B.

A Political Science

III rd Semester Paper – III

Indian Political Thought

Unit- I

State and Society in Ancient India

Manu – Features of Manusmriti, Origins of Varna, Varna Dharma

Buddha – Dhamma , Sangha , Eightfold path

Kautilya- Saptanga Theory , Mandala Theory , Statecraft

Unit-II

Medieval Political Thought Basava- Anubhava Mantapa , Gender Equality Ziauddin Barani-
Theory of Kingship ( Ideal Sulthan ) , Ideal Polity

Unit- III

Renaissance Thought Raja Ram Mohan Roy - Colonial Encounters,

Brahma Samaj

Jyothi Rao Phule- Gulam Giri , Satya Shodhak Samaj , Education

Unit-IV

Reformist Thought

M. K. Gandhi – Satyagraha , Trusteeship , Problem of Political Obligation

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar- Who are Shudras ? , Annihilation of Caste

Unit-V

Socialist Thought M.N. Roy- Radical Humanism

Jawaharlal Nehru- Democratic Socialism

R.M. Lohia – Concept of Four Pillars of State (Chaukhamba Model)

Salient Features of Manusmriti

This is the topic that appears controversial in Manusmriti. There are several shlokas which
explain the fluid nature of verna classification and how verna could be changed with acquiring
knowledge. There are some others which advocate compart mentalised vernas.

For example, the Brahmins are considered the highest varna or caste, and are supposed to be
engaged in learning, teaching and religious sacrifices. The Kshatriyas are the 'guardians' -- the
kings, the soldiers etc., the "Vaishyas" are the traders and farmers and the "Shudras" are the
serving class.The lot of the "Shudras", as depicted in the Manu Smriti, is downtrodden. For
example, the verse says "Let (the first part of) a Brahmana’s name (denote something)
auspicious, a Kshatriya’s be connected withpower, and a Vaisya’s with wealth, but a Sudra’s
contemptible."

The question of whether the Manu Smriti considers these castes hereditary or not is a hotly
contested one. Some argue that according to Manu Smriti, the son of a Brahmin automatically
became a Brahmin and that of a Sudra became a Sudra, while others believe that the status was
conferred later according to the person's inherent aptitudes.

Explain Kautilya’s Saptang Theory of State

The Mauryan era of ancient India gave the world a significant treatise, the Arthashastra of
Kautilya.It offers deep insights into political statecraft. Kautilya is known as the Indian
Machiavelli because of his ruthless and shrewd tactics and policies reflecting an approach to
statecraft including warfare.

Nature of State
The state of ‘nature’ is imagined to be one of total anarchy, in which ‘might was right’.When
people were oppressed by Matyanyaya, the law of the fish, according to which the bigger fish
swallows the smaller ones they selected Manu– son of Vivasvat the king.
It was settled that the king should receive one-sixth of the grain and one-tenth of merchandise
and gold, as his due. It was the revenue which made it possible for the king to ensure the security
and prosperity of his subjects. People agreed to pay taxes and he ruled by one person in order
that they might be able to enjoy well-being and security. In Kautilya’s Arthashastra, there is no
explicit theory of social contract as laid down by
the contractualist. Neither does Kautilya use the contract to make the king all powerful.

Elements of State or Sapathanga theory

Kautilya enumerated seven prakritis or essential organs of the state. They are as follow
(i) Swami (The Ruler)
(ii) Amatya (The Minister)
(iii) Janapada (The Population)
(iv) Durga (The Fortified Capital)
(v) Kosha (The Treasury)
(vi) Danda (The Army)
(vii) Mitra (Ally and Friend)
Swami(The Ruler)

It is the first and the most important element. Swami means the monarch. He should be a native
of the soil and born in a noble family. He should be brave and well learned. He makes all the
important appointments and supervises the government. He has to be virtuous and should treat
his subjects like his own children. Kautilya has given extensive powers to the monarch but those
powers are meant for the welfare of them subjects. In the welfare and happiness of his subjects,
lies his own happiness.

