challenge of German nationalism Flashcards
when was the french revolution?
1789
what were the impacts of the french revolution?
- triggered unrest in rhineland and saxony 1789-90
- france assembly abolished feudal privileged of the imperial nobility
- in 1791 Austria and Prussia issued decleration of Pillnitz which committed A and P to defending principle of hereditary monarchy against revolutionary movements
- April 1792 France responded by declaring war on A and P. after defeats of A and P at Valmy and Fleurus the french invasion allowed radical reordering of Germany
- Prussia (more interested in Poland) dropped out of war in 1975 and accepted french occupation of Rhineland. In return promised compensation.
- ## After Austria was forced to make peace with the french in 1797 negotiations at Rastatt led to a radical territorial reorganisation of Germany. Implementations of these terms briefly deyaled by the outbreak of war in 1799 but Austrian forces were defeated at Marengo and Hohenlinden they were incorporated into treaty of Luneville in 1801
what happened in 1805?
- Austrians (allied with Britian and Russia) made an unsuccessful attempt to liberate Europe ended with French occupation of Vienna and defeat of Austro-Russian forces at Austerlitz in Nov 1805. Karl von Dalberg tried to persuade Napoleon to accept imperial crown, southern and western states would be better off linked to France. Napolean rejected this idea dissolved the Empire and set up confederation of Rhine as buffer between France and potential enemies in the east
what happened in July-August 1806?
confederation of Rhine
what happened in August 1806 other than confederation of Rhine?
- Prussia joined war against France but was defeated at Jena and Auerstadt in October.
- After Napoleon had defeated Russians at Friedland in June 1807 the tsar had little alternative but to accept French plans of Prussia being reduced to 4 provinces occupied by French and forced to pay war indemnity, army reduced to 42,000 men
what reforms occurred in Prussia 1807-12?
- Hardenberg, Gneisenau and Stein were convinced only a political transformation would allow Prussia to regain its strength
- Stein began to create a structured ministerial government to replace arbitrary rule by royals
- November 1808 he successfully persuaded king to set up a central administration run by 5 ministers each responsible for a diff department. Country divided up into administrative units
- In 1812 lower-tier organisations were under state control (2 years later Junkers restored their powers at local level)
Why was Churchill out of office from 1929 to 1939?
Conflict with party leaders, unpopular causes, political isolation, old-fashioned speaking style, economic issues, wrong decisions as chancellor, personal financial losses.
Churchill’s return to the gold standard in 1925 was criticized by economists, and the Wall Street crash severely impacted his finances.
What was Churchill’s attitude towards the abdication crisis of Edward VIII?
Took a minority position, supported the King due to personal loyalty, misjudged parliamentary mood, faced backlash in Commons.
Churchill was part of ‘The King’s Friends’, a group supporting Edward VIII.
What were the main pressures on British rule in India during the 1920s and 1930s?
Demand for self-governance, agitation by educated elites and masses, led by Mohandas Gandhi.
Gandhi’s non-violent protests and the Rowlatt Acts significantly escalated tensions.
What was Churchill’s view on British rule in India?
Saw India as the jewel of the empire, believed in racial superiority, thought British rule prevented domination by Hindu elites, and ensured social progress.
Churchill viewed British governance as a means of economic and social development.
How did Churchill react to the Indian Independence movement?
Bitterly opposed, launched a personal crusade to defend British interests, allied with reactionary elements, faced isolation from moderates.
His extreme statements and support for racist organizations distanced him from the conservative mainstream.
What major proposals did Churchill make during his political career?
Abolition of the House of Lords, opposition to Irish partition, planning the Gallipoli campaign, returning to the gold standard.
Churchill switched political affiliations multiple times, moving from conservative to liberal and back.
What was the Government of India Act of 1935?
Ended dyarchy, introduced direct elections, took effect in 1937.
This act paved the way for greater self-governance in India.
What was the Locarno Pact?
Agreement between France, Britain, Italy, and Germany guaranteeing Germany’s western frontiers as established by the Treaty of Versailles.
Signed in 1925, it aimed to maintain peace in Europe.
What was the Kellog-Briand Pact?
Outlawed war as a means of settling international disputes, signed by 15 nations in 1928.
The pact was widely ignored in the 1930s.
What was the Polish Guarantee of March 31, 1939?
British guarantee of Poland’s independence without guaranteeing territorial borders.
This guarantee was tested when Germany invaded Poland later that year.
What was the League of Nations?
First global organization of governments with a mission to keep world peace, established in 1920.
The League struggled to prevent aggression during the 1930s.
What were Hitler’s actions regarding rearmament in the 1930s?
Reintroduced conscription, remilitarized the Rhineland, left the League of Nations.
These actions violated the Treaty of Versailles.
What was Churchill’s stance on Germany and appeasement after 1933?
Opposed appeasement, advocated for strong alliances and increased defense, viewed German expansion as a significant threat.
Churchill believed that a firm stand was necessary against German aggression.
What were arguments against Churchill’s views on early intervention against Germany?
Lack of allies, no expeditionary force, vulnerability of other territories, US isolationism, ineffective League of Nations.
The reluctance of France to engage militarily also limited options.
Why did Britain pursue appeasement in the late 1930s?
Public desire for peace, perceived reasonableness of Hitler’s complaints, unpreparedness for war, admiration for Hitler.
Chamberlain’s government prioritized avoiding conflict based on the experiences of WWI.
What was Chamberlain’s view on appeasement as Prime Minister?
Did not personally approve, but recognized unpreparedness for war and public opposition to military conflict.
Chamberlain had little faith in international agreements like the League of Nations.
What concerns did Churchill have regarding British rearmament in 1938?
Alarmed by German rearmament, feared aerial threats, recalled pre-1914 tensions with Germany.
Churchill’s experiences in Iraq influenced his understanding of air warfare.
What criticisms did Churchill face regarding his views on rearmament?
Responsible for disarmament in the 1920s, financial constraints, perceived pre-1914 mentality, tendency to exaggerate threats.
His alarmist rhetoric reduced his credibility among contemporaries.
