Extra Credit Term 4 Evan Megan

                                                                                                                                            Evan Megan
                                                                                                                                            Purple
          Although country's political stability was important, it was the economic and militaristic ambition of nations during modern world history that defined their global dominance, as this ambition drove nations to succeed. The industrial revolution dominated the European economy during the early 1800's, and at the forefront of this revolution was the British. The British were responsible for many inventions which sparked the industrial revolution's creation, for example they created the "Spinning Jenny" and other machines that helped to make manufacturing clothes easier. The British's role as a leader in this revolution helped to create a successful economy, and in turn established themselves as a global power. The British controlled much of the world's clothe making. The British were successful because of their economic ambition. They took a chance, creating new technology and breaking free from the traditional methods of clothe making, and it paid off as it led to the economic success, and global success of the British. Not only did economic ambition define global dominance during modern world history, but also militaristic ambition. Around the 1870's, Otto Von Bismark, the Chancellor of Prussia, was an established leader in Europe. He led a nationalist movement in Prussia, using his army to unite all the German and Austrian nations to create a Prussian Empire. Bismark's militaristic success was due to his ambition. He worked hard to bring his nation together to fight for  his nationalist cause, and he worked hard to  execute the capture of the territories around him, and this ambition led to the success that was the Prussian Empire. In modern world history, economic and militaristic ambition defined global dominance, as this ambition drove countries to success.

Definition of  global dominance in the modern world  

Based on the information we have learned this term, the main goal to achieve global dominance is by obtaining political power, economical powers, and military power. If these powers are then achieved, the nation will be able to utilize these powers in the foreign battles. For example, the United States has become one of the globally dominant powers after two world wars because of their strong economical and political strength. When the United States intervened in the two wars, they helped the Allie power to turn the wars around and dominate. Additionally, the quick end to the war after the involvement of the U.S helps show their advanced military power. When the United States entered WWII in 1941 they helped prevent the Axis Powers from taking over all of Europe, spreading hate for the Jews. Another example that shows United State’s global dominance can be seen by their involvement within the United Nations. The fact that 90% of the UN troops were from the United States that helped support Southern Korea in the Korean war shows how dominant they are and how important it is to them to intervene in world issues. Even though the Korean War is not officially over and is at a standstill, there are still military troops in Korea, which shows the United States willingness and readiness to restart the war and continue to exemplify their dominance of the modern world. Will Perry Tan Block

Michael Pioso

6/7/13

Blue Block

Global Dominance Throughout the 20th Century:

         The ability to control domestic affairs, such as citizens and economy related ventures, as well as having influence over surrounding countries exemplifies the idea of global dominance, which is most significantly demonstrated by Germany in the Interwar Period. Germany had been defeated in World War I, and were served with heavy punishments and regulations that would disallow them to rise to power again. Yet German citizens were not willing to accept these conditions, and were unified together under the rule of Adolf Hitler, a man who would change Germany forever. Hitler and his Nazi troops began to pose a large threat to Britain, France, the Soviet Union and the United States around 1939. Germany swiftly drove through Poland in a month, yet “not before Great Britain and France had reluctantly declared war” (“World War II”). Before the actual war had begun, Hitler and his Nazi forces had used propaganda and large, public, open air announcements to convince the Germans that the war as well as the slaying of all Jews would lead to a perfect dynasty, named the Third Reich. Along with complete cooperation from their citizens, Nazi Germany also had a budding economy that was centered around weapon manufacturing. They had ignored the regulations and punishments with out instigating trouble with France or Britain, and only 21 years later after the Treaty of Versailles, Germany was once again rising to power. Throughout World War II, Germany retained power in much of North Africa throughout World War II, suggesting that they not only controlled their people, but that they also controlled other territories outside of their original realm of influence. Essentially, Germany's ability to control its citizens, recover and reclaim prominence after a major downfall, colonize other territories while remaining a major threat to seize control of much of the world, suggests that Germany was truly a globally dominant country. In other words, Germany throughout much of the 20^th century defined global dominance.

