WW1 - Political impact Flashcards
How was Europe’s map changed after the First World War?
The Russian Empire ended and three independent states were set up in the western Baltic area; Finland also become independent.
Austria-Hungary was split into Austria and Hungary; both had to cede land to neighbouring countries, and part of the land was used to form Czechoslovakia.
Germany ceded land to neighbouring countries. East Prussia was separated from mainland Germany, and Poland then had an access to the Baltic Sea.
Yugoslavia was set up in the Balkans.
How did WW1 affect Europe? Why? How did it affect other countries, and their relationship with Europe?
The First World War greatly weakened Europe, as it was the main battlefield of the war.
After the war, even the victorious nations such as Britain, France and Italy became weaker. They also had to pay war debts to the United States.
The economic and military power of the United States and Japan grew during the war. These two countries would challenge Europe’s international leadership.
What did Woodrow Wilson propose in order to maintain world peace? Which two points were included in these Fourteen Points?
He proposed the Fourteen Points as the basis for the peace talks; National self-determination and the formation of the League of Nations.
What does national self-determination involve?
Letting the people of a country decide whether to stay under foreign rule or be independent, and their form of government.
What was the result of the implementation of national self-determination?
New nations, such as Czechoslovakia (Czechs and Slovaks) and Yugoslavia (Serbia, Bosnia, Croatia)” were born.
The empire of Austria-Hungary, originally ruled by Germans, ended.
How did national self-determination keep peace after WW1?
The other races that used to be in the empire of Austria-Hungary were no longer under foreign, German rule and could form their own countries and choose their own forms of government. Since they didn’t have to go against the government anymore, there was no excuse for them to start war. This led to peace and political stability in Europe.
What were 4 main aims of the League of Nations?
Encouraging co-operation
Stopping aggression
Disarmament
Improving social conditions
Elaborate on how the League of Nations aimed to encourage co-operation.
They aimed to build better bonds between countries, encouraging them to come together and solve problems through communications and reducing misunderstandings.
Elaborate on how the League of Nations aimed to stop aggression.
They aimed to stop countries from invading each other.
Elaborate on how the League of Nations aimed to exercise disarmament.
They aimed to reduce the number of weapons. With less weapons, countries would no longer be eager to fight. There would be minimised fear and suspicion, and no more armament races.
Elaborate on how the League of Nations aimed to improve social conditions.
They set up commissions to help improve their citizens’ lives. People had jobs, money, food, and no excuses to start war.
Who did not approve of the League of Nations? Why?
George Clemenceau. This is because he did not think that it would be strong enough to protect France from attack by Germany; instead, he wanted to set up a Council of victorious countries to enforce the peace.
What were the three main political impacts of WW1?
—Changing the map of Europe
—Declining influence of Europe
—Forming an international peacekeeping body
Where was the headquarters of the League of Nations?
Geneva, Switzerland.
What were the strengths and weaknesses of the League of Nations?
strengths
—democratic — every member country had one vote
—diplomacy — they could discuss and settle their disputes in the assembly -> removed the source of conflict -> avoid war
weaknesses
—moral condemnation may not be strong enough
—only met once a year — may not be able to stop aggression in a timely manner
