a crucial role in the war effort against fascism.