Term 4 Extra Credit

Amy Hsieh

6.07.13

Blue

What Defines Global Dominance in the Modern World?

               While many factors affect the amount of influence a single nation has over the world, an important factor in determining dominance in the modern world is a nation's military success. Having a strong leader who holds power over its citizens and its military is also a defining factor in a nation's global dominance. For example, Germany succeeded in rising to power even after its loss at World War I. Hitler built up a strong army, improved economy, and unified his people, and made Germany one of the most internationally feared countries at the time. Yet, after a second major defeat at World War II, Germany lost a strong leader and its status as a global power. Their loss of World War II and subsequent loss of international influence emphasizes the importance of military success in order to maintain global dominance. On the other hand, the US, Great Britain, and the Soviet Union, victors of World War II, gained power and influence as global superpowers as a result of their military success. Britain had previously won the first world war with the aid of the US, where they began gaining more dominance. After the US and the Soviet Union proved victorious in Wold War II, they later controlled most of the UN, which gave them even more global dominance. Although the two nations were previously not as dominant, their military success enabled them to become superpowers, illuminating the importance of military success in international affairs. Military success helps a nation gain influence and more importantly, recognition from other countries, which defines global dominance in the modern world.

Term 4 Extra Credit

Tiffany Cai

Purple Block

Term 4 Extra Credit: What defines global dominance in the modern world?

In the modern world, global dominance is defined as having strong strategic leaders and a powerful military. In the mid-1800's Otto Von Bismarck was the leader of Germany and he was best known by his use of the strategy, real politik. That is defined as being able to do whatever it takes in order to reach your goals, and Bismarck was fine with doing anything if it meant he could get his way. The use of this strategy led to the unification of Germany as well a strong military, two aspects of a globally dominant nation. Despite the fact that Bismarck used subversive tactics in order to unify Germany, he was still able to achieve his goal through a powerful military. In order to unify Germany, Bismarck strategically edited the Ems telegram by turning France and Prussia against each other, "Fight we must if we do not want to act the part of the vanquished [defeated] without a battle"^. Even though this caused war, the people of Prussia united to work towards a common goal, which led to the formation of a unified Germany adding land from Austria and other parts of Europe in the process. The unified states of Germany proved to be extremely useful because it allowed people to work as a whole. Unifying the people also led to a larger, more powerful military; the fact that they were motivated to work towards a common goal helped make them stronger, which was helpful in winning other wars.  Bismarck's clever use of real politik led to unification, a strong military, as well as the ability to make Germany one of the strongest world powers by the time World War I began.  In addition, during the Korean War, the United States was considered as one of the two main powers in the United Nations. This high status translated to the military, when North Korea invaded South Korea in 1950 and the United States intervened. Although the United Nations condemned the invasion and sent troops to help, 90% of those troops were from the United States which reveals their militaristic power. The United State's influential power and large military demonstrated how countries became globally dominant. 

Term 4 Extra Credit

Term 4 Extra Credit

Eunice Lee

Tan

6/5/13

What defines global dominance in the modern world? 

            Based on the informations we have learned throughout the course, the bottom line for a global dominance is political, economical, and military power. Then, under these power, the nation must have ability to invovle in foreign issuses neutrally and legitamately or has an sphere of inluence toward world. For instance, United State has become one of the globally dominant nation after World War II, in which they first revived their economy through manufactuing militray supplies for the Allies during the war. In addition, the quick end of war after United State’s invovlement proves their advanced military power. Another example that shows United State’s global dominace can be seen from the Korean War. Not only the fact that United State was one of the major power in U.N Security Council, but also the fact that United State set up a tursteeship government in South Korea and the fact that 90% of U.N troops were from United State shows their dominance to interfer in global issues. Also their occupation in Korea was performed based on U.N charter not injustice. Moreover, the fact that there are still Unite State military base in Korea shows their unwaining global dominance. Lastly, the democratic government in South Korea demonstrates United State’s phere of political influence. 

