AWSM

Answer Writing & Syllabus Mastery

WORLD
HISTORY

SCO 22, Sector 15-C, Chandigarh | 97794-64470

Verma Niwas, ICICI Bank Building BCS Shimla | 86288-64475
www.joktacademy.com
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ANALYSIS: SYLLABUS WITH PREVIOUS YEAR PAPER

Industrial Revolution and the emergence of Capitalism.

1. “Industrial Revolution was the major cause for the emergence of imperialism.” Comment. (2017, 8marks)

2. Define the term ‘Industrial Revolution’. Discuss critically socioeconomic impacts of Industrial Revolution in
Europe. (2018, 8marks)
3. Write a critical note on the rise and growth of capitalism in Europe. (2019, 8Marks)

Fascist Ideology and its global implications.

1. Discuss Mussolini’s policy towards Abyssinia and Spain (2016, 4Marks)

World Wars and boundary settlements after the First and the Second World Wars.

1. How has the Treaty of Versailles (1919) changed the boundaries of countries? (2016, 4Marks)

2. Examine critically the boundary settlements after the first world war. (2020, 8marks)

Concept of Decolonization, Nationalism and Socialism.

1. What changes have taken place in socialism after the second world war? (2016, 4marks)

2. Examine critically the features of Decolonization. (2016, 8Marks)

3. What do you mean by the terms ‘Parestroika’ and ‘Glasnost’? (2017, 4marks)
4. Write a critical note on the concept of “Socialism”. Also, discuss its salient features. (2021, 8marks)
5. Define the concept of ‘Decolenisation’. Also highlight the major reasons of decoleisation. (2022, 8marks)

Globalization and concept of Modernity.

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QUESTION BANK:
1. The treaty of Versailles was a failure both in its intents and outcomes. Examine.

2. Discuss the evolution of Socialism in Europe in the 19th century. Briefly explain the success of Second International.
3. Discuss the reasons for defeat of Germany in World War II.
4. Discuss the role of the socialist movement of the 19th century in presenting a critique of capitalism and providing
an alternative.
5. Comparing the process of decolonisation in Africa and Asia, explain why it took longer for African countries to
gain independence.
6. Discuss the diverse processes through which nation-states and nationalism came into being in nineteenth-century
Europe.
7. What do you understand by the term New Imperialism?
8. Write a short note on different phases of Globalization.
9. How did the second industrial revolution differ from the first industrial revolution? Also, discuss the
10. socio-political consequences of the second industrial revolution.
11. Write a brief about Fascist Ideology.
12. “The second World War was the result of nationalistic tensions, unresolved issues, and economic depression”.
Discuss
13. Comparison of the fascist regime in Italy with the National Socialist regime of Germany is almost inevitable.
14. Examine critically the boundary settlements after the first world war.
15. What were the driving factors that led to decolonization post world war II? Analyze with relevant examples.
16. Discuss what led to the evolution of the Capitalist and the Socialist pattern of industrialization.
17. “There arose a serious challenge to the Democratic State System between the two World Wars”. Evaluate the
statement.
18. Write a critical note on Foreign policy of Mussolini the leader of fascism in Italy.
19. Describe the efforts for World peace after 2nd world war on global level.
20. Examine critically the Impact of Decolonization.
21. Discuss, by giving appropriate examples, the challenges faced by the newly decolonized countries
22. after World War II.
23. Treaty of Versailles play important role in shaping the post-World War I world order. Critically Examine.
24. Examine the dramatic changes in women’s role brought by the Industrial revolution of the 18th Century.
25. What are the different strands of socialism? Discuss.
26. Critically evaluate the role of the League of Nations in maintaining international peace after the First World War.
27. The Industrial Revolution caused many politico-economic principles to evolve in the due course of time. Do you
agree? Substantiate.
28. What do you understand by the terms Perestroika and Glasnosta?
29. Luddite rebellion was one of the impacts of Industrial Revolution. Discuss
30. What was the Balfour Declaration? Why is it considered to be a significant factor in shaping the course of conflict
in West Asia?
31. Analyze the success of ‘The New Deal’ in rescuing USA from the great depression.
32. The similarities between the rival dictatorships of Hitler and Stalin were far more striking than their differences.
Discuss.

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INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION

The Industrial Revolution, starting in late 18th-century Britain, marked a major shift to new manufacturing processes,
driving significant economic, technological, and social change across Western Europe and the United States.
¾ The Industrial Revolution was the transition to new manufacturing processes. This transition included:

™ Going from hand production methods to machines;

™ New chemical manufacturing and iron production processes;
™ Improved efficiency of water power;
™ The increasing use of steam power;
™ The change from wood and other bio-fuels to coal;
™ The development of machine tools.

Features of the Industrial Revolution:

¾ Mechanization - One of the defining features of the Industrial Revolution was the widespread adoption of
machinery and automation in manufacturing and production processes.
¾ Factory System - The factory system brought workers together in centralized locations to work on machines,
shifting from decentralized cottage industries.
¾ Urbanization - The growth of factories and industries led to the rapid urbanization of previously agrarian societies.
¾ Technological Advancements - The Industrial Revolution saw the development of a range of new technologies
and inventions, including the spinning jenny, power loom, cotton gin, and telegraph.
¾ Increased Efficiency and Productivity – The use of the machines led to high efficiency and productivity in the
production process.

Factors that Played a Role in Advancing the Industrial Revolution:

¾ Desire for Material Advancement – Western philosophers promoted that material possessions are vital for
happiness. This belief contributed to a culture of pursuing wealth and social standing, a significant factor in the
rise of the Industrial Revolution.
¾ Role of Renaissance - The Renaissance, starting in the 14th century, fostered intellectual curiosity and innovation,
setting the stage for the scientific and technological advancements crucial to the Industrial Revolution.
¾ Access to Resources - Access to resources, particularly coal and iron, played a pivotal role in fueling industrial
growth during the Industrial Revolution.
¾ Inventions and Technological Advancements - Inventions like the steam engine, spinning jenny, power loom,
and cotton gin revolutionized industries, significantly boosting production efficiency.
¾ Availability of Raw Material – Europe had access to coal and iron deposits in Europe, especially in Britain,
which facilitated the development of IR.
¾ Availability of Markets – The geographical explorations and colonization significantly expanded market access
for European industries, playing a pivotal role in further propelling the development of the Industrial Revolution.

™ E.g., Establishment of American Colonies, sea routes to India, finding of Brazil by Portuguese, etc.

¾ Adequate Labour Force – Population growth between the 16th to 17th centuries in Europe, further provided
sufficient labour force for the factories.

™ E.g., the population of London exploded from 50,000 in 1500 to 200,000 in 1600 and half a million in 1700.

¾ Agricultural Revolution – The commercialization of agriculture and the adoption of new cultivation methods not
only supplied ample raw materials for industries but also released labour for industrial work.

™ E.g., Enclosure movement, cultivation of clover and other legumes to restore the fertility of the soil without
leaving it fallow, etc.

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¾ Capital Accumulation - The accumulation of capital through trade, colonial ventures, and agricultural advancements
provided the necessary financial resources for entrepreneurs to invest in new machinery and factories.
¾ Transportation Infrastructure - The development of canals, roads, and later, railways, facilitated the transportation
of goods and raw materials.

™ E.g., by 1500, Europe had a technological supremacy over the rest of the world in shipbuilding, navigation,
and metallurgy (metal working).

¾ The presence of enterprising individuals, financial innovations, and a risk-taking private sector - Financial
institutions encouraged risk-taking in investments and new technologies. Businessmen were supported by the
government.

™ Further, Agricultural surplus and wealth were redirected towards productive investments rather than
conspicuous consumption by feudal lords.

SOCIO-ECONOMICAL IMPACT OF IR:

¾ Positive Impacts:

™ Economic Growth - The Industrial Revolution boosted the global economy by shifting from agrarian and
craft-based to industrial economies, increasing production and efficiency.
™ Increased Productivity - New manufacturing techniques and machinery increased productivity in agriculture
and industry, leading to more affordable and accessible products.
™ Employment Generation - The growth of industry created millions of new jobs in factories, mines, and
other industrial sectors.
™ Improved Quality of Life - Over time, the Industrial Revolution led to higher wages and improved living
standards for many, offering access to new technologies, better transportation, textiles, and sanitation, which
enhanced quality of life.
™ Education and Innovation - The demand for skilled labour and technological advancements drove increased
investment in education and research, fostering innovation and a more skilled workforce.
™ Stimulate Modern Global Economy - The Industrial Revolution initiated globalization, fueling international
trade and the exchange of goods and ideas, setting the foundation for the modern global economy.
™ Social and Political Change - The disparities and inequalities created by the Industrial Revolution also led to
social and political movements advocating for workers’ rights, labour laws, and social reforms.
™ These movements played a significant role in shaping modern democracies and improving worker conditions.

¾ Negative Impacts:

™ Poor Working Conditions – The labourers were forced to endure a harsh working life due to long hours
without any weekly breaks, dangerous work with unsafe machinery, and a lack of bargaining power.
™ Child Labor - Young children were cheap labour and employed in factories and mines, performing tasks that
were physically demanding and detrimental to their health and development.
™ Low Wages - Industrialization boosted productivity and profits but kept worker wages low, resulting in harsh
conditions and a cycle of poverty.
™ Increased Slum Areas and Spread of Disease - Rapid urbanization led to overcrowded and unsanitary living
conditions in cities.
™ Lack of proper housing, sanitation, and infrastructure contributed to the spread of diseases like cholera and
tuberculosis.
™ Income Inequality - The Industrial Revolution led to significant income inequality, with a small minority
of industrialists and business owners accumulating vast wealth while many workers struggled to make ends
meet.
™ Worst Condition of Women – Women faced difficulty in balancing long factory hours with raising the next
generation, resulting in physical and emotional strain, and often needing to work even after childbirth.
™ Gave Rise to Class Struggles - The disparities between the working class and the industrial elite resulted in

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class conflicts and labour movements.
™ Facilitate Colonization and Imperialism – Colonization and imperialism were driven by the demand for raw
materials for emerging industries, access to new markets, and investment prospects.

