Dates Flashcards
Columbian Exchange
began in the late 15 century following Christopher Columbus’ 1st voyage to the America’s in 1492.
Triangular Trade
16th to 19th centuries.
Royal Absolutism
17th and 18th centuries
Peter the Great
1682-1725 (17th-18th century)
-paving the way for Russia’s emergence as a major European power in 18 &19th centuries.
The Estates General
initially gathered in 1302 ; They convened periodically until the French Revolution in 1789. During the 1789 meeting
Olympe de Gouges
Age of Enlightenment in Europe, living from 1748-1793 (18th century)
Laissez-faire
It emerged during the 18th and 19th centuries
Origins of WW1
(Summary) The origins of the First World War can be traced back to a complex web of political, economic, and social factors that had been building up in Europe for decades before the outbreak of hostilities in 1914. The system of alliances that had emerged in the early years of the 20th century had created a situation in which a crisis in one part of Europe could quickly escalate into a full-blown war involving multiple countries.
(Nationalism) One major factor that contributed to the outbreak of war was the intense nationalism that had taken hold across Europe. Nationalism had helped to fuel the growth of powerful nation-states, but it also created a climate of suspicion and hostility between rival powers. Countries such as Germany, France, and Russia were eager to assert their dominance on the world stage, leading to a dangerous arms race and a series of diplomatic crises.
(Alliances) Another factor that contributed to the war was the complex system of alliances that had emerged in the years leading up to 1914. These alliances, which had been designed to maintain a balance of power in Europe, instead created a situation in which a single act of aggression could quickly escalate into a major conflict. When Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia in July 1914, a chain reaction was set in motion that soon engulfed much of Europe.
(German responsibility)In terms of German responsibility for the war, there is no doubt that Germany played a significant role in the events that led up to the outbreak of hostilities. The aggressive foreign policies pursued by Kaiser Wilhelm II and his advisors helped to create a climate of tension and mistrust in Europe, while Germany’s decision to support Austria-Hungary in its conflict with Serbia ultimately proved to be the trigger for the war. However, it is important to remember that Germany was not the only power responsible for the war, and that many other factors were also at play. In the end, it is difficult to assign sole responsibility for the war to any one country or group of countries.
Social Darwinism
(Intro) Social Darwinism was an intellectual outlook that emerged in Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was based on the application of Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection to human societies, arguing that the most “fit” societies would survive and prosper, while the weaker ones would inevitably perish. This theory was used to justify European imperialism in Africa and Asia, as well as to shape national rivalries in the era prior to the First World War.
(Basic )The basic premise of Social Darwinism was that competition and struggle were natural and necessary in society, and that the strong should dominate the weak. This theory was used to justify European imperialism in Africa and Asia, as European nations believed that they were superior and more “fit” than the native populations they encountered. They saw it as their duty to “civilize” and “Christianize” these people, believing that they were doing them a favor by bringing them the benefits of modern civilization. In reality, however, imperialism often involved brutal exploitation and subjugation of native populations, leading to violence, suffering, and loss of life.
(Ww1) Furthermore, Social Darwinism also played a significant role in shaping national rivalries in the era prior to the First World War. European nations were engaged in a fierce competition for power and influence, with each nation seeking to prove its superiority over the others. This competition was driven by a belief in the superiority of one’s own nation and the inferiority of others, with each nation seeking to expand its territory and influence in order to demonstrate its strength and power.
In conclusion, Social Darwinism was a pervasive intellectual outlook in Europe and around the world during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It was used to justify European imperialism in Africa and Asia, as well as to shape national rivalries in the era prior to the First World War. Despite the many negative consequences of these ideas, they continue to influence our thinking and actions today, reminding us of the dangers of arrogance, intolerance, and blind belief in our own superiority.
Fascism
Fascism is a political ideology that emerged in the early 20th century. It is characterized by authoritarianism, extreme nationalism, a rejection of liberal democracy, and a strong emphasis on the importance of the nation-state. Fascism also typically promotes aggressive expansionism, a cult of personality around the leader, and the use of violence and terror to maintain power.