Term 4 Extra Credit

Catherine McNamara

Purple Block

In the modern world, global dominance is defined by economic stability, international relations, and militaristic power. Economic stability is a sign of unification and general stability within a nation. This could be seen in Russia, who rose to world power after Lenin developed a Communist economy that allowed Russia to thrive through trade and development. Stabilizing the country internally allowed Lenin to look outwardly in his ambitions without having to worry about a collapse at home. This economic stability then led to international relations as Russia began to trade with other countries to continually grow their economy. This not only put Russia on the world stage, but also allowed them to build relationships with other countries that were in power. The concept of COMINTERN (the spread of Communism internationally) also helped to grow Russia’s international relations as they aligned themselves with other Communist nations. Finally, the development of military power allows a nation to appear outwardly powerful and intimidating. Russia developed their large military and eventually took a leading role in World War II, as well as having a strong arms presence in both the Korean and Vietnamese conflicts. Particularly in the case of Russia, a strong economy, international relationships, and a large and dominant military allowed for countries to rise to a status of global dominance.

Extra Credit
In the modern world, global dominance was achieved through unique strategies and a fast come back due to strong leaders within the country. In the middle 1800’s, Germany was lead by Otto Von Bismarck who “was responsible for the political strategy that lead to [the] unification[of Germany]” (page 42 in the Nationalism reader). The political strategy he used was called Realpolitik where he believed that nations should do whatever is necessary to get what they want. For example, Bismarck demonstrated Realpolitik when send out the Ems Telegram to France instigating the Franco-Prussian war. Due to the concept of Realpolitik, Bismarck joined the southern German states to the Northern German confederation by instigating this war with France. Therefore, because of Bismarck’s advanced political strategy and strong leadership, he was able to take over other nations as well as unifying Germany. Later in the early 1900s, Germany uses war tactics and strategies to meet their goals. Later at the Paris Peace conference, because of Germany’s advanced and threatening military, the Allied powers limited the size of German army. Unfortunately, Germany was held responsible for the damage of the war and was forced to pay reparations for the property. Although the negative outcome of the war, Germany’s new, strong, totalitarian leader, Adolf Hitler used his drive for power to win 229 seats in the German Parliament and became the most representative party by using the strategy of brownshirts to influence the population. Therefore, even though Germany was responsible for the reparations of the war, Germany’s fast come back and beneficial strategies due to Germany’s strong leaders made her one of the most influential and dominant nations of modern world history.
- Natasha Snapper, Purple

Term 4-Extra Credit
What Defines Global Dominance in the Modern World?

          Global dominance is expressed by a group of powers who are motivated to benefit their own government, economy and military, and take appropriate measures in decision making, in order to get things to go their way. In the Treaty of Versailles, the five Allied Powers: US, Great Britain, France, Italy, and Japan make themselves permanent members of the League's Executive Council. The powers deliberately exclude both Germany, and Russia; their two enemies during WW1. The Allied powers set up their own system that forces Germany to pay for the military losses throughout the entire war. These five powers are looking to show the losing side of the war, that they obtain power, and are in it together, controlling the majority of the world's actions after their permanent placement in the League of Nations. Also, the creation of the UN Charter is a group of powers who wish to spread their knowledge about the government, the economy and the military to the rest of the world. The ultimate goal of the UN was to rework the government and social aspects of the world in order to prevent the reoccurrence of WWI and WW2, and to create value in human rights. Essentially, the UN is going to apply their own policies on government, and social aspects on to other countries and nations in the world that aren't up to the standards that the nations involved in the UN would likes these places to be. Therefore, by posing regulations such as trusteeships and international social and economic co-operation, the UN is saying that they are going to go into these countries and regions and try and succeed in hooking these places onto the government and social aspects that are practiced within the UN. Furthermore, the US is an example of a dominant power who takes into consideration their own stakes before taking action. In the war of Vietnam Vs. France, the US side with the France. Although in the UN Charter it discusses the policies regarding which side to take in a two-sided conflict, the reason for the US choosing to go with France is because they are supporting imperialism. The US will not stand for a Vietnamese victory because the Vietnamese are communist, and will form a communist government. Therefore, global dominance is defined as leading powers who work to change policies and governments in favor of what they support, while trying their best to remain at peace, and control the foreign affairs on the global scene.

