Causation in Global Conflict for AP World History

Feb 6

8 min read

In this blog post, we will explore the causes of the global conflicts after 1900. To do so, we will examine the roles played by industrialization, nationalism, and the collapse of empires. The transformative impacts of industrialization spurred unprecedented economic growth and technological advancements, yet simultaneously fueled geopolitical rivalries and imperial ambitions. Moreover, the rise of nationalist movements, driven by desires for self-determination and cultural identity, challenged the stability of multi-ethnic empires, leading to their eventual downfall. We will examine how these dynamics contributed to the outbreak of the two World Wars, as well as the demise of the Ottoman, Russian, and Qing Empires. Additionally, we will explore how revolutions such as the Mexican Revolution were ignited by socio-economic inequality, political repression, and aspirations for social justice. Read the Google Slides to learn about causation in global conflict.

Industrialization

The rise of industrialization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries reshaped the global landscape in profound ways, fundamentally altering economic structures, social hierarchies, and political ideologies. As nations industrialized, they experienced rapid advancements in technology, manufacturing, and transportation, leading to unprecedented levels of economic growth and wealth accumulation. This newfound industrial prowess also fueled intense competition among nations, as each vied for economic dominance and strategic advantage on the world stage.

In the midst of this industrial revolution, ideologies such as nationalism, imperialism, and militarism gained significant traction, as powerful nations sought to expand their territories and influence. Nationalism, in particular, fostered a fervent allegiance to one’s own nation, often fueling aggressive expansionist policies and territorial disputes. Imperialism, driven by the quest for resources and markets, led to the colonization of vast regions and the exploitation of indigenous populations.

Furthermore, the rapid spread of industrialization facilitated the dissemination of ideological doctrines such as communism, fascism, and militarism. These ideologies, each offering its own vision for societal organization and national identity, captured the imaginations of millions and provided a framework for political mobilization and action. In the case of militarism, the glorification of military power and conquest fueled arms races and heightened tensions among rival powers.

The convergence of these ideological currents, exacerbated by geopolitical rivalries and territorial ambitions, set the stage for the outbreak of the two devastating world wars in the 20th century. The First World War, sparked by a complex web of alliances, imperial rivalries, and nationalist fervor, unleashed unprecedented levels of destruction and reshaped the global order. The Treaty of Versailles, which concluded the war, failed to address the underlying grievances and economic disparities, laying the groundwork for future conflicts.

The interwar period witnessed the rise of totalitarian regimes, fueled by economic instability, social upheaval, and disillusionment with liberal democracy. Adolf Hitler’s Nazi regime in Germany and Benito Mussolini’s fascist government in Italy capitalized on nationalist sentiment and promises of national rejuvenation, leading their nations into a second global conflict. World War II, marked by mass mobilization, industrialized warfare, and genocide on an unprecedented scale, brought about profound geopolitical shifts and laid bare the destructive potential of ideological fanaticism.

In essence, industrialization’s transformative impact on economic, social, and political structures laid the groundwork for ideological dominance’s ascendancy, which in turn fueled the cataclysmic conflicts of the 20th century. From the ashes of these wars emerged a new world order, shaped by the lessons of the past and the imperative of international cooperation and collective security.

Imperialism vs Nationalism

The collision of European supremacy and imperialism with the forces of nationalism and self-determination served as a combustible mix that ignited the flames of the two World Wars in the 20th century. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, European powers had established vast colonial empires, exploiting resources and dominating territories across the globe. This imperial expansion was driven by economic interests, geopolitical rivalries, and a sense of cultural and racial superiority.

However, this era also witnessed the rise of nationalist movements within colonized regions, fueled by desires for autonomy, self-governance, and cultural preservation. These nationalist aspirations clashed directly with the entrenched imperial powers, leading to widespread unrest, rebellions, and movements for independence.

