20th Century Global Conflicts

Breakup and redistribution of land from multinational empires like Austro-Hungarian Empire into nation-states based on nationality or ethnicity.

France and England expanded their territories.

Germany annexed several of its bordering countries.

Russia gained control over much of Eastern Europe.

The principle of pacifism

The principle of isolationism

The principle of nationalism

The principle of globalization

It resulted in the formation of new nations with distinct identities.

Nationalism stoked divisions, escalating conflicts into large-scale violence – Reign of Terror; trench warfare

It led to unified resistance against foreign invasions.

It promoted democratic principles and individual rights.

New weapons caused a sense of dread about the potential destructiveness of future wars.

Widespread enthusiasm emerged for technological prowess demonstrated during the war.

Belief that technology would make future wars brief and decisive increased.

Confidence grew in technology's ability to prevent major conflicts altogether.

A national home for the Jewish people in Palestine

The independence of India from British Colonial rule

The end of WWI with no victor or vanquished

An alliance between Britain and France against Germany

1934

1909

1940

1916

The development and use of trench warfare

Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare policy

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

The enlistment and sacrifice of the working class in warfare orchestrated by the elite

China, Japan, Portugal & Romania

Belgium, Serbia, Greece & Montenegro

Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire & Bulgaria

France, USA, UK & Italy

Britain would not have joined the Allies.

Germany would have immediately lost the war.

Belgium would have become a German territory.

France would have quickly surrendered and Russia might not have entered into the war.

Decreased military engagement overseas due to drafting colonial subjects into European armies.

Enhanced nationalist movements within colonies seeking independence.

Increased investment into colonial infrastructures as a means of economic recovery.

Greater focus on domestic welfare programs diverting attention from colonies.