Impact of the Industrial Revolution on India:

¾ Positive Impact:

™ Modernization of infrastructure - The development of railways, telegraphs, and other infrastructure in

Europe was gradually extended to India, improving communication and transportation networks.
™ Rise of Modern Industries – The Industrial Revolution in Europe also facilitated the advent of modern
industries in India.
™ Availability of Goods – The introduction of machine-made mass-produced goods from Europe resulted in the
widespread availability of affordable products for the general populace.
™ Global Integration of Indian Economy – The IR also, directly or indirectly, helped to integrate the Indian
economy with the global economy.

¾ Negative Impacts:

™ Make India an Exporter of Raw Materials – British policies transformed India into a supplier of raw
materials while turning it into a consumer of manufactured products from British factories.
™ Commercialization of Agriculture – Food crops were replaced with commercial crops like Jute, Cotton,
Indigo, etc. to feed the British Industries.
™ Deindustrialization – The traditional handicraft and handloom sectors in India were unable to compete with
the inexpensive and mass-produced machine-made goods from British factories.

¾ Additionally, the British government’s one-sided trade policies, steep tariffs on Indian exports, and discouraging
railway fares contributed to the decline of India’s traditional industries in favour of Britain’s newly developed
ones.

™ Drain of Wealth – The British utilized Indian resources to procure raw materials, balance trade with other
nations, and fuel industrial expansion elsewhere, and for administrative purposes.
™ E.g., Dadabhai Naroji stated that out of the revenues raised in India, nearly one-fourth goes out of the country
and is added to the resources of England.

¾ Slow Growth of Modern Industry – British manufacturers viewed Indian textile and other industries as
competition, influencing the Indian government to inhibit industrial development, artificially stunting the growth
of Indian industries.
¾ Exploitation of Peasants – European plantation owners compelled Indian peasants to cultivate cash crops at prices
below the market value, leading to the impoverishment of the peasants.
¾ E.g., Indigo cultivation, which led to the Indigo Revolt in 1859.

INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION OF JAPAN

How It Different from the European Industrial Revolution:

Aspects IR in Europe IR in Japan

Time and Pace Late 18th to 19th century, with significant Mid-19th to early 20th century and
industrialization occurring in countries like Britain, rapidly accelerated during the Meiji
France, and Germany during the 19th century. Restoration (1868-1912)
External Influence Largely endogenous Combination of endogenous and
exogenous factors; selective borrowing
from the West

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Government Limited government intervention Active and proactive role of
Involvement the government in promoting
industrialization
Social and Cultural Significant social and class conflicts; labour Strong national unity and shared
Factors movements demanding better conditions. purpose during the Meiji era; fewer
pronounced labour disputes.
Resource Abundant natural resources (coal, iron) Limited natural resources, leading to
Availability emphasis on import substitution and
innovation

The Industrial Revolution was a complex and multifaceted historical event that shaped the course of modern history.
While it brought about significant advancements and improvements in many areas, it also gave rise to social and
economic injustices and had far-reaching consequences for both Europe, Asia and Africa.

WORLD WAR 1

World War I (28 July 1914 – 11 November 1918) was a global conflict fought between two coalitions, the Allied
Powers (France, UK, USA, Italy, Japan and Russia) and the Central Powers (Germany. Fighting took place throughout
Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Pacific, and parts of Asia.

Events that led to the war were:

¾ First Moroccan Crisis (1905-06) – Germany challenged France’s influence in Morocco, which was settled under
the Algeciras Conference of 1906.

™ All powers except Austria-Hungary (Britain, Russia, Italy and Spain) supported the French demand to control
the Moroccan bank and police.
™ It was a serious diplomatic defeat for Germany.

¾ First Balkan Crisis: The Bosnian Crisis (1908) - The Bosnian Crisis of 1908 involved Austria-Hungary’s
annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, angering Serbia and Russia.

™ It led to a diplomatic standoff between the Triple Entente and the Triple Alliance, heightening tensions in
pre-World War I Europe.
™ The crisis was resolved through diplomacy but indicated the fragility of European peace.

¾ Second Moroccan Crisis: The Agadir Crisis (1911) - The Agadir Crisis of 1911, or the Second Moroccan
Crisis, saw Germany’s provocative move to send a gunboat to Morocco’s Agadir port.

™ This crisis escalated tensions among major European powers, particularly France and Germany, with Britain
eventually siding with France.
™ Diplomatic negotiations resulted in the Treaty of Fez in 1912, dividing Morocco’s influence zones.
™ The Agadir Crisis was a key prelude to World War I, underscoring the complex alliances and rivalries that
ultimately contributed to the outbreak of the war in 1914.

¾ Balkan Wars - The complex web of alliances and rivalries formed during and after the Balkan Wars contributed
to the outbreak of World War I in 1914.

™ Serbia’s role in the Balkan Wars and its support for Slavic nationalism played a part in the assassination of
Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary, one of the triggers of World War I.

Other Factors Responsible for the World War 1:

¾ Excess of Nationalism – Demand for Pan-Slavism by the Slavic peoples in Bosnia and Herzegovina and other
parts of Europe.

™ Further, French nationalism sought revenge for Alsace-Lorraine’s loss, fueling enmity with Germany.

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™ Italy’s “Italia Irredenta” aimed to regain Italian-speaking areas from Austria in Trieste and the Trentino.
™ Hence excess of nationalism was at the back of most of the occurrence that led towards the war.

¾ The Alliance System (Camp System) – The secret nature of the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria, Italy) and
Triple Entente (France, Russia, Britain) heightened suspicions among nations, and this contributed significantly
to the outbreak of World War I.
¾ Militarism - Rising nationalism, escalating tensions, and opposing alliance systems created widespread insecurity
among the major powers. They responded with heightened vigilance and military preparations.

™ Germany expanded its army, France extended compulsory service, Russia increased its army size, and Great
Britain invested more in its navy.
™ This competitive arms race fostered fear and hostility among nations.
™ Further, Anglo-German naval rivalry was the main bone of contention between the two rights up to 1914.

¾ Imperialism - Tensions among the major powers were fueled by competition for colonial possessions and imperial
ambitions in Africa and Asia.

™ Russia, Britain, and France sought to protect their existing colonies, while Germany aimed to acquire
colonies to fulfil its imperial aspirations.

¾ Economic Competition - Economic competition between Britain and Germany before World War I created
tensions.

™ German products and industrialization were seen as a threat or competition to British industries.
™ This rivalry led people in each country to view each other as rivals and even enemies.

¾ Immediate Cause - The immediate cause of World War I was the intense hostility between Austria and Serbia
in the Balkans, culminating in the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the Austrian Emperor’s heir, in
Sarajevo.

Events of the World War 1:

¾ Declaration of war - Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914, leading to a cascade of
declarations of war. Russia mobilized its forces to support Serbia, Germany declared war on Russia and France.
¾ German Declaration of War on Belgium and the Advent of the UK (August 4, 1914) - Germany violated
Belgium’s neutrality as part of its invasion of France. This action prompted the United Kingdom to declare war
on Germany in defence of Belgium.
¾ Ottoman Empire Joins the War (October 29, 1914) - The Ottoman Empire entered World War I on the side of
the Central Powers by launching an attack on Russian ports in the Black Sea.
¾ Lusitania Sinking (May 7, 1915) - A German submarine sank the British liner RMS Lusitania off the Irish coast,
causing almost 1,200 deaths, including 128 Americans, and stoking anti-German feelings in the United States.
¾ Zimmermann Telegram (January 1917) - Germany’s proposal of a military alliance with Mexico against the
United States, intercepted and decoded, was a key factor in the U.S. decision to enter World War I.
¾ United States Enters the War (April 6, 1917) - The United States officially declared war on Germany, joining
the Allies in the conflict.
¾ Russian Revolution (1917) - The revolution led to the overthrow of the Russian monarchy and the rise of the
Bolsheviks, who later signed a peace treaty with the Central Powers in 1918, ending Russia’s participation in
World War I.
¾ Armistice (November 11, 1918) - The Armistice of Compiegne was signed, ending the fighting on the Western
Front and marking the official end of World War I.

Reasons for the Defeats of Central Powers:

¾ Allied Resources - The Allied Powers, including France, the United Kingdom, and later the United States, had
greater resources, including manpower, industrial capacity, and access to overseas colonies, which allowed them
to sustain their war effort over a longer period.

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¾ Economic Blockade - The Allied naval blockade effectively cut off essential supplies to the Central Powers,
leading to economic and logistical difficulties.
¾ Entry of the United States - The United States joined the war on the side of the Allies in 1917, providing a
significant boost in terms of resources, troops, and financial support.
¾ Strategic Errors - The Central Powers’ strategic mistakes, like Germany’s unrestricted submarine warfare and
the failure of the Schlieffen Plan, led to the U.S. entry into the war and forced Germany to fight on two fronts,
contributing to their defeat in World War I.
¾ Loss of Allies - Some of the Central Powers’ allies, such as the Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria, eventually
surrendered or collapsed, further weakening the alliance.
¾ War Weariness - The prolonged and brutal nature of the war led to war weariness among the Central Powers’
populations, undermining their morale and resolve.