Amatya (The Minister)

It refers to the council of ministers as well as the supporting officials and subordinate staffs.
They are meant for assisting the monarch in day to day affairs of the state. Amatya gives
suggestions to king, collects taxes, develops new villages and cities, ensures defense of the state
and all other tasks as assigned by the king.

Janpada (The Population)

It refers to territory and people of the state. The territory of the state should be fertile and should
have abundance of forest, rivers, mountains, minerals, wild life etc. It should have have good
climate. People should be loyal to their king, hard working, disciplined, religious, ready to fight
for their motherland, should pay taxes regularly and happily.

Durga (The Fortified Capital)

It refers to forts. The state should have sufficient number of forts across its territory at strategic
locations for ensuring defense against foreign invasions. Forts should be built near
hills/mountains, deserts, dense forests and big water bodies. They garrison soldiers, store food
grains for emergency and also serve as a hideout for the king when his life in danger.

Kosha(The Treasury)

This means treasury of the state. Finance is life blood of any state without which it is almost
impossible to run it. Money is needed for paying salaries, building new infrastructure, etc. The
treasury should be full of money and valuable metals and gems. It can be increased through
taxation and plundering enemy states in war.
Danda(The Army)

It refers to military. The state should have a regular, large, disciplined and well trained military.
It is crucial for the security of the state. The soldiers should be recruited from those families
which are traditionally associated with military. The soldiers should paid well and their families
should be taken care of in most suitable way. Proper training and equipment should be made
available. Well fed and well trained soldiers can win any battle. The king should take care of the
soldiers and the soldiers will be ready to sacrifice even their life for him.
Mitra (Ally and Friend)

It refers to friends of the king. The monarch should maintain friendly relationship with
traditional friends of his forefathers. He should also make new friendships. He should send gifts
 and other pleasantries for his friends. They should be helped in times of emergency. They should
be loyal. Friends add to the power of the state. They are also important from foreign trade view
point.

 Role of king

Kautilya gives extensive powers to the kings and attaches an element of divinity. His foremost
duty is protection of the subjects and their property. King’s sources of power revolving around
three sources– Prabhu Shakti (the power of the army and the treasury),Manta Shakti (advice
of wise men, specially the council of ministers) and Utsah Shakti (charisma). Duties of Kings
Kautilya’s Arthashastra does not believe in the ‘Theory of Divine’ origin of the Monarch.
According to him, state is a human institution and it should be manned by a human being. So, the
king should be the protector of the dharma of whole society.  Arthashastra pointed out duties of
kings are :

 Should follow his rajya dharma.

 Should exhibit attributes, i.e. Atma Vrata (self-control) l Should ease the six enemies—
Kama (lust), Krodha (anger), Lobh (greed), Mana (vanity), Mada
(haughtiness), and Harsh (overjoy).
System of Law

Although, Kautilya’s state theory states the monarchical democracy, but the sole authority vested
under the king to make law and that it derived from four sources Dharma (sacred
law), Vyavhara (evidence), Charita (history and custom) and Rajasasana (edicts of the king).
Arthashastra represents a system of civil, criminal and mercantile law. For instance, the
following were codified a procedure for interrogation, torture, trial, the rights of the accused,
Constitution of permissible evidence, a procedure for autopsy in case of death in suspicious
circumstances, Constitution of (deformation) and procedure for claiming damages, invalid and
invalid contract.
 Machinery of Government

The Arthashastra catalogues a phalanx of officers called superintendents, lower in importance

than the ministerial officers and much below them, belonging to the sixth order, according to
remuneration. They are not heads of departments. The superintendents might be as chiefs of
sections dealing with various economic and other activities of the government. Most of these
sections are the modern business departments. A dual control is exercised over the
superintendents. As far as control of the services of the personal and collection of revenue are
concerned, they are under the Collector-General.

Conclusion

The Arthashastra is a textbook of practical politics and statecraft. One of the outstanding
contributions of Kautilya’s Arthashastra to statecraft and governance in a monarchical state.
Hence, Kautilya’s theory of state envisages a rational approach to governance and state craft
which conceptualizes the state and the office of the kingship to be human artifacts.