Diana Katsikaris
Blue Block

Extra Credit.. Emily Kandarian Tan block

Emily-Katherine Kandarian

Extra Credit

Global dominance in the modern world is achieved through unification, a strong military, and close alliances with other nations. Germany proved to be a strong world power once it began unifying and building up its military forces. Before 1870 Germany consisted of small states with a ruler for each which made Germany as a whole weak. Before World War One Germany came together under one main leader, Kaiser Wilhelm II, giving Germany access to more land and power as a nation. After Germany was united, the Germans started focusing on establishing a strong military. Germany’s military was so strong that they were able to do such extreme damage to their enemies during World War One that they were required to pay 33 billion dollars of reparations for the war in The Treaty of Versailles of 1919. In article 159 of The Treaty of Versailles it was stated that “the German military forces shall be demobilised and reduced”. The power of Germany’s military was so threatening to the rest of the world that it had to be controlled for the future security of other nations through the document of The Treaty of Versailles. Other nations became globally dominate in other ways. Nations in the allied powers during World War Two such as the U.S.S.R. and Great Britain achieved Global dominance through having a tight alliance with the United States of America. In the Lend Lease Act of 1941 the United States of America, through President Roosevelt, stated that the U.S. would loan supplies to the allied powers without actually fighting and getting involved in the war. As the war went on the Allied Powers were unable to produce and manufacture as many war materials as they needed so allying with the U.S. acted as an advantage to them since the U.S. was able to make and send over supplies such as ships and weapons in order to help the Allied powers win the war. Without the alliance to the U.S. the allied powers would have been weaker during World War Two. Lacking these war materials could have potentially caused more damage to exist in their nations and could have even cost them the war. With the support of the U.S. the allied powers were able to come out with a victory, beating the Axis powers, making them appear to be some of the strongest and more powerful nations in the World at the time. Global dominance in the modern world was achieved in a number of different ways depending on each specific nation. Germany was globally dominant during World War One through unification and having a strong military, and nations such as the U.S.S.R. and Great Britain were able to gain global dominance after winning World War Two with the help of the United States of America.
Emily Kandarian Tan block Mod world history

Term 3 Extra Credit

                                                                                                                                             Evan Megan
    
        Both Imperialism and Nationalism related with World War II, as leaders often shared mutual motivation for fighting in both. World War II leaders and Imperialist leaders both strove the promotion of the more "Dominant Race". In World War II, German leader, Adolf Hitler wrote Mein Kampf, which established many of the Nazi party ideologies. In Mein Kampf, Hitler promoted the Aryan race (Mein Kampf readings). For Hitler, the promotion of the Aryan race was a driving force behind much of his fighting in WWII. Hitler fought to rid his country of all other races. Similarly, Imperialist leaders took over other nations to spread the influence of their own race. In 1871 the British ruled India. In India, the British felt it was their responsibility as the White, supreme race, to show the Indians their culture. The British imperialists built hospitals, schools, and roads in India (91 of imperialism reader). Imperialist leaders took over nations so that they could spread the benefits of their race, as well as eliminate the culture of native peoples. BothWorld War II leaders and Imperialist leaders worked to fight for their own race.
         World War II also related with Nationalism, as the leaders often fought for the restoration of old values. Benito Mussolini, an Italian Fascist leader who took control of Italy in 1922, fought to restore the Roman Empire. He did this by trying to conquest more land, such as Ethiopia (Benito Mussolini ABC-CLIO). For Mussolini, the restoration of old values was drove him to fight. Nationalist leaders also fought to restore old values. Chinese nationalist leader, Chiang Kai-Shek tried to take control of China in the Inter-War Period. Chiang tried to take control so that he may restore ancient values of modesty and righteousness, also known as "Li Yi Lian Chi" (pg 105 Totalitarianism leader). Chiang Kai-Shek was driven to fight for the restoration of old values. World War II was able to relate with Imperialism and Nationalism, as the leaders often shared common goals in both.