Impact of the World War 1:

¾ Political Impact:

™ Change in the Map of Europe - After the collapse of the Russian Empire, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and
Lithuania gained independence.
™ Poland was reestablished, regaining territory seized in the 18th century.
™ Austria-Hungary’s dissolution formed Czechoslovakia and enlarged Romania, Italy, and Serbia.
™ Alsace-Lorraine returned to France, and Danish-speaking Schleswig went to Denmark.

¾ Spread of Democracy - The Russian, German, and Austrian monarchies collapsed, leading to the adoption of
democratic constitutions.

™ In Russia, the democratic movement became linked to Bolshevism.

™ The new states that have been created, set up republican constitutions with a parliamentary government based
upon democratic franchises.

¾ Rise of Dictatorship – The pressures, humiliations, and hardships of war created fertile ground for the rise
of dictatorships, exemplified by figures like Hitler in Germany, Mussolini in Italy, Lenin in Russia, and the
establishment of military rule in Japan, among others.
¾ Decline of Europe’s prestige - The conflict caused a decline in Europe’s prestige in the eyes of the rest of the
world.

™ The immense destruction and suffering in what was once considered the epicentre of civilization marked the
start of the decline of European dominance over the rest of the world.

¾ Formation of League of Nations - The League of Nations was formed in the aftermath of World War I to promote
international cooperation, maintain peace, and prevent future conflicts, under the principle of collective security.
¾ Economic Impact:
¾ Fiscal Losses - The national debts of England, France, and Germany soared. Governments struggled to boost their
industries, trade, and agriculture, leading to increased imports and soaring prices.

™ To cope, they printed more currency, causing inflation and currency devaluation.

¾ Unemployment - Millions who got employed during the war got unemployed leading to serious unemployment
problems.
¾ Increase in non-European trade - During Europe’s war preoccupation, certain nations beyond Europe, notably
Japan, China, and the USA seized the opportunity to expand their trade, gaining at Europe’s expense.
¾ Social Impact:

™ Huge Death Toll - WWI was one of the deadliest conflicts in history, resulting in the deaths of millions of
soldiers and civilians.
¾ E.g., Almost 2 million Germans died, 1.7 million Russians, 1.5 million French, over a million Austro-Hungarians
and about one million from Britain and her empire.

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™ Rise of Social Problems - The war’s casualties left many families in turmoil, with women becoming widows
and a skewed gender ratio due to a higher male death toll, causing family strife.

¾ Women Empowerment - During the war, with men in the armed forces and growing demand for labour, women
entered factories and other jobs traditionally held by men.

™ This participation in the workforce boosted economic development and political involvement.

¾ New Methods of Warfare - In World War I, novel methods of warfare and advanced weaponry emerged,
including tanks, submarines, bombers, machine guns, heavy artillery, and mustard gas.
¾ Rise of Labour and Trade Union - Laborers, through their wartime contributions, gained prominence in politics
and demanded political recognition and facilities after the war. The trade union movement, preexisting but
revitalized, gained momentum post-war.

Treaty of Versailles:

The Treaty of Versailles was a peace treaty signed in 1919 that officially ended World War I. It placed significant
blame on Germany and its allies for the war and imposed harsh terms, including territorial losses, disarmament, and
heavy reparations.

The features of the treaty were:

¾ Disarmament - Germany’s military capabilities were severely restricted, allowing for a maximum of 100,000
troops with no conscription.

™ They were prohibited from possessing tanks, armoured cars, military aircraft, or submarines, and were
limited to just six battleships.

¾ Loss of Colonies - Germany’s African colonies were taken away and became ‘mandates’ under League of Nations
supervision.
¾ Reparation – Germany was required to pay approximately 6,600 million Euros in war reparations as part of the
treaty.
¾ ‘The War Guilt’ clause - The “War Guilt” clause placed complete blame for initiating the war on Germany and
its allies, while also proposing the trial of the former Kaiser for war-related crimes.
¾ Anschluss Forbidden – The Union between Germany and Austria, known as Anschluss, was forbidden under
the treaty to keep Germany weak.
¾ Formation of League of Nations – The League of Nations was established under the treaty to ensure peace and
prevent future conflict under the principle of collective security.

Boundary Settlement under the Treaty:

¾ Alsace and Lorraine – Both the regions returned to France.

¾ Territories to Poland - West Prussia and Posen were transferred to Poland, except Danzig (the primary port of
West Prussia), which was put under the administration of the League of Nations due to its predominantly German
population.
¾ Saar Region – The League of Nations administered the Saar region for 15 years, and then the population would
choose between France and Germany.
¾ Formation of New Independence States - Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, which had been handed over to Germany
by Russia by the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, were taken away from Germany and set up as independent states.
¾ Demilitarization of Rhineland – Rhineland was demilitarized and taken over by the Allied forces.
¾ Control of Overseas Territories – The Colonies of Germany were put under the administrate control of the
LoNs, especially two countries, i.e., France and England.

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Other Boundary Settlements after WW 1 under Various Treaties:

¾ The Treaty of St Germain (1919), Re-Distribution of Austria - It split up the empire into several new states
according to the principle of nationality.

™ Territories to Czechoslovakia - The Austrian provinces of Bohemia and Moravia were formed into a new
state called Czechoslovakia.
™ Formation of Yugoslavia - The Slavic provinces of Bosnia and Herzegovina were granted to Serbia, leading
to an expansion of its territory under the new entity known as Yugoslavia.
™ Land to Italy - Austria gave up South Tyrol, Trentino, and a part of the land along the coast of the Adriatic
Sea to Italy.
™ Separation of Empire - Hungary was separated from Austria.

¾ The Treaty of Trianon (1920), with Hungary –

™ Czechoslovakia Expands - Slovakia was incorporated into Czechoslovakia.

™ Yugoslavia Grows - Croatia and Slovenia became part of Yugoslavia.
™ Romania’s Gain - Transylvania was added to Romania’s territory.

¾ The Treaty of Sevres (1920), with Turkey - Turkey had to give up all its territories in Africa, as well as in Syria,
Palestine, Mesopotamia, and Arabia, losing all its lands beyond its core territory.

™ Territories Lost to Greece - Turkey lost Eastern Thrace, many Aegean islands, Smyrna and adjacent
territory on the coast of Asia Minor to Greece.

Overall, World War I left a lasting legacy that shaped the course of the 20th century, influencing the geopolitical
landscape, political ideologies, and the trajectory of future conflicts.

WORLD WAR 2

The Second World War, commonly known as World War II, was a global conflict that spanned from 1939 to 1945,
encompassing virtually every corner of the globe.
¾ The primary participants in this war were the Axis powers, including Germany, Italy, and Japan, who faced off
against the Allies, which comprised France, Great Britain, the United States, and the Soviet Union.

Factors that led to WW 2:

¾ Short-comings of the Paris peace conference - The humiliating and harsh terms imposed on Germany under the
Treaty of Versailles contributed to the rise of Nazi Germany, while Italy’s unaddressed concerns also led to the
emergence of Fascist Italy.
¾ Expansionist Ambitions - Before World War II, expansionist ambitions of countries like Germany, Italy, and
Japan drove territorial aggressions, such as Germany’s occupation of the Rhineland, Italy’s invasion of Ethiopia,
and Japan’s invasion of Manchuria.
¾ Failure of League of Nations - The League of Nations and the idea of collective security failed to secure general
disarmament and to control potential aggressors.
¾ Great Depression of 1929 – The conditions resulting from the Great Depression like unemployment, inflation,
hunger, etc. laid the groundwork for the growth of fascist and Nazi ideologies, ultimately leading to the emergence
of leaders like Hitler and Mussolini.
¾ Policy of Appeasement - Britain and France pursued appeasement to avoid conflict with Germany, Italy, and
Japan. This policy inadvertently emboldened Hitler and others, making the outbreak of World War II more likely.
¾ Nationalism - Nationalist sentiments and desires for self-determination in regions with unresolved territorial
disputes, such as Eastern Europe, contributed to tensions and conflicts.

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Main Events b/w WW 1 and WW 2:

¾ Various Programs and Plans to Ensure Peace – Many treaties and plans were initiated to ensure peace in
Europe.

™ E.g., Dawes Plan (1924), Locarno Treaty (1925), Young Plan (1929), World Disarmament Conference
(1932-33), etc.

¾ The Great Depression - The Great Depression, from 1929 to 1939, started with the 1929 stock market crash,
causing widespread unemployment and poverty. It fueled the rise of extremist ideologies worldwide.
¾ Advent of Hitler and Mussolini – In the 1930s, Fascism and Nazism emerged as political ideologies, with
Germany and Italy adopting expansionist, militaristic, totalitarian, and racially dominant policies.
¾ Expansionist Policies - Aggressive expansionist policies by Japan in Asia, Italy in North Africa, and Germany in
Europe were evident during this period.
¾ The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) – It was a conflict between the Republican government and Nationalist rebels
led by Francisco Franco, which was the precursor of WW 2.
¾ Demilitarization of Rhineland and Annexation of Austria - In the 1930s, Hitler’s aggressive expansionist
agenda saw the remilitarization of the Rhineland in 1936, violating the Treaty of Versailles, followed by the 1938
annexation of Austria in the Anschluss, met with limited international resistance.
¾ Munich Conference (1938) – Between France & Britain with Hitler, permitted Nazi Germany’s annexation of
Czechoslovakia’s Sudetenland in exchange for peace promises. It ultimately did not deter Hitler’s subsequent
aggression.
¾ Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact (1939) – It was a non-aggression agreement between Russia and Germany, under
which they secretly divided Eastern Europe into spheres of influence.
¾ This pact paved the way for the start of World War II when Germany invaded Poland in September 1939.