What is Mandal theory of Kautilya?

Mandal theory is the theory of Vijigusu who want to win and expand his state and influence. It
is a theory of imperialism. Kautilya agrees that war can not be stopped completely but its risk
can be controlled.

What are the six forms of Kautilya's diplomacy explain?

(iv) According to Arthashastra, the State should follow a six-fold policy with other States: (1)
Sandhi (treaty of peace); (2) Vigrah (war); (3) Asana (neutrality) (4) Yana (marching) -
presumably a threat; (5) Samsrya (alliance) and (6) Dwidibhava (making peace with one and end
war with another)

Which is the Arthashastra deals with the Mandal theory?

Kautilya’s Mandla theory deals with the territorial nature of belligerency and alliances The basic
idea of the Mandala Theory is ‘ If your neighbour is your natural enemy then your neighbour’s
neighbour is your natural ally.’ This theory was put forth by the great Chanakya. The Mandala
Theory, also known as the Rajamandala is clearly explained in detail in his book ‘The
Arthasashtra’. Kautilya’s Arthashastra • Written around 325 B.C. • Published by Shama Shastri
in 1909 • Contains 15 parts, 180 divisions, 150 chapters and 6,000 shlokas

Chanakya, also known as Kauṭilya or Vishnugupta was an Indian teacher, philosopher,

economist, jurist and royal advisor. He is a well-known pioneer in the field of political science
and economics in India. Chanakya was the mastermind and the pillar behind the rise of the
Mauryan emperor Chandragupta. He has also played a huge role in the establishment of the
Maurya Empire.

The Mandala theory stems from the territorial ambitions of the kings of the era, until recently
most military conflicts were territorial in nature. However, in today’s world when nation-states
rarely want to prosecute a war for the expansion of territory and war is just a tool of advancing
political ambitions, the Mandala theory loses its relevance.

To accompany the basic Mandala theory, Chankaya also gave guidance on how to establish and
maintain foreign relations. The Sama, Dama, Danda and Bheda are how one deals with the
enemy, if the conflict is imminent.

Sama means simple dealing, conciliation and alliance. India and China can’t go to war because
of their intertwined economic interest. The USA and Canada are allies and don’t go to war.
France and the U.K. are allies as they reconcilled their historical differences.

Dama, is simple gift bearing and paying the other in some way. China and Pakistan are examples
of such allies. China pays heavily to Pakistan in the form of economic aid and infrastructure
investment.

Bheda, comes down to divide and rule. It includes use of misinformation, espionage and other
means of statecraft to destabilise the enemy without use of actual force or open conflict. The
British, during the Raj made use of this approach in their ‘Divide and Rule’. The USA and the
USSR made use of proxies to fight one another during the cold war without actually resorting to
conflict. India trained and financed the Mukti Bahini during the 1970–71 to destabalise Pakistan.
Pakistan is doing it today in Kashmir to destabalise India.

Danda is use of direct force, meaning actual exchange of hostilities. It is the last resort as
Kautilya is heavily critical of war and often reminds the ruler of the potential cost of a war and
the fact the peace ensures security and prosperity of the people, which is the absolute duty of the
king. Whenever there is war, this is what Kautilya was referring to.

Six Methods of Foreign Policy

As per the Mandala theory, states participate in diplomacy and war using the six methods of
foreign policy which are :

1. Sandhi:- The peace treaties should be made with specific conditions to promote welfare
and development. They should also strengthen alliances or use the period as one arm of dual
policy. According to Chanakya, one can enter into a treaty with one’s enemy and it could be
broken when one grows strong. The interests of one’s state should always be held supreme.

2. Vigraha:- The policy of hostility is recommended to be followed by the stronger state.

The hostilities can be conducted as open, secret, undeclared or clandestine attacks. Diplomatic
wars too are justified on all levels.

3. Asana:- The policy of remaining neutral is highly recommended when both states are
equal.

4. Yana:- Very careful consideration is to be made before taking the important decision on
wars. Since the preparation for war and the long march entailed heavy expenditure and
prolonged absence from the capital.