Term 3 Extra Credit

During the time between World War I and II, nations were in chaos; their economies had worsened and a loss of pride in nations such as Germany caused widespread grief around the world. From this chaos emerged totalitarian leaders, such as Hitler and Mussolini, who used fear and violence to gain power. These leaders, although threatening to the voice of the people, also inspired nationalist beliefs within their countries. These beliefs inspired an aggression in nations similar to that during imperialism. The totalitarian leaders brought their countries against other nations, many times succeeding and many times resulting in a loss for the nation. For example, the nationalist and imperialist beliefs of Japan inspired its people to invade China in order to gain control of East Asia (China video); however, this caused an influx of nationalism in China, who then fought back and kept their land. Also in Germany, Hitler led his country into a battle against Poland in 1939 (presentations), this caused tension amongst the various nations and was a cause for World War II.
            Nationalism and Imperialism both connect to World War II as the beliefs held by the two ideas caused tension between many nations, many of whom were later involved in the second World War. In nationalism, the pride held in one’s nation inspired by totalitarian leaders caused tension between different nations which ultimately was a reason for World War II. Imperialism inspired a warlike aggression between nations where many nations invaded each other, causing tension that ultimately resulted in World War II.-Tyler Jung

Term 3 Extra Credit

Peter Hereu

The two units that I think I can connect together and further connect to World 2 would be imperialism and nationalist movements. The way I am connecting these three units would be how imperialism and nationalism were causes of World War 2 and further more how nationalism was within imperialism. Nationalism was found within imperialism, as these leaders that conducted these imperialistic movements would give the soldiers a reason to fight for their country. For example, in Italy Mussolini arranged for every soldier that was wounded was to where a patch that said, “it doesn’t matter”. This would emphasize the fact that the personal injury didn’t matter as the outcome for the country was more crucial. Another example would be in Japan, which was to believe in the gods that the totalitarian leader spoke of. This would give the soldiers a great reason to fight for their country. Both these examples happened before an imperialistic action to therefore make the nation stronger.

To more specifically connect all three of these units, Imperialism used nationalism to give the soldiers a reason to fight and believe in the nation, which would create successful imperialistic actions. Then furthermore connecting World War 2 as the use of nationalism and imperialism created international tension that created the all-important domino effect to create a second world war.    

term 3 extra credit

Teddy Warmington
Extra credit

Those who lived during the ages of the Industrial Revolution, Interwar Totalitarianism, and World War II, were affected by the harsh exploitation of their leaders. While in the industrial revolution, English industrialists took full advantage of the theory Laissez Faire. Since the state wasn’t  interfering with the economic activities of the people, factories provided the workers with long hours, and very small wages. The owners of these businesses exploited the people by paying the workers low wages  just so that they could maximize their profits. When Stalin initiated a centralized economy, the totalitarian government controlled what would be produced and who would produce it. By regulating where, when, and how the people worked, the Russian government exploited their people and industries by making them work work long hours, and produce large amounts with little pay. This exploitation travels into World War II, where the use of forced labor proves to be a vital part of the Germany’s economic stability. As the war progressed, the use of slave labor increased massively in order to provide labor in the German war industry, repair bombed railroads and bridges, or work on farms. The Nazi’s exploited Prisoners in the labor camps who were worked to death on short rations and in bad conditions, or killed if they became unable to work. The exploitation of people are seen throughout the industrialization revolution, Interwar Totalitarianism and World War II.

Quarter 3 Extra Credit-Victoria Klenk

            2 units that connect are the classical world and the medieval world. In both units, the Chinese empire maintains regional dominance. In the classical world, China had regional dominance. They showed their regional dominance in their advances in architecture and science. On example of this is their advances water engineering. The “Chinese built canals…for military purposes…for transporting commercial goods as well”¹. The Chinese used their technology to first expand and help their military, and then to expand their economy.