Important Events during WW 2:

¾ Outbreak of War – On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland, prompting Britain and France to declare
war on Germany, marking the official beginning of World War II.
¾ The Phoney War - During the Phoney War, which lasted for the following five months after the declaration of
war between Germany, Britain, and France, there was minimal military action.
¾ Blitzkrieg and the Fall of France - In May-June 1940, Germany launched a Blitzkrieg (lightning war) against
France, leading to the fall of France and the evacuation of British and Allied forces from Dunkirk.
¾ The Battle of Britain – In July-October 1940, the Battle of Britain took place as the Royal Air Force (RAF)
successfully defended Britain against German air raids, and prevented a German invasion.
¾ Operation Barbarossa - On June 22, 1941, Germany, launched Operation Barbarossa, a massive invasion of the
Soviet Union. However, the brutal Russian winter and the determination of the Soviet army eventually halted the
German advance.
¾ Entry of USA – On December 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise attack on the United States naval base at Pearl
Harbor, Hawaii. This event led the United States to enter the war on the side of the Allies
¾ Stalingrad and Midway – In June 1942, the Battle of Midway in the Pacific marked a turning point as the United
States defeated Japan’s navy.

™ In August 1942 - February 1943, the Battle of Stalingrad on the Eastern Front resulted in a major Soviet
victory against the Germans.

¾ Fall of Italy - In July 1943, British and American troops landed in Sicily, quickly capturing the island. This led
to the downfall of Mussolini, who was dismissed by the king.
¾ D-Day and Normandy Invasion – On June 6, 1944, Allied forces, including the United States, Britain, and
Canada, launched Operation Overlord, landing on the beaches of Normandy in France, leading to the liberation
of Western Europe from Nazi control.
¾ The End of the War – On May 8, 1945, Victory in Europe (VE) Day is celebrated as Germany surrenders
unconditionally, bringing an end to the war in Europe.

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™ On August 6 and 9, 1945, the United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan,
leading to Japan’s surrender on August 15, 1945, and the official end of World War II on September 2, 1945.

Why Axis Powers Lost the War:

¾ Shortage of Raw Materials - Italy, Japan, and even Germany faced the need to import essential supplies, with
Germany experiencing shortages of rubber, cotton, nickel, and, starting from mid-1944, oil.
¾ The Allies Soon Learned from Their Early Failures - By 1942, they understood how to counter Blitzkrieg
tactics, recognized the significance of air support and aircraft carriers, and established air and naval dominance.
¾ The Axis powers overextended themselves – Germany’s troops were bound to be spread too thinly – on the
Russian front, on both sides of the Mediterranean, and the western coastline of France.

™ Japan stretched out far beyond their basic capacity for holding its gains.

¾ Resources Availability - The combined resources of the USA, the USSR and the British Empire were so great
that the longer the war lasted, the less chance the Axis had of victory.
¾ Strategic Blunders - Germany’s costly invasion of the Soviet Union and Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor, which
brought the United States into the war, expanded the conflict and weakened the Axis.
¾ Moral and Ideological Factors - Nazi Germany’s aggressive beliefs and Japan’s military ambitions led to other
countries condemning them, making more countries oppose them and side with the Allies.

Impacts of the World War 2

¾ Social Impact:

™ High Death Toll - Almost 40 million people were killed.

™ The Holocaust in Germany caused the death of over 5 million Jews.
¾ Displacement of People - Post-war, millions of Germans were displaced, mainly from areas taken by Russia,
Poland, Hungary, Romania, and Czechoslovakia, relocating to West Germany to prevent future territorial claims.
¾ Demographic Change - A large number of the young population was dead.
¾ Beginning of the New Era of Human Rights - The adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the
United Nations in 1948 marked the dawn of a new era for human rights.
¾ Economic Impacts:

™ Large Scale of Devastation - War inflicted widespread physical and financial devastation. Germany was in
ruins, Western Russia was heavily damaged, and around 25 million people were left homeless.
™ Formation of Marshal Plan - The USA formulated the Marshal Plan for economic aid for the economic
reconstruction of Western Europe.
™ Bretton Wood Institution – After World War 2, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank
came into existence.
™ Signing of GATT - The GATT, signed in 1947 by 23 countries, aimed to reduce trade barriers like quotas,
tariffs, and subsidies to promote economic recovery after World War II.

¾ Political Impact:

™ Fall of Axis Powers - the Axis powers, including Germany, Japan, and Italy, faced defeat and occupation,
leading to significant political and social changes in those countries.
™ European Dominance Ended - Europe was militarily and economically drained after World War II, and the
four major Western European powers were considerably weakened.
™ Division of Europe - Under the influence of the USSR, Eastern Europe embraced communism, while
Western Europe aligned with the USA and adopted capitalism.
™ Emergence of Super-Powers - The USA and the USSR emerged as the two most powerful nations in the
world, and they were no longer as isolated as they had been before the war.
™ Beginning of Cold War – After the war, suspicions increased among the two powers leading to the period
of the Cold War.

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™ Onset of Decolonization - The war drove the decolonization movement by shattering the myth of European
superiority and invincibility, notably through defeats suffered by Britain, Holland, and France at the hands
of Japan.
™ Rise of UNO - This organization succeeded the League of Nations with the primary goal of maintaining
global peace.

Boundary Settlements after World War 2:

¾ Division of Germany - The Potsdam Conference in 1945 redrew Germany’s borders, divided Berlin into East and
West, and set the Oder-Neisse Line as the new border between Germany and Poland.
¾ Settlement with Italy – Italy lost its African colonies and renounced its territorial claims on Albania and
Abyssinia (Ethiopia).

™ The Italian Islands of the Aegean were transferred to the Kingdom of Greece.

¾ Recovery of Transylvania - Romania regained control of northern Transylvania previously occupied by Hungary
during the war.
¾ The Peace Treaties of 1947 - The 1947 Paris Peace Treaties, signed with various Axis powers, led to territorial
changes, including the surrender of land by Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and Finland.
¾ The Treaty of San Francisco (1951) - This treaty officially ended World War II with Japan and established new
borders, including the return of territory to China, the independence of Korea, and the retention of some territories
by the United States.
¾ Independence of Trieste - Trieste, claimed by both Italy and Yugoslavia, was declared a free territory protected
by the United Nations Organization.
¾ Control of USSR - The USSR took control of the eastern section of Czechoslovakia.

™ They acquired the Petsamo district and the area around Lake Ladoga from Finland.
™ The USSR occupied and maintained control over Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, which they had initially
occupied in 1939.

In conclusion, World War II was a watershed moment in human history, shaping the 20th century and beyond. Its
impact on society, economy, and politics reverberates to this day, highlighting the importance of promoting peace,
understanding, and cooperation among nations to prevent such catastrophic events in the future.

FASCISM IDEOLOGY

Fascism gained prominence in Europe in the early 20th century, with its initial roots in Italy during World War I,
followed by its expansion into other European nations, notably in Germany.

Features of the Fascist Ideology:

¾ Authoritarianism - Fascist governments feature centralized authority led by a powerful charismatic leader with
extensive control over all aspects of government and society.
¾ Extensive Nationalism - Fascism promotes a strong sense of nationalism and often emphasizes the superiority of
one’s nation or race.
¾ Totalitarianism - Fascist governments seek to control all aspects of public and private life, including the economy,
media, education, and culture.
¾ Militarism - Fascist regimes often prioritize military strength and expansionism. This can lead to aggressive
foreign policies and conflicts with other nations.
¾ Suppression of dissent - Fascist governments typically suppress political opposition and restrict civil liberties.
They may use violence, censorship, and propaganda to maintain their grip on power.
¾ Cult of personality - Fascist leaders often cultivate a cult of personality, portraying themselves as saviours of the
nation and promoting their image and ideology above all else.
¾ Anti-communism - Fascist ideologies are typically vehemently anti-communist and anti-socialist, viewing these

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ideologies as threats to their vision of a strong, centralized state.

Difference b/w Fascism and Nazism:

Concept Fascism Nazism

Nationalism and Fascism was fueled by nationalism but Nazism emphasized ‘Aryanism’ and saw the state
Racism it did not reject other nationalities as the homeland of the “master race,” requiring the
incorporation of all areas inhabited by ethnic Germans.
Corporatism Supported the Corporatism Rejected the Corporatism
Class System Fascism upheld the class system Nazism considered a class-based society a hindrance to
and aimed to maintain it as a means racial unity and sought to eliminate it
to establish a more structured and
improved social order.
Role of State Fascism viewed the state as a means Nazism considered the government as a tool for
to advance and promote nationalism. safeguarding and promoting the supremacy of the
master race.
Anti-Semitism Mussolini’s regime did not prioritize The Nazis propagated extreme and virulent anti-Semitic
anti-Jewish policies to the same extent views, believing in a vast Jewish conspiracy to control
as Nazi Germany. the world.

Global Implications of Fascism Ideology:

¾ Imperialism and Expansionism – Fascist regimes sought to expand their territories and influence through
aggressive foreign policies.
¾ World War 2 – Ideology and actions based on fascism and Nazism were the root cause of WW 2.
¾ Genocide – Nazis under the influence of the ideology killed millions of Jews during WW 2.
¾ Suppression of Human Rights – Even in the present day, regimes characterized by totalitarianism continue to
infringe upon human rights and concentrate government power within a single party or individual’s control.
¾ End European Dominance – Actions and consequences of the fascism ideology ended the political supremacy
of Europe after WW 2.
¾ Decolonization – Fascist ideology, though not directly, created the situations that facilitated the decolonization.