5. Samsraya:- The policy of seeking protection of a stronger king/authority can be practised

by entering into alliances or by signing a treaty.

6. Dvaidhibhava:- This is the policy of seeking peace with one king/authority in order to
pursue hostilities with another.
Keeping in mind the six methods of foreign policy, we can find the relevance of Mandala
Theory in international relations and geopolitics even today.

Thus, we can estimate the sheer brilliance and understanding Chanakya had on international
relations and economics even during those days. The ‘Arthasashtra’ is indeed a masterpiece by
him which explains in detail the political strategies and diplomatic tactics adopted by him.

How did Kautilya define diplomacy?

Kautilya defines diplomacy as, “A King who understands the true implication of diplomacy
conquers the whole world”

What is Vijigishu?

Vijigishu (desirous for or would be world conqueror), Ari (enemy, whose territory
if contiguous to Vijigishu), Madhyama (Middle king with territory adjoining those
of Vijigishu and Ari and stronger than both) and Udasina (kingdom lying outside
or neutral and more powerful than that of Vijigishu, Ari, and Madhyama)

How did Kautilya define diplomacy?

Kautilya defines diplomacy as, “A King who understands the true implication of diplomacy
conquers the whole world”

Your neighbour is your natural enemy and the neighbour's neighbour is your friend" this was the
basic thought behind Kautilya's Mandala theory. Kautilya gave this theory for foreign relations
and diplomacy.
Essay on Gandhi’s Concept of Satyagraha

Gandhi’s Concept of Satyagraha is an exceptional and novel way to resist evil. This is the heart
and soul of the entire Gandhian theory and philosophy, and his exclusive contribution to the
modern Indian political thought. Through this mechanism, Gandhi aimed at resisting any kind of
unjust, impure or untruthful acts.This concept also aims at furtherance of love and self-
purification. Satyagraha can be regarded as a vindication of truth by taking self-suffering in the
form of love. It is the weapon of the bravest and the strongest. It is an antidote for coercion. It
was believed that Satyagraha enables elevation of spiritual and moral qualities of an individual.

The main function of a Satyagraha is not to injure the enemy by any means. It is an appeal to the
enemy either through reason or by a gentle rational argument. It is something like a sacrifice of
the self. Satyagraha has two positive features, viz., it showers blessings on those who practice it
and secondly, it blesses those individuals against whom Satyagraha is practiced. The concept of
Satyagraha advocates that it is through suffering that there are achievements. For instance, just
like a mother who takes all the suffering for the sake of a child, Satyagraha also takes all the pain
for the cause of the fellow citizens

Techniques of Satyagraha:
Some of the major techniques of Satyagraha are non-cooperation, civil disobedience, Hijrat,
fasting and strike.

Non-cooperation:

Gandhi was of the opinion that injustice prevails in the society only when both, the government
perpetuates and the people extend their cooperation. Once this cooperation is withdrawn, then
the entire system paralyses. It is widely accepted that even the most despotic leader cannot
continue for long if he lacks the consent of his subjects.

However, a despot seeks the consent through force. But if the people are firm in revolting against
the despot, he remains nowhere. Non-cooperation is, therefore, one of the weapons of Satyagraha
to force the unjust and immoral power to rectify his mistakes. The main goal of non-cooperation
is to strike the imagination of people as well as the social ostracism or picketing.
Hartal should be occasionally used based on the non-violent and voluntary measures. The social
ostracism is a kind of social boycott against those who defy public opinion. Gandhi suggested in
a limited sense, picketing as another weapon that relies on the force of public opinion. Non-
cooperation cannot be regarded as a negative creed, but it is very much a positive philosophy of
constructive and social development.

Civil Disobedience:
According to Gandhi, civil disobedience is an effective and bloodless substitute for the armed
revolt. This is another method of violating the established order of the state in a non-violent and
peaceful fashion. However, necessary care has to be taken to make the entire act more sincere,
respectful and principled.It should never be carried out with ill-will and hatred. It needs careful
planning and practice and without this the entire act might lose its vitality and significance.
Those who practice civil disobedience, according to Gandhi, must ensure that the violence and
general lawlessness would not break out as it could disturb the peaceful environment in society.