            In the Medieval world unit, the Chinese empire was also regionally dominant. During Medieval times, china had advanced cities with large market places, and bridges.²  Like in Classical times, this shows china’s regional dominance through their engineering. They are once again helping their economy by building easily accessible and large market places. Throughout history china used their advanced technology to better their economy.

 

 

¹"Enviornment + Technology: Water Engineering in China," in Unit 2: Classical Civilizations and Regional Dominance, 68.

²Marco Polo, "Of the Noble and Magnificent City of Kin-Sai," The Italien Merchant Marco Polo Described the Magnificent Chinese City of Kin-Sai, 1299, 96.

Term 3 Extra Credit- Brian Creonte

Brian Creonte

Purple Block

The end of World War 1, in 1918, marked the beginning of the Interwar Period, a chaotic period of time when totalitarian leaders rose to power to solitarily take control of their country. Through deceit, propaganda, charisma, and promises for a brighter future, these leaders were able to gather their country’s undivided support. One example of propaganda produced and endorsed by a totalitarian dictator is the piece Mein Kampf, written by Adolf Hitler. In this piece, Hitler blames Germany’s past problems on the Jews, and calls all Germans and Aryans to support his extermination of the Jews. One way that leaders were able to single handedly control their country was the extreme promotion of nationalism, in order to create a common national identity. Totalitarian leaders were then able to harness people’s support with very little effort, by implementing policies that were viewed favorably by the new national identity. Different totalitarian leaders came to power very differently. Some dictators came to power lawlessly, through the overthrow of the former leader, while others came to power legally. Once in power, however, these leaders behaved very similarly, implementing policies to protect their complete power and control, aggressive foreign policies, and the extreme promotion of the state. Many totalitarian dictators sought short-term solutions for their country’s economic struggles after the war, in an effort to gain support and devotion from their people.

Nationalism and Interwar Totalitarianism have a strong connection to the development of World War II. After World War I, the defeated countries, the Triple Alliance, especially Germany, felt taken advantage of by the Treaty of Versailles. These countries turned toward a definitive, and aggressive leader, who promised a brighter future to the people of his country, and came to power. These leaders acted impulsively, and very aggressively, and these actions were a large contributing factor to the development of World War II. Totalitarian dictators, such as Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler, used their people’s nationalist feelings as an excuse to act against countries that they had tensions with. Nationalism and Interwar Totalitarianism connect to the development of World War II because an increase in nationalist feelings led to the implementation of Totalitarian dictators, who acted very aggressively in the pursuit of national pride, another defining trait of nationalism.

Term 3 extra credit-Giuliana Psyhogeos

Giuliana Psyhogeos

Blue

4/1

Extra Credit- Term 3

   Though we have studied many units this year the two that connect most to the current unit, World War II are Nationalist Movements, and Interwar Totalitarianism.  In Nationalist Movements nations stood together unified, to benefit the country as a whole.  The struggles from during and after the war lead people such as Hitler and Mussolini into power.  The people needed a stable role within their countries the Totalitarian leaders were the answer.  The strive to become a unified state lead countries into Interwar Totalitarianism, which leaders controlled every aspect of the peoples lives.  Having one person in charge, taking total control over all bodies of the country from one person.  Totalitarian leaders were trusted as the people needed a strong figure to look towards during the hardships of the wars.  As the Totalitarian leaders rose to power the strengths of countries as a whole did as well.  The actions taken by the leaders connect to World War II as they were involved in the start of another World War.  Connecting Nationalist Movements, and Interwar Totalitarianism to the study of World War II helps because Totalitarians rose from nationalist ideals and contributed to World War II. 

Sarah Hollingsworth

4/1/13

Extra Credit Term 3

I think that World War I and Interwar Totalitarianism are the two units that we’ve studied that connect the most to World War II. World War I and Interwar Totalitarianism were the cause of World War II. World War I partially caused World War II because Germany, Japan, Italy, China, and Russia were all in an economic state that was worse than it had been in years prior. At the end of World War I, Germany signed the Treaty of Versailles; however, they ended up going against what it said which led to World War II, because rules were no longer being followed and chaos erupted. Interwar totalitarianism also was partially to blame for World War II because chaos erupted because money no longer had a value and famine and debt occurred. Interwar Totalitarianism and World War I best connected to World War II because there were many negative actions that occurred during both World War I and Interwar Totalitarianism that led to World War II. 