Fascism and Nazism left a dark legacy in history, serving as a stark reminder of the dangers of extreme ideologies,
authoritarianism, and the consequences of unchecked power. Understanding the features and differences of these
ideologies is essential in order to prevent the resurgence of such destructive forces in the future.

DECOLONIZATION

Decolonization was a historical process that occurred primarily in the mid-20th century through which many colonies
gained independence from their colonial rulers.
Various factors responsible for decolonization:
¾ Impact of World War II - The devastation caused by World War II weakened the colonial powers, both
economically and politically.

™ The war exposed the hypocrisy of colonial powers fighting for freedom and democracy while subjugating
other nations.

¾ Nationalist Movements – During and after World War 2, the nationalist movements gained momentum in
colonized regions, pushing for self-determination and autonomy.

™ E.g., Quit India Movement, RIN mutiny, etc.

¾ International Pressure - The United Nations and other international organizations played a role in pressuring
colonial powers to grant independence to their colonies.

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¾ Access to Markets – During the Cold War, the USA and USSR, as new superpowers, sought markets for their
products, which further incentivized them to influence these nations and promote the process of decolonization.
¾ Japanese Occupation – During World War II, under Japanese control, many Southeast Asian countries received
training in administration and politics, which bolstered their sense of pride and desire for independence.

™ E.g., Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, etc.

Potential Benefits of Decolonization:

¾ National Sovereignty - Decolonization gave nations the power to determine their own fate and control their
internal matters, including politics, economics, and social systems.
¾ Cultural and Identity Revival - Colonized nations regained their cultural and national identities, celebrating their
heritage, languages, and traditions without colonial suppression.
¾ Economic Autonomy: Decolonization allowed newly independent nations to have greater control over their
natural resources and economies.
¾ Political Participation: Colonized populations gained the ability to participate in the political process. They could
elect their own leaders and shape their own governance structures.
¾ End of Discrimination and Racial Superiority - Decolonization challenged and dismantled the ideologies of
racial superiority and discrimination that were often inherent in colonial systems.
¾ Protection of Fundamental Rights - Decolonization secured fundamental rights in new nations, protecting
freedoms like speech, religion, and assembly, and preventing arbitrary detention and torture.
¾ Independence in Foreign Policy - Newly independent nations could formulate their own foreign policies and
engage in international relations on their terms.

Decolonization Brought about Significant Challenges:

¾ Political Instability - The transition to independence often led to political instability, as newly formed governments
grappled with governance and faced internal conflicts.
¾ Unchanged Conditions of Common People – In numerous instances, power shifted from colonial governments
to dictators and existing political leaders who often disregarded the needs of the common people.
¾ Partition or Division of the Country - In some instances, the process of decolonization led to the division of
countries along ethnic, religious, or political lines.

™ E.g., India-Pakistan, North Korea-South Korea, etc.

¾ Economic Uncertainty - Many newly independent nations struggled with economic difficulties, as they needed to
build sustainable economies and reduce their dependency on former colonial powers.
¾ Social Fragmentation - Ethnic, linguistic, religious, or tribal divisions intensified after decolonization, leading
to social tensions and conflicts.

™ E.g., division of states based on language, etc.

¾ External Interference - Some newly independent nations faced external interference in their internal affairs, as
former colonial powers or other countries sought to influence their political and economic decisions.

™ E.g., Vietnam, Korea, etc.

¾ Nation-Building - Building cohesive nations with shared identities and values was a complex and ongoing process.

Difference between African and Asian Decolonization:

Aspects African Decolonization Asian Decolonization

Social Tribal and ethnic divisions often intensified after Diverse ethnic and linguistic groups existed, but
Schism independence, leading to civil wars and conflicts the impact of tribalism was limited, with some
(e.g., Nigeria, Burundi, and Rwanda). countries achieving stability (e.g., India).

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Economic Heavy dependence on a limited range of Economic structures varied widely, with
Weakness commodities for export, making economies some Asian countries rapidly diversifying and
vulnerable to fluctuations in global prices (e.g., industrializing (e.g., Asian Tigers).
oil in Nigeria).
Political The influence of various ideologies, including Leaders were influenced by different ideologies
Problems Marxism, sometimes led to one-party states or (e.g., socialism, communism, nationalism),
authoritarian rule (e.g., Mobutu in Congo). resulting in
diverse political systems (e.g., India’s
parliamentary democracy, China’s communism).
Neo- European powers and Western countries often Some Asian countries also had external
Colonialism maintained economic control over African economic influences (e.g., U.S. support for
economies, contributing to underdevelopment. South Korea’s development), but diverse
economic models were pursued.

Despite these challenges, decolonization marked a pivotal moment in history, granting nations the opportunity to chart
their own destinies and build their futures on their own terms.

GLOBALISATION

Globalisation refers to the process of increased interconnectedness and interdependence among countries, economies,
cultures, and societies on a global scale.
¾ It involves the flow of goods, services, information, ideas, people, and capital across borders.

Features of Globalization:
¾ Increased Cross-Border Trade - Increased cross-border trade is a key feature of globalization, driven by reduced
trade barriers and expanded international trade agreements.
¾ Multinational Corporations - Globalization has seen the rise of multinational corporations (MNCs) that operate
in multiple countries.
¾ Global Financial Markets - Financial markets have become increasingly interconnected, allowing for the rapid
flow of capital across borders.
¾ Cultural Exchange - Cultural globalization is the global spread of music, movies, fashion, and food, resulting in
a mix of cultures and the rise of a global popular culture.
¾ Migration and Mobility - Migration is a major facet of globalization, as people move across borders for work,
education, tourism, and refuge, affecting demographics and societies in sending and receiving nations.
¾ Political Interdependence - Countries are more interconnected politically through international organizations,
treaties, and agreements.

Advantages of the Globalization for Indian Society:

¾ Increased Economic Growth - Globalization can lead to increased economic growth by promoting trade and
investment across borders.

™ It allows businesses to access larger markets, which can lead to higher sales and profits.

¾ Access to a Variety of Goods and Services - Consumers benefit from globalization by gaining access to a wider
variety of goods and services from around the world.

™ This can lead to greater choices and potentially lower prices.

¾ Technological Advancements - It encourages the sharing of knowledge and best practices, which can lead to
technological advancements and increased productivity.
¾ Job Opportunities - Globalization can create job opportunities in various industries, including export-oriented
businesses and those involved in international trade.

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¾ Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) - Globalization attracts foreign direct investment, which can stimulate economic
development in countries that receive FDI.
¾ Cultural Exchange – Assimilation of new ideas and values helped to overcome the orthodox practices and reform
the society.
¾ Women Empowerment – Globalization offers fresh job prospects for women across various fields and contributes
to dispelling conservative attitudes towards them by promoting the exchange of progressive ideas.
¾ Reduction in Poverty - In some cases, globalization has helped reduce poverty by increasing economic
opportunities, especially in developing countries. It can lift people out of poverty by providing access to global
markets.
¾ Access to Information - The internet has made information more accessible, empowering individuals with
knowledge and education for personal and societal development.
¾ Environmental Cooperation - Globalization can foster global collaboration on environmental challenges like
climate change and pollution, which need collective solutions.
¾ Political Stability - Globalization encourages political stability through economic interdependence among nations.

Challenges of Globalization:

¾ Brain-Drain – Countries experiencing brain drain may face shortages of skilled professionals in critical sectors
like healthcare, education, and technology.

™ E.g., according to reports, close to nine lakh Indians have given up their citizenship since 2015.

¾ Financial Crises - Globalization has made financial systems more interconnected, making countries vulnerable to
financial crises that can spread rapidly across borders.

™ E.g., the Global Financial Crisis of 2008-2009.

¾ Challenges to Small-Scale Business – Small businesses often have to compete with larger, multinational
corporations that have greater resources and economies of scale. This can make it difficult for small businesses
to establish themselves or expand.
¾ Tax Invasion – The globalized economy has increased the likelihood of tax evasion and avoidance, as individuals
and businesses frequently take advantage of international boundaries to hide taxable assets and income.
¾ Dependency on Supply Chain - Heavy reliance on global supply chains can make countries vulnerable to
disruptions like natural disasters, political instability, or pandemics, leading to shortages and economic instability.

™ E.g., Covid-19 Pandemic, Russia-Ukraine War, etc.

¾ Dumping – Foreign companies sell products at significantly lower prices, and it becomes challenging for domestic
businesses to compete.

™ E.g., India refused to sign the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in response to concerns
about the dumping of products from New Zealand, Australia, and China.

¾ Loss of Sovereignty - Globalization can undermine a nation’s sovereignty by giving international organizations
and multinational corporations substantial influence over its policies and regulations.
¾ Cultural Homogenization - Globalization’s challenge lies in cultural homogenization, where dominant global
cultures overshadow unique ones, leading to the erosion of traditional customs, languages, and practices as people
adopt more universal cultural norms.

™ E.g., overemphasis on Indian youth on Western culture, undermining own rich culture.

Way Forward:

¾ Policies to Retain Talent - Encourage policies that attract skilled professionals back to their home countries by
providing incentives like competitive salaries, career opportunities, and research funding.

™ E.g., Vaibhav Scheme, National Skill Development Program, PM Scholarship Scheme, etc.