Hijrat:
Etymologically, the term implies voluntary exile from ones permanent place of habitation. One
of the main reasons for the people to resort to Hijrat is when they feel oppressed either due to
loss of self-respect or honourable living; they attempt to migrate permanently to other places. In
simple terms, it is a protest against the oppressor. Gandhi suggested this measure to the Harijans
mainly due to their oppression, especially by the dominant classes in some places.The Chaura
Chauri incident prior to independence was a valid example of the Harijans and the Dalits who
have taken the route of permanent exile as a form of their protest. Hijrat is, therefore, another
non-violent method of protest that attempts to make the oppressor realize his inhuman and unjust
acts of behaviour against the poor, the weak, just and innocent people.

Fasting:
This was another strong weapon suggested by Gandhi in his non-violent struggle for freedom.
However, he was clear that this act of fasting must not be used as and when, and at every
occasion. He stated that unwarranted use of the device would lose its importance, and for this
reason he suggested that it must be sparingly used.Gandhi was of the opinion that those who are
spiritually fit and have purity of mind and thought, humility, discipline and faith should alone
undertake fasting. It should not be viewed as the physical stamina, but the spiritual content of
fasting that gives it greater significance and credibility.

Gandhi also expressed the opinion that if those who have no moral character undertake fast for
either legitimate or illegitimate purpose, they would only devalue the act. He, therefore,
suggested that the technique must be used with great caution and restraint.

Strike:
The last device a Satyagraha uses is the strike demanding justice for legitimate cause as well as
the redressal of grievances. Strike is considered a voluntary suffering undertaken for the
transformation of the erring opponent. Gandhi was not in favor of Marxist principle of class war
and forceful takeover of the means of production from the bourgeoisie.He was of the opinion that
a firm or an industry is like a trust either under the capitalists and the labour. A strike is meant to
end injustice, inefficiency, corruption and short-sightedness of the capitalists. However, in
strikes adequate care has to be taken to ensure that it remains non-violent as well as peaceful and
makes their demands meaningful, just and feasible.

Therefore, it can be stated that Satyagraha is a weapon for justifying individual rights as against
the oppressive, coercive attitude of the Britishers. Gandhi initially used this weapon in South
Africa and owing to its success there, he applied the same in India during the freedom struggle.
His firm belief in two mighty weapons, namely, Satya and Ahimsa, made it clear to the entire
world that the path of righteousness and justice would one day make anybody or any nation
powerful on the earth.

Mahatma Gandhi was a great freedom fighter. He freed India from the British
rule in 1947. He was born on 2nd October, 1869, at Porbander. His full name
was Mohan Das Karam Chand Gandhi. His father was a Deewan at Rajkot.
He went to England to study law. He came back and became a barrister at
Bombay. Then he went to South Africa. In South Africa, Indians were not
treated properly, he fought for them. He went to jail many times in the
freedom struggle. He believed in Ahin- sa (Non-violence). He lived a simple
life. He wore pure khadi. We also call him Bapu. He was shot dead on 30th
January, 1948. It was a great loss to India and to the world as well. For his
services and sacrifice for the country he was named the Father of Nation.

 Discuss Mahatma Gandhi’s views on principle of trusteeship

Trusteeship is a socio-economic concept put forward by Mahatma Gandhi. Trusteeship means a

way by which the wealthy people would be the trustees of trusts that looked after the welfare of
the people in general. In modern times concept of corporate social responsibility is close to the
idea of Trusteeship.