Simultaneously, within Europe itself, nationalist sentiments began to surge, driven by a fervent allegiance to one’s own nation and culture. The concept of self-determination gained traction, particularly in regions inhabited by ethnic groups aspiring to establish their own independent states. These nationalist movements challenged the existing political order dominated by multi-ethnic empires such as the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and the Russian Empire.

The tensions between imperial ambitions and nationalist aspirations reached a boiling point with the outbreak of the First World War. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in 1914 served as the catalyst, triggering a chain reaction of alliances and mobilizations that plunged Europe into a devastating conflict. The war pitted the Central Powers, including Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire, against the Allied Powers, led by France, Britain, and Russia.

Nationalist fervor and aspirations for self-determination further exacerbated the conflict, as various ethnic groups within the multi-ethnic empires sought to break free and establish independent nation-states. The dissolution of these empires in the aftermath of the war, coupled with the arbitrary drawing of borders by the victorious Allied powers, sowed the seeds of future conflicts and ethnic tensions.

The unresolved issues stemming from the First World War, including territorial disputes, economic instability, and unresolved national grievances, set the stage for the eruption of the Second World War. Nationalism once again played a central role, as fascist regimes in Germany and Italy exploited nationalist sentiment to justify expansionist policies and aggression.

In conclusion, the collision of European supremacy and imperialism with the forces of nationalism and self-determination created a volatile geopolitical landscape that ultimately culminated in the outbreak of the two World Wars. These conflicts reshaped the global order, hastened the decline of colonial empires, and propelled the rise of independent nation-states, marking a pivotal moment in modern history.

The Fall of Empires

The fall of the Russian Empire, Ottoman Empire, and Qing Dynasty marked pivotal moments in the unraveling of traditional imperial structures, each driven by a unique set of internal and external pressures. The Russian Empire, spanning vast territories across Eastern Europe and Asia, faced mounting challenges from within, including socio-economic inequality, political repression, and widespread discontent among the peasantry and working classes. The autocratic rule of the Romanov dynasty failed to address these grievances, leading to growing calls for reform and revolution. The outbreak of World War I further strained the empire’s resources and exacerbated internal tensions, ultimately culminating in the February Revolution of 1917 and the subsequent Bolshevik seizure of power in October of the same year. The fall of the Russian Empire heralded the rise of communism under the leadership of Vladimir Lenin, transforming the nation into the world’s first socialist state and laying the groundwork for the establishment of the Soviet Union.

Similarly, the Ottoman Empire, a multi-ethnic and multi-religious empire spanning Southeastern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, faced a myriad of internal challenges that ultimately led to its collapse. The empire’s long decline was marked by military defeats, economic stagnation, and nationalist uprisings among its diverse subject populations. The Young Turk Revolution of 1908 briefly promised reform and constitutional government, but efforts to modernize and centralize the empire ultimately faltered. World War I dealt a final blow to the Ottoman Empire, as it found itself on the losing side of the conflict and was subsequently dismantled by the victorious Allied powers. The fall of the Ottoman Empire resulted in the establishment of several successor states and the redrawing of borders in the Middle East, laying the groundwork for the region’s tumultuous geopolitical landscape in the 20th century.

The Qing Dynasty, China’s last imperial dynasty, faced similar challenges to its counterparts in Russia and the Ottoman Empire. Centuries of imperial rule had left China politically fragmented, economically backward, and socially stagnant. The dynasty’s inability to address pressing issues such as corruption, social inequality, and foreign encroachment fueled discontent among the Chinese populace. The 1911 Xinhai Revolution, led by nationalist and republican forces, overthrew the Qing Dynasty and established the Republic of China. However, internal divisions and external pressures continued to plague the nation, leading to further upheaval and the eventual rise of the Chinese Communist Party under Mao Zedong. The fall of the Qing Dynasty marked the end of millennia of imperial rule in China and paved the way for the nation’s tumultuous journey towards modernization and political transformation.