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¾ Stringent Financial Regulations - Strengthen financial regulations and supervision to prevent excessive risk-
taking and speculative behaviour.
¾ Support to Small Scale Industries - Implement policies that support and incentivize the growth of small businesses,
such as tax breaks, access to credit, and streamlined regulations.

™ E.g., MUDRA Yojana, Samarth Scheme, Champion platform, etc.

¾ Prevent Tax Evasion - Enhance international cooperation and information sharing to combat tax evasion.

™ E.g., Global Minimum Tax.

¾ Diversify Supply Chain - Diversify supply chains and reduce overreliance on specific countries or regions.

™ E.g., Supply Chain Resilient Initiative of India, Japan and Australia.

¾ Anti-Dumping Initiatives -Implement anti-dumping measures and trade policies that protect domestic industries
while remaining in compliance with international trade agreements.

™ E.g., Rule of Origin.

To harness the benefits of globalization while mitigating its drawbacks, countries and societies must adopt thoughtful
policies. This may involve protecting domestic industries, fostering innovation, and preserving cultural identities.

MODERNITY

Modernity signifies a departure from conventional lifestyles, thought processes, and governance structures, with a
strong emphasis on reason, individual liberties, and the drive for progress and innovation.
¾ Its profound influence extends to numerous facets of human existence, moulding present-day societies, their core
values, institutions, and lifestyles.

Features of the Modernity are:

¾ Rationalization - Modernity is often associated with the rise of rationality and the Enlightenment era, which
emphasized reason, science, and empiricism as the foundations for understanding and improving the world.
¾ Industrialization - It brought about significant changes in production, transportation, and communication.
¾ Secularization - It’s characterized by a move toward secular governance and the promotion of individual freedoms,
including freedom of religion and expression.
¾ Individualism - Modernity places a strong emphasis on the individual and individual rights.
¾ Technological Advancements - The modern era has witnessed rapid advancements in technology, including
transportation, communication, medicine, and industry.

Impacts of Modernity:

¾ Positive Impacts:

™ Improved Quality of Life - Modernity’s tech progress elevates living standards, healthcare, communication,
and transportation, providing unprecedented access to information and enhancing the quality of life.
™ Globalization - Modernity has led to increased interconnectedness among societies across the globe.
™ Cultural Changes - Cultural Exchange: Globalization, a product of modernity, allows for the exchange of
diverse cultures, ideas, and artistic expressions, enriching the world’s cultural tapestry.
™ Economic Growth - Modern economies have seen substantial growth, leading to increased prosperity, job
opportunities, and a higher standard of living for many people.
™ Political Transformations – Modernity has given rise to political ideologies like democracy and liberalism,
promoting individual rights, participatory governance, and the rule of law.
™ Healthcare and Longevity - Advances in modern medicine and healthcare have extended human life
expectancy and improved overall health and well-being.

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™ Social Change - Modernity has transformed family dynamics, gender roles, and societal norms, giving rise
to social movements championing civil rights and gender equality, among other progressive ideals.
™ Individual Autonomy - Modernity often places a strong emphasis on individual rights and freedoms, allowing
people to make choices about their lifestyles, beliefs, and values.

¾ Negative Impacts:

™ Cultural Homogenization - Modernity often leads to the spread of globalized culture, which can erode
traditional and local identities, languages, and practices.
™ Environmental Degradation - Industrialization and technological advancements associated with modernity
have contributed to environmental problems, including pollution, deforestation, and climate change.
™ Social Inequality - Modernity has exacerbated social inequalities, including economic disparities, unequal
access to education and healthcare, and issues related to race, gender, and class.
™ Loss of Traditional Values - The rapid pace of modernity can lead to a breakdown of traditional values and
norms, which has negative consequences for social cohesion and ethics.
™ Technological Alienation - The widespread use of technology in modern societies can lead to feelings of
alienation, disconnection, and a dependency on screens and devices, potentially impacting mental health and
relationships.
™ Consumerism and Materialism - Modernity often promotes consumerism and materialism, which can lead
to overemphasis on material possessions and a focus on individualism at the expense of collective well-being.
™ Cultural Clashes - The clash between modern values and traditional beliefs can lead to cultural conflicts, and
in some cases, violence and extremism.

Way Forward:

¾ Cultural Diversity and Preservation - Promote the preservation of traditional cultures, celebrate diversity, and
educate people about the value of different traditions.

™ E.g., Scheme of Financial Assistance for the Promotion of Art and Culture, Scheme for Safeguarding the
Intangible Heritage and Diverse Cultural Traditions of India, etc.

¾ Sustainable Development and Environmental Stewardship - Advocate for sustainable practices in industries,
support clean technologies, and encourage responsible consumption.

™ E.g., use of Renewable energy, Biofuels, Syngas, etc.

¾ Reduce Social Inequality - Implement policies to address economic disparities, ensure equal access to education
and healthcare, and promote diversity and inclusion.

™ Ayushman Bharat Scheme, Public Distribution System, etc.

¾ Reconnect with Traditional Values - Encourage cultural education, integrate positive aspects of modernity with
traditional ethics, and foster community engagement through traditional practices.
¾ Balanced Use of Technology - Promote digital literacy, encourage healthy screen time limits, and support
technology that enhances well-being and mental health.
¾ Cultural Sensitivity and Conflict Resolution: Foster dialogue between modern and traditional communities,
promote tolerance and empathy and encourage conflict resolution.
¾ Education and Awareness - Increase awareness about the negative impacts of modernity, integrate lessons on
sustainability and cultural diversity into education, and support research into sustainable development.
¾ International Cooperation - Encourage global cooperation on climate change and poverty reduction, and
participate in international initiatives for sustainability and social justice.

™ E.g., Paris Agreement, UN Convention on Climate Change, Global Methane Initiative, etc.

In summary, modernity has both positive and negative impacts. To move forward, we need to balance progress with
cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and social equity through collective efforts at various levels.

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MODEL ANSWERS
1. The treaty of Versailles was a failure both in its intents and outcomes. Examine.

Answer: The Treaty of Versailles was concluded in 1919 and considered as the most significant peace document signed
at the end of the First World War, between Germany and the Allied Powers.

Intents of the Treaty:

At the end of the hostilities of the First World War, the hope was to address the causes of conflict. The expected
outcome was restriction of the growing power of Germany and restore peace by forging international co-operation.

However, in practical terms the negotiations were dominated by the Allied powers of Europe, especially France and
Britain, who dictated the negotiations on their own terms. This intent was visible in the treaty that came out of closed
doors negotiations.

Thus, the treaty of Versailles held Germany responsible for the war, required it to pay reparations, imposed damages
on it, divested it of colonial possessions and restricted its army, naval capacity and defense manufacturing.

Failure in terms of intent

1. Failure to identify the root causes of the

WWI such as chauvinistic nationalistic and imperialistic rivalries.

2. It completely absolved the Allied powers of their role in the WWI - which later became source of new tensions
in Europe.
3. Case of dictated peace as Germany was not allowed to negotiate the terms.

Failure in terms of outcomes

1. It placed a number of restrictions on Germany and put it in financial ruin, leading to economic depression and
inflation, ultimately paving way for the rise of Adolf Hitler.

2. The Treaty lacked the enforcement mechanism and lack of willingness on the part of Allied powers. Taking
advantage of it, Germany violated many terms. For instance, Germany reoccupied the demilitarized zone in the
Rhineland in 1936.
3. The League of Nations lacked participationfrom important nations such the US, Chinaand the USSR. It remained
a non-starter.
4. Failure in one of its very basic objective of preventing the future World War II from occurrence

In totality it can be argued that the treaty of

Versailles, as it was drafted and applied, was neither strict enough to hold down the Germans forever, nor generous
enough to help the vanquished adjust to the new situation.

2. Discuss the evolution of Socialism in Europe in the 19th century. Briefly explain the success of Second
International.

Answer: The 19th century in Europe was a time of profound social and economic changes. It was a time when new
industrialised regions developed and new cities came up, railways expanded and the Industrial Revolution occurred.

Industrialization brought men, women and children to factories. Work hours were often long and wages were poor.
Unemployment was a common problem. Unequal distribution of wealth created two economic classes and friction
between them gave birth to socialism.

Evolution of Socialism in Europe

1. Early Socialists like Robert Owen, Simoncriticized the excesses of poverty and inequality of the Industrial
Revolution, and advocated reforms such as the egalitarian distribution of wealth in peaceful manner. They were

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known as Utopian Socialists.

2. Later in 1948, Marx and Engels disregarded the socialism of early thinkers as utopia in communist manifesto.
He proposed his new brand of socialism which he called scientific socialism as it is based on class struggle. This
brand of socialism often called Marxism later became more popular.
3. In 1864 the International Workingmen’s Association (called the “First International”) united diverse revolutionary
currents including French followers, English trade unionists, socialists and social democrats.
4. Paris commune in 1871, fuelled hopes among many and it encouraged many socialists as a sign that the working
classes were ready for radical measures, but the violence propagated by it hindered the progress of socialism.
5. Marx and Workers in England and Germany began forming associations to fight for better living and working
conditions. Many radical parties were formed in various countries but eventually most of them later turned
away from pure Marxism towards parliamentary democracy.
Success of Second International

There were many different currents of socialism in operation in later part of 19th century. To co-ordinate their efforts,
socialists formed an international body – namely, the Second International.
A. The most significant achievements of the Second International were itscampaign against militarism and war.
B. Asserting the principle of the basic equality of all peoples and their right to freedom and national independence.
C. They expressed the conviction that capitalism was the root cause of wars among European nations.