Mahatma Gandhi’s Views on Principle of Trusteeship:

1. According to Mahatma Gandhi those who sought to attain God through social service,
even if they controlled vast possessions, should not regard any of it as their own. They
should rather hold their possessions in trust for the benefit of those less privileged than
themselves.
2. The theory of trusteeship applies equally to both tangible and intangible property such as
the muscular energy of the labourers and the talents.
3. By trusteeship he meant that the wealthy should not just claim their possessions to be
theirs entirely as that they cannot not accumulate their wealth without the labour and
cooperation of workers and the poorer sections of society.
4. Basically Gandhi suggested this doctrine as an answer to the economic inequalities of
ownership and income – a kind of nonviolent way of resolving all social and economic
conflicts which grew out of inequalities and privileges of the present social order.
5. According to him, wealthy people are morally bound to share their wealth in a fair
manner with their workers and the poor.
6. Just as it is proposed to give a decent minimum living wage, a limit should be fixed for
the maximum income that would be allowed to any person in society. The difference
between such minimum and maximum incomes should be reasonable and equitable and
 variable from time to time, so much so that the tenancy would be towards the obliteration
of the difference.
7. It does not exclude legislation of the ownership and use of wealth. Wealthy people should
voluntarily surrender part of their wealth and hold it in trust for those working for them.
But by the 1940s, he had come to believe that state legislation would be necessary to
ensure compliance with the principle of trusteeship.
8. It does not recognise any right of private ownership of property except so far as it may be
permitted by society for its own welfare.
9. He believed that adoption of this doctrine at an individual and national level is the only
way to form an egalitarian and non-violent society.
10. He said that the rich man should spend his wealth only when reasonably required for his
personal needs and should act as a trustee for the remainder to be used for society.
11. The whole idea of possessing wealth only to guard it from being misused and to
distribute it equitably aims at protecting human dignity.
12. Gandhi did not believe in inherited wealth as a trustee has no heir other than the public.
13. By trusteeship he doesn’t mean compulsion to surrender the wealth as the forcible
dispossession of the wealthy would deny to society the talents of people who could create
national wealth. His method was to persuade the wealthy to act as trustees, failing which
satyagraha could be adopted.

Trusteeship provides a means of transforming the present capitalist order of society into an
egalitarian one. It gives no quarter to capitalism, but gives the present owning class a chance to
reform itself. It is based on the faith that human nature is never beyond redemption.

What are the Causes of the First World War?

World War I occurred between July 1914 and November 11, 1918. By the end of
the war, over 17 million people would be killed including over 100,000 American
troops. The reason why war erupted is actually much more complicated than a
simple list of causes. While there was a chain of events that directly led to the
fighting, the actual root causes are much deeper and part of continued debate and
discussion. This list is an overview of the most popular reasons that are cited as the
root causes of World War 1.

 World War I (WW I), also known as the Great War, lasted from 28 July
1914 to 11 November 1918.

 WW I was fought between the Allied Powers and the Central Powers.

o The main members of the Allied Powers were France, Russia, and

Britain. The United States also fought on the side of the Allies after 1917.

o The main members of the Central Powers were Germany, Austria-

Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria.

Causes of the War

There was no single event that led to World War I. The war happened because of
several different events that took place in the years building up to 1914.

 The new international expansionist policy of Germany: In 1890 the new

emperor of Germany, Wilhelm II, began an international policy that sought to
turn his country into a world power. Germany was seen as a threat by the other
powers and destabilized the international situation.

 Mutual Defense Alliances: Countries throughout Europe made mutual

defence agreements. These treaties meant that if one country was attacked,
allied countries were bound to defend them.

o The Triple Alliance-1882 linking Germany with Austria-Hungary

and Italy.

o The Triple Entente, which was made up of Britain, France, and

Russia, concluded by 1907.
o Thus, there were two rival groups in Europe.

 Imperialism: Before World War I, Africa and parts of Asia were points of

contention among the European countries because of their raw materials.
The increasing competition and desire for greater empires led to an
increase in the confrontation that helped push the world into World War I.

 Militarism: As the world entered the 20th century, an arms race had
begun. By 1914, Germany had the greatest increase in military buildup.
Great Britain and Germany both greatly increased their navies in this time
period. This increase in militarism helped push the countries involved into
war.

 Nationalism: Much of the origin of the war was based on the desire of the
Slavic peoples in Bosnia and Herzegovina to no longer be part of Austria
Hungary but instead be part of Serbia. In this way, nationalism led to the
War.

 Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: In June 1914, Archduke

Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, was shot while
he was visiting Sarajevo in Bosnia. He was killed by a Serbian person, who
thought that Serbia should control Bosnia instead of Austria. Because its
leader had been shot, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. As a result:

o Russia got involved as it had an alliance with Serbia.

o Germany then declared war on Russia because Germany had an

alliance with Austria-Hungary.
 o Britain declared war on Germany because of its invasion of neutral
Belgium - Britain had agreements to protect both Belgium and
France.

 Some of the major battles during the war included the First Battle of the
Marne, Battle of the Somme, Battle of Tannenberg, Battle of Gallipoli, and
the Battle of Verdun.

However, the “war to end all wars” turned out to be the opposite. By
ensuring Germany’s economic ruin and political humiliation through the
Treaty of Versatile, the post-war settlement provided fertile ground for
World War II.

2. What are the Consequences of the First World War?

World War I occurred between July 1914 and November 11, 1918. By the end of
the war, over 17 million people would be killed including over 100,000 American
troops. The reason why war erupted is actually much more complicated than a
simple list of causes. While there was a chain of events that directly led to the
fighting, the actual root causes are much deeper and part of continued debate and
discussion. This list is an overview of the most popular reasons that are cited as the
root causes of World War 1.

 Economic consequences: World War I cost the participating countries a

lot of money. Germany and Great Britain spent about 60% of the money their
economy produced. Countries had to raise taxes and borrow money from their
citizens. They also printed money in order to buy weapons and other things
they needed for war. This led to inflation after the war.
 Political Consequences: World War I brought an end to four monarchies:
Czar Nicholas II of Russia, Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany, Emperor Charles of
Austria and the sultan of the Ottoman Empire had to step down.

o New countries were created out of old empires. Austria- Hungary

was carved up into a number of independent states.

o Russia and Germany gave land to Poland. Countries in the Middle

East were put under the control of Great Britain and France.

o What was left of Ottoman Empire became Turkey.

 Social Consequences: World war changed society completely. Birth rates

declined because millions of young men died (eight million died, millions
wounded, maimed, widows and orphans). Civilians lost their land and fled to
other countries.

o The role of women also changed. They played a major part in

replacing men in factories and offices. Many countries gave women more
rights after the war had ended, including the right to vote.

o The upper classes lost their leading role in society. Young middle
and lower class men and women demanded a say in forming their country
after the war.

 Treaty of Versailles: On June 28, 1919, World War I officially ended with
the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. The Treaty of Versailles was an
attempt to prevent the world from going into another war.

Treaty of Versailles
It is organized in several chapters each having different clauses.

Territorial clauses:

 France regained Alsace and Lorraine

 Eupen and Malmedy passed into the hands of Belgium

 Eastern territories were annexed by Poland which caused East Prussia to

become territorially isolated.

 Danzig and Memel, former Baltic German cities were declared free cities

 Denmark annexed northern Schleswig-Holstein

 Germany lost all of its colonies and the victors annexed them

Military clauses:

 Drastic limitation of the German navy.

 Dramatic reduction of the Army (only 100,000 troops, prohibition of

having tanks, aircraft and heavy artillery).

 Demilitarization of the Rhineland region.

War Reparations:

 The treaty declared Germany and its allies responsible for all 'loss and
damage' suffered by the Allies and as a consequence they were forced to pay
war reparations to the victors.

Other Treaties

The Treaty of Neuilly, signed with Bulgaria

 The small Balkan country suffered several territorial losses, in the benefit
of Romania, Greece and a brand-new country: Yugoslavia.

The Treaty of Sevres (1920) signed with Turkey

 The Treaty of Sevres was extremely hard and led to the Turkish national
rebellion, which was led by Kemal Ataturk. This also led to the war against
Greece, which occupied large areas of Anatolia.

However, the “war to end all wars” turned out to be the opposite. By ensuring
Germany’s economic ruin and political humiliation through the Treaty of Versatile,
the post-war settlement provided fertile ground for World War II.