The Causes of Revolutions after 1900

The revolutions that swept the globe after 1900 were deeply rooted in a multitude of interconnected causes, reflecting the profound socio-economic, political, and cultural transformations of the era. Industrialization, urbanization, and globalization fundamentally altered the fabric of societies, creating new classes, exacerbating inequalities, and fostering discontent among marginalized populations. Economic disparities were stark, with rapid industrial growth often accompanied by harsh working conditions, low wages, and widespread poverty. These conditions fueled grievances and galvanized movements for social justice and reform.

Simultaneously, the rise of nationalist sentiments challenged the legitimacy of colonial empires and multi-ethnic states, as diverse ethnic, cultural, and religious groups sought self-determination and autonomy. Imperialism, with its exploitation of resources and subjugation of indigenous peoples, ignited resistance movements across the globe, from Africa to Asia to Latin America. Nationalist leaders capitalized on these sentiments, rallying support for independence struggles and challenging the dominance of imperial powers.

Political repression and authoritarian rule also played a central role in catalyzing revolutions. Autocratic regimes, often propped up by colonial powers or elite interests, stifled dissent, restricted freedoms, and perpetuated corruption and injustice. The desire for democratic governance, political representation, and human rights drove many revolutionary movements, from the overthrow of monarchies to the establishment of republics and democracies.

Moreover, the impact of global conflicts, such as World War I and World War II, cannot be understated in shaping revolutionary fervor. The devastation of war, coupled with disillusionment with existing political systems and leadership, spurred radical movements and calls for revolutionary change. Economic instability, social dislocation, and the breakdown of traditional institutions created fertile ground for revolutionary ideologies to take hold, from communism to socialism to anarchism.

In essence, the causes of revolutions after 1900 were multifaceted and complex, reflecting the myriad challenges and contradictions of the modern age. From economic inequality to nationalist aspirations to political repression, these revolutions represented a struggle for freedom, equality, and justice against entrenched power structures and oppressive regimes. While the outcomes of these revolutions varied widely, their impact reverberated across the globe, shaping the course of history and inspiring future generations in the ongoing quest for social and political change.

The Mexican Revolution

The Mexican Revolution, ignited in 1910, was a watershed moment in the nation’s history, driven by a confluence of socio-economic, political, and cultural factors. At its core, the revolution was a response to decades of political repression, economic inequality, and social injustice under the long-standing dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz. Díaz’s regime, characterized by authoritarianism and favoritism towards foreign interests and elite landowners, fueled widespread discontent among the Mexican populace. Moreover, the concentration of landownership in the hands of a privileged few, coupled with the exploitation of peasants and indigenous communities, exacerbated rural poverty and agrarian unrest.

The effects of the Mexican Revolution were profound and far-reaching, reshaping the nation’s political, social, and economic landscape. The overthrow of Díaz’s dictatorship marked the end of nearly three decades of authoritarian rule and ushered in a period of intense political upheaval and social transformation. A diverse coalition of revolutionaries, including peasants, workers, intellectuals, and indigenous groups, united in their demand for land reform, social justice, and political representation. The revolutionaries’ struggle against the regime sparked a prolonged and bloody conflict, characterized by guerrilla warfare, mass mobilization, and widespread violence.

Ultimately, the Mexican Revolution resulted in significant reforms and institutional changes aimed at addressing long-standing grievances and inequalities. The revolutionary government, under leaders such as Francisco Madero, Emiliano Zapata, and Pancho Villa, implemented agrarian reforms, redistributing land to peasant communities and indigenous groups. The Constitution of 1917, a landmark document born out of the revolution, enshrined key principles of social justice, labor rights, and land reform. Additionally, the revolution paved the way for the emergence of new political forces and parties, including the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), which dominated Mexican politics for much of the 20th century.

However, despite these achievements, the Mexican Revolution also left a legacy of unresolved conflicts, lingering social tensions, and political instability. The revolutionary ideals of land reform and social justice remained elusive for many rural communities, as vested interests and entrenched power structures resisted change. Moreover, the revolution’s aftermath was marred by factionalism, internal divisions, and continued violence, as competing revolutionary factions vied for control and influence.

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