The socialist movement had made the international solidarity of workers as a fundamental principle. The socialists in
many countries had resolved to call for a general strike to prevent their countries from participating in wars.

3. Discuss the reasons for defeat of Germany in World War II.

Answer: The World War II was a conflict that involved virtually every part of the world during the years 1939–45.
1. The principal belligerents were the Axis powers—Germany, Italy, and Japan and the Al-lies—France, Great
Britain, the United States, the Soviet Union.

2. By the end of September 1939, Germany and Russia had occupied Poland. After five monthsGermany without
much resistance occupied Den-mark and Norway. Major successes came in

May when Belgium, France and Holland were knocked out of the war by Germany and that led to its initial
successes.

3. However, things started to change after 1941 due to some decisions and strategic mistakes.

Reasons for defeat of Germany in World War II

1. The first mistake was not defeating and occupying Britain. This resulted in constant air raids on German cities
and industrial centres.

2. Later she was used as the launching pad for Allies on D-Day (Operation Overlord).
3. The German invasion of Russia (Operation Barbarossa) was ill planed and all the factors were not taken into
account, especially Russian winters. When Russian winter arrived German army was caught ill-prepared.
4. German Generals miscalculated the Russian strength to fight. German declaration of war on the USA after the
Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour. This was perhaps the most serious mistake on the part of Hitler. Now that
Germany was unlike before 1941 was fighting against resource rich nations like the USA, USSR and Britain with
its colonial resources at the same time.
5. German brutal behavior towards occupied populations which they used to consider as second class peoples. This
made population to hate Nazi rule.
6. As the war stretched longer Germany was no longer able to match the military production of Allied powers.
7. There was shortage of raw materials due to Allied blocked and constant harassment by Allied Air Force by

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targeting German military industries.
8. With Germany fighting on multiple fronts and over above lack of resources to meet troops requirement lead to
ultimate German defeat.

4 Discuss the role of the socialist movement of the 19th century in presenting a critique of capitalism and
providing an alternative.

Answer: Socialism is both an economic system and an ideology. A socialist economy features social rather than private
ownership of the means of production.

Early 19th-century European social thinkers such as Robert Owen, Charles Fourier, Pierre-Joseph Proudhon etc.
criticized the excesses of poverty and inequality of the Industrial Revolution and ad-vocated for egalitarian distribution
of wealth and abolition of private property.

Role of the socialist movement as critique of capitalism

1. Moral and political values are poorly served under capitalism as markets and profits lead to competition, greed,
fear and the diminution of community, thus, neglect of public welfare

2. Wastage of resources: Capitalism misallocates resources towards producing what is profitable rather than what is
needed.
3. Oligarchy: Capitalism cedes far too much control over common affairs to few private parties which go against the
ethos of democracy.
4. Steep economic inequalities are generated by dividing society into rich and poor and the rich can translate their
economic advantages into political ones.
5. Ruthless competition among capitalists and consequent fall in rates of profit in industry leads to increasing
exploitation and a steep rise in ‘contradictions’ between capital and labour.
6. Socialist movement provided an alternative in the form of social or collective ownership and means of production.
7. Socialists typically argue that capitalism undermines democracy, facilitates exploitation, distributes opportunities
and resources unfairly, and vitiates community, stunting self-re- alization and human development.
8. Besides eliminating problems caused by Capital-ism, a socialist democracy also ensures certain social rights to all
people thus humanizing and rationalizing relations among them.

5. Comparing the process of decolonisation in Africa and Asia, explain why it took longer for African countries
to gain independence.

Answer: Decolonization refers to the process where colonial powers transferred institutional and legal control over
their territories to indigenously based, formally sovereign, nation-states.

Between 1945 and 1960, three dozen new states in Asia and Africa achieved autonomy or outright independence from
their European colonial rulers.

De-colonization of Africa vs Asia

The process of decolonization began in Asia in 1945. Towards the end of 2nd World War, Japan surrendered before
the allied forces in 1945. Many nationalist movements in Asia reached their peak during this time.

The French, Dutch, British and Americans did try to recolonize their erstwhile colonies, but they could not stand the
pressure of the nationalists.

However, the decolonization process in Africa stretched over a much longer period than in Asia, lasting up till 1990.
Between 1950 and 1959, six African countries were liberated with sacrifice of over 200000 African lives.

1960s saw the dismantling of the British, French and Belgian colonial empires with mass support. In the mid-1970s,
the Portuguese empire in Africa collapsed. The process of decolonization ended only in the early 1990s with the
independence of Rhodesia and Namibia.

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Reasons for delay in African Decolonisation vis-à-vis Asia
1. As compared to Asia, the African continent was endowed more with raw materials,mineral resources, labour, and
territory for future settlement. As a result, the colonial powers tried to stay there for as long a time as possible.

2. The nationalist movements for freedom started early in Asia, while in many of Afri- can countries such movements
could start only after the Second World War.
3. Asian continent saw the advent of modern education early, which ignited the intelligentsia to demand civil and
political liberties, starting with the beginning of 19th Century. As a result the colonial powers deliberately delayed
the introduction of modern education into the African continent
4. European powers carved up Africa with very little regard to the identity of the peoples living there resulting in
tribal division and hatred. They lacked mutual trust and did not witness pan-African unity against common enemy-
colonialism.
5. Because of centuries old slave-trade of African people by the white colonialists, the racist repression was very
intense (in the form of apartheid) which could be dismantled only after a prolonged battle.
6. It was this fear of Soviet influence in Africa, particularly on the part of the United States, that created such a
major problem for African nations.
7. Western powers viewed African independence through the lens of the Cold War, which rendered African leaders
as either proWest or pro-East.
8. Africa as a continent was heavily balkanized without any respect for ethnic and sub-national distribution of
population. As a result of which the conflicts remained in Africa even after independence and the consequences
are visible even today in the form of neo-liberal struggle.

6. Discuss the diverse processes through which nation-states and nationalism came into being in nineteenth-
century Europe.

Answer: During 19th century, nationalism emerged as a major force which not only brought about sweeping changes
in the political and mental world of Europe but also resulted into emergence of na-tion-states in place of the existing
dynastic empires.

Processes which led to the emergence of nation-states and nationalism

1. French revolution 1789

It was the first clear expression of nationalism which transferred sovereignty from monarch to a body of French
citizens and ensured a sense of collective identity among French people with uniform laws and rights for all. Their
demands prepared the way for French army to move into such cities and spread the ideas of nationalism.

2. New middle class

During 19th century, following the abolition of privileges of aristocracy, a socially and politically dominant class
emerged. This gave birth to the ideas of national unity among the newly emerged educated liberal middle class
in the wake of indus- trialization. It stressed upon reforms in political and financial spheres viz government by
consent, inviolability of private property, freedom of markets etc.

3. New commercial class

It stressed upon unified economic territory for free movement of goods and capital. This wave of economic
nationalism coupled with increased mobility through network of railways further strengthened the nationalist
sentiments growing at that time.

4. Role of leaders

For instance, Napoleon’s empire gave Europe a form of unity, even though it was imposed by him through
conquests. This new concept provided people with a sense of belongingness and unity, thus promoting nationalism.

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5. Role of revolutionaries

Many liberal nationalists went underground due to the fear of repression, formed secret societies and trained
revolutionaries who saw creation of nation states as a necessary part of the struggle.
These revolutionaries led to various revolutions in many regions of Europe such as Italian and German states,
Ireland, provinces of Ottoman empire.

6. Unification of Italy and Germany

Both these countries imbibed the revolutionary ideals of liberty and nationalism and became conscious of the
need for their own national integration. This kept the flame of nationalism alive and changed the political map of
Europe ever since.

7. Role of culture

Even art, poetry, stories and music shaped nationalist feelings by creating a sense of collective heritage and a
common cultural past. Use of language as a weapon of national resistance was seen in Poland against Russian
dominance.

8. Hunger, Hardship and Popular Revolt

The 1830s were years of great economic hardship in Europe. The first half of the nineteenth century saw an
enormous increase in population. In most countries there were more seekers of jobs than employment. Population
from rural areas migrated to the cities to live in overcrowded slum.
Food shortage and widespread unemployment brought the population of Paris out on the roads. National Assembly
proclaimed a republic, granted suffrage to all adult males above 21, and guaranteed the right to work.

All these led to the introduction of changes by the autocratic monarchies to pave way for a new liberal nationalist
order.

Though by the quarter of the nineteenth century nationalism no longer retained its idealistic, lib-eral-democratic
sentiment of the first half of the century, but became a narrow creed with limited ends.

The most serious source of nationalists tension in Europe after 1871 was the area called the Balkans. The Balkans was
a region of geographical and ethnic variation. One by one its European subjects nationalities broke away from its
control and declared independence.
The Balkan area became an era of intense conflict. The Balkan states were jealous of each other and each hoped
to gain more territory at the expense of each other. But the idea that societies should be organized into ‘na-tion-states’
came to be accepted as natural and universal.

7. What do you understand by the term New Imperialism?

Answer: New Imperialism refers to the exploitative and aggressive phase of imperialism during the late 19th and early
20th century, that involved countries like Japan, Germany, USA and Italy.

These countries were left out of the first round of imperialism i.e. ‘Old Imperialism’ that started in 16th century and
included majorly Britain, France, Spain, Portugal and Dutch.

Nature of New Imperialism

1. The old imperialism was centred on “God, Gold and Glory”; On the other hand new imperialism differed in
character and motive, rooting in needs and competition of industrialized nations.