Both German National Socialism and Italian Fascism share many of these defining features. They both rejected liberal democracy, emphasized the importance of the nation-state, and used violence and terror to maintain power. However, they also had important differences. German National Socialism was characterized by a particular emphasis on race, anti-Semitism, and a belief in the superiority of the Aryan race. Italian Fascism, on the other hand, placed less emphasis on race and more on the idea of a “corporate state,” where different sectors of society would work together in the interest of the nation.
The appeal of fascism in Germany and Italy during the 1920s and 1930s can be understood in the context of the economic and political turmoil of the time. In both countries, there was a sense of national humiliation and anger following World War I, as well as economic instability and the fear of communist revolution. Fascism promised to restore national pride and order, and to create a strong and prosperous nation through the use of authoritarian power. The charismatic leaders of these movements, Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini, were also able to rally support through their powerful personalities and rhetoric.
In conclusion, fascism is a political ideology characterized by authoritarianism, extreme nationalism, and rejection of liberal democracy. German National Socialism and Italian Fascism share many of these features but also have important differences. The appeal of fascism in Germany and Italy during the 1920s and 1930s can be understood in the context of economic and political instability, national humiliation, and fear of communism.
Hitler’s foreign policy objectives
Hitler’s foreign policy objectives were driven by his belief in the racial superiority of the German people and the need for “Lebensraum,” or living space, for the expanding German population. Hitler sought to establish a vast German empire in Eastern Europe and beyond, which he believed would be achieved through the conquest of neighboring territories. In 1936, Hitler sent troops to the Rhineland, which had been demilitarized under the Treaty of Versailles, and in 1938, he annexed Austria, proclaiming the Anschluss, or union, with Germany.
Hitler then set his sights on Czechoslovakia, which had a large German minority population. He demanded that the Sudetenland region be handed over to Germany, and when the Czechs refused, Hitler threatened war. In September 1938, the Munich Conference was held, at which British and French leaders agreed to Hitler’s demands, hoping to avoid a larger war. However, Hitler’s appetite for conquest continued, and in March 1939, he seized the rest of Czechoslovakia.
Hitler’s next target was Poland, which he viewed as the gateway to the East. In August 1939, Hitler signed a non-aggression pact with the Soviet Union, freeing Germany from the fear of a two-front war. On September 1, 1939, German forces invaded Poland, sparking the start of World War II.
Hitler’s nationalist ideology and racial theories played a significant role in shaping his foreign policy objectives. He believed that the German people were the superior race and that they were entitled to dominate other nations. This led to his aggressive expansionist policies, which sought to extend German control over other countries and peoples. The Nazis’ racial theories also led them to view the Slavic peoples of Eastern Europe as inferior, and therefore as suitable targets for conquest and exploitation.
France and Britain responded to Hitler’s aggression with a policy of appeasement, hoping to avoid another devastating war. They allowed Hitler to annex Austria and the Sudetenland, hoping that he would be satisfied and that peace could be maintained. However, this policy only emboldened Hitler, and he continued to pursue his expansionist goals, ultimately leading to the outbreak of World War II.
In conclusion, Hitler’s foreign policy objectives were driven by his nationalist ideology and belief in the racial superiority of the German people. This led to his aggressive expansionist policies, which ultimately led to war in September 1939. The policy of appeasement pursued by France and Britain only served to encourage Hitler’s aggression and led to the outbreak of World War II.
James Watt
lived 1736 to 1819. He is best known for developing the modern steam engine during the late 18th century,
congress of Vienna
1815
Otto von Bismarck
lived from 1815 to 1898. He served as the first Chancellor of Germany from 1871 to 1890. (19th century)
Alfred Dreyfus
lived 1859-1935. The events surrounding his life took place primarily in the late 19th and early 20th c