2. It was more about exploitative subjugation of colonies through direct control over politics and economy. Interference
and wars extended deep into colonies, requiring direct extensive control for safeguarding investments.
3. New imperialism was intended on building large empires to promote national prestigeand command respect. It
was a response to the rise in prestige of older imperialists like Britain, which claimed “The Sun never sets on the
British Empire”. Thus New Imperialism often included struggle over existing colonies. E.g. Japan over China

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4. New imperialism resulted in hampering of trade due to constant war over sea routes
5. Further the administrative and military machinery was setup to facilitate trade and countering competition.

Factors leading to its development:

1. The material, labour and market needs of newly industrialised economies like Germany

2. The need to rehabilitate and employ increasing population of industrialized nations

3. Extreme nationalism and notion of national glory based on vast empires
4. Rise of capitalism and resultant competition among nations
5. Ideology of racial superiority
6. Defense, diplomatic and strategic reasons

The New Imperialism was fed on as much as nationalism as on economic forces. The imperialist drive to compete for
colonies and national glory resulted into the First World War in 1914.

8. Write a short note on different phases of Globalization.

Answer: Globalization is the process by which people, goods & ideas move easily across borders. Over the decades,
Globalisation has evolved both as a concept and practice.

Phases of Globalisation:
1. Globalization 1.0:It was pre-World War I globalization, which was launched by a historic drop in trade costs and
expansion of colonialism.

2. Globalization 2.0:

It is the post-World War II phase where trade in goods was combined with complimentary domestic policies. It
saw the establishment of institute-based, rule-based international governance, specifically the UN, IMF, World
Bank, GATT/WTO etc.

3. Globalization 3.0:

It created a new world of manufacturing in which high-tech was combined with low wages. This was achieved
through establishment of global supply chains as factories crossed international borders.
It was variously called New Globalization, Hyper globalization, Global value chain evolution.

4. Globalization 4.0:

It is associated with the emergence of Fourth Industrial Revolution (Big data, Artificial Intelligence, 5G, etc.).
Globalisation 4.0 may help in dealing with Global issues like Climate change and exploring new avenues in the
field of space, quantum mechanics, etc. On the flip side, it may increase inequalities, unemployment, and open
new domains of warfare (like cyber wars).

9. How did the second industrial revolution differ from the first industrial revolution? Also, discuss the socio-
political consequences of the second industrial revolution.

Answer: The Industrial Revolution was a series of technological innovations, which brought changes in the manufacturing
processes that transformed rural, agrarian societies into industrialised and urban ones. The first and second industrial
revolutions unfolded in a series of stages during the 18th and 19th centuries. Both these industrial revolutions differ
on many accounts.
First Industrial Revolution (1760 - 1860) Second Industrial Revolution (1870-1914)
It first began in Britain which later spread It was mainly focused around Japan, Russia and other Germany.
to parts of Europe and America.

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It mainly centered on textile manufacturing It focused on steel production, automobiles and advances in electricity.
and the innovation of the steam engine.
During this phase, and automation replaced Electric power was used for mass production. It also led to introduction
human labour in factories. of large-scale machines into the factories.
Water and steam power were used to This period saw further push from the development of new forms
mechanize production. It led to shifting of of energy such as gas or oil. The Second Industrial Revolution also
production from cottage industry to large led to developments in new technologies, such as electricity, internal
production houses or factories. combustion engine, the chemical industries, alloys, petroleum and
other chemicals

These industrial revolutions have reformed not just the economic realm but also the social and political realms of the
society.

The socio-political implications of second industrial revolution are:

1. Growth of new cities: Workers who once were employed among scores of small farms in the countryside were
now shifted to places near the factories where they were employed. This resulted in the emergence of new urban
areas.

2. Improvement in living standards: The industrial revolution has brought huge increase in economic growth in
newly industrialised countries, which resulted in rise in income level and consequently living style improved.
3. Emergence of capitalism: With technological advancement, the factory system of production got a new push
resulting in further consolidation of private ownership in machines and factories.
4. Strong trade union movement: To counter mighty capitalists and create pressure for organized themselves in
voluntary associations. favorable work conditions, workers organized themselves in voluntary association.
5. Emergence of new power centers: USA and Japan emerged as new power centers with their colonial ambitions.

Ultimately, it led to increased contact between countries which resulted in imperialism whereby the colonial
powers tried to establish control over the colonies by use of military power, direct rule and rule by intermediaries.

10 Write a brief about Fascist Ideology.

Answer: Among the most dangerous and destructive ideologies in the history of human civilization, fascism
has contributed to the oppression and deaths of millions of people.
1. A fascism definition outlines a mass political movement and philosophy that embraces nationalism (supremacy of
the nation), totalitarianism, militarism, corporatism, and authoritarianism (strict obedience to a single ruler or
state).

2. In a system of fascism, a dictatorial leader (dictator) heads a centralized autocratic government, ruling the people
with despotic (tyrannical) social regimentation and economic control, with the forceful and violent suppression of
oppositional forces.
3. A fascist regime required public participation through government-ruled state programs such as rallies and
marches. Ordinary citizens were encouraged to worship their authoritarian leader; photographs of fascist leaders
were often widely disseminated and posted throughout nations, cities, classrooms, and homes.
4. In Italy, which hosted Europe’s first fascist leader, a Mussolini-themed calendar was sold each year and citizens
were strongly encouraged to purchase and display it. Nazi Germany used the symbol of the swastika and the eagle
looking over its left wing to define German military power.
5. Fascism was highly influential in the European countries of Italy and Germany after World War Iuntil the end of
World War II when the ideology saw a decline, though some fascist movements still existed in the late 1940s and
persisted in Spain throughout the mid-20th century.
6. A fascist is a person who embraces and promotes the ideology of fascism. Fascist movements are led by
authoritarian leaders, ‘’strong men’’ that foster a cult of personality.

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The most notorious fascist leaders in history are:

Adolf Hitler (1889-1945), who led the Nazi Party in Germany. Benito Mussolini (1883-1945), who led Italy›s Fascist
Party

10 “The second World War was the result of nationalistic tensions, unresolved issues, and economic depression”.
Discuss

The Second World War (WW II) was a global military conflict which lasted from 1939 to 1945. The vast majority of
nations formed two opposing military alliances, the Allied Powers and the Axis Powers.

The Allies consisted of France, Poland and the United Kingdom, as well as their dependent states, such as British
India. Later joined by the US and China.

While the Axis, also known as «Rome–Berlin–Tokyo Axis», consisted of Germany, Italy, and Japan.

Factors which led to the WW II

1. Treaty of Versailles and unresolved issuesIt was signed in 1919 in a hostile environment after the World War I to
bring peace in Europe. The treaty was harsh on Germany and served as a humiliation for the Germans. It brought
many hardships for the German population and further deteriorated the entire geopolitical landscape of Europe.

The treaty could not contain the rise of extreme nationalism in fascist regimes of Italy, Germany and Japan which
in turn led to the increased scramble for new colonies.

2. Nationalistic tensions

The disintegration of German population into newly created nations was used by Hitler to justify German aggression
and expansion before the World War II.

3. Rise of Nazism

The humiliating conditions of the treaty of Versailles annoyed the Germans for years and in many ways led to the
rise of Nazism in Germany. Rising to power in an economically and politically unstable Germany, Adolf Hitler
and his National Socialist (Nazi Party) rearmed the nation to further his ambitions of world domination.
The terms of the Treaty of Versailles were violated by Hitler which led to the formation of alliances like the Anti-
Comintern Pact (1937) between
Germany, Japan and Italy and the Non-Aggression Pact (1939) between Germany and USSR.

4. The economic depression

The period before World War II was a time of great economic suffering throughout the world called the Great
Depression. It posed severe risks to the entire economies of the world and specifically in Europe.
The 1930s economic depression gave opportunity to Mussolini and his Fascist Party came to power, making Italy
rich and powerful.

5. Aggressive foreign policy

Unemployment, poverty lead the cause for development of dictatorial regimes across Europe, who rationalized the
idea to take anything by force, led to more aggressive/nationalist foreign policy.

6. Empire building forces

In the atmosphere of cut-throat economic trade/Depression, the answer of countries like Japan & Italy was to build
an empire.
This secures their supplies of raw materials and natural resources. Countries like Japan (Man-churia), Italy
(Abyssinia) and Germany (Eastern Europe), therefore, set international conflict and tension, mistrust.This created
unstable governments and turmoil around the world that led to the Second World War.

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Other Factors
1. Japan’s Militarism: In 1931, Japan was hit badly by the economic depression. Japanese people lost faith in the
government. They turned to the army in order to find a solution to their economic \ problems.In order to produce
more goods, Japan needed natural resources for its factories. The Japanese army invaded China, an area rich in
minerals and resources.

2. Failure of League of Nations: The treaty led to the formation of the League of Nations which failed to prevent
actions of fascist regimes like invasion of Manchuria by Japan.

The idea of the League of Nations was to prevent wars through disarmament, collective security and negotiation.
Unfortunately the League failed miserably in its intended goal.

3. Appeasement policy: The failures of the League in the 1930s were not only because of aggressor nations
undermning its authority, but also down to its own members.Britain and France, the two most influential
members, ignored the League in their efforts to appease Hitler, and allowed Hitler to expand German territory
unchecked.

The seeds of the Second World War were sown in the treaty of Versailles. The harsh restriction led to the growth
of dictatorial regimes and ingrained the feeling of revenge in Germany and Italy. Both these nations re-emerged
as a strong military power with fascist tendencies driven by extreme nationalism in their respective countries.
Whereas, Japan’s economic condition after the great depression and its militaristic policy in search of natural
resources led to the formation of alliances with axis powers.

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