Term 3 extra credit

                                                                                                                                      John Luby

                                                                                                                                     

                                                               Term 3 Extra credit

                   Throughout the many units we have studied this year the two that strongly connect to the World War II unit are the nationalism unit and the industrial revolution unit.  Nationalism caused many nations to grow economically stable and made citizens to become proud that they are citizens of the nation. This pride and nationalism was a product of an increase in industrialization. This newly found wealth gave countries like Germany, Italy and Russia the ability to overcome their economic challenges and try to become a strong global power.  The Totalitarian leaders used this pride and new gained loyalty to their benefit by convincing the public that what they were doing was completely all right. Benito Mussolini for example implanted the idea that dying for the nation in a war was supporting the nation. This nationalism gave Mussolini a lot of loyalty from the citizens of Italy. In Germany Adolf Hitler convinced the citizens of Germany that the economic struggles were caused by the Jews. Hitler then used realpolitik by completely ignoring the Treaty of Versailles and started industrializing more and building up Germany’s Army. This increased industrialization was a product of nationalism. This major increase of industrial wealth wouldn’t have been possible if Hitler hadn’t used the Jews as a scapegoat thus instilling nationalism into the public. However this sudden loyalty and nationalism would also not have surfaced if the German economy wasn’t suffering.  German citizens were very accepting of the idea of creating more jobs by industrializing even if it meant going against the Treaty of Versailles.     

Diana Katsikaris

4/1

 Extra Credit- Term 3: Connection Between Units 

The Units: Nationalist Movements, World War I, and Interwar Totalitarianism all connect through social development, which leads to the consideration of drawing upon a conclusion of the start of World War II. In Nationalist Movements, each nation was trying to boost its individual morale by trying to benefit the nation as a whole. In spite of nationalist movements, the Totalitarian Regime enforced new ways of living and benefiting the nation as a whole through the power of one sole leader. The Japanese believed that they had the strongest nationalism, and were pushed into forming unity and following their leader, Mao Zedong. In Italy, Mussolini gave Italians pride and loyalty through their country through fascism. Fascism was the glorification of the nation-state itself. In Germany, Nationalism referred to the superiority of the Aryan race. Hitler gave the people hope after the mental destruction of Germany after World War I, and helped to boost the German morale. The German nationalists also believed that Germany, and the German people in particular were the most pure, which gave them the right to conquer other nations and “purify” them. Back tracking to the end of World War I, the Treaty of Versailles granted protection to the nation-states that had been physically destroyed after the war such as Italy, France, and Great Britain. After the war, nations decided to build upon their own nationalist beliefs and under the rule of totalitarian leaders were able to boost their moral and become stronger. Furthermore, the Treaty of Versailles was the catalyst for building tension between the nations, because each nation was able to become stronger, and each had the form of the belief that they were better than the rest. Moving foreword, the start of World War II resulted with the disappearance of the Treaty of Versailles completely, because the German people felt that they were the best and purist race out there, therefore giving them the right to begin their “purification” of the other nations. Also, the German people were angered with their treatment during the time of the Treaty of Versailles, giving them more of a reason to boost up their strength and attack for revenge. The Units: Nationalist Movements, World War I, Interwar Totalitarianism, and World War II, all have a connection because each event was a cause that lead up to the uproar of World War II. The nationalist movements gave the nations a way to boost their morale and better their nation, while World War I caused a treaty that gave protections to be made in order for each nation to turn to totalitarianism and further better themselves in the race to be on top, concluding in World War II where the German people seeked their revenge and felt that they were the purist and need to begin purifying all of the nations. 

The two units that I think intertwine the most with World War Two are World War One and Interwar Totalitarianism. This is because I believe those units are the two main causes of how the second world war started.  After World War One, Japan, China, Italy, Germany and Russia were left in complete chaos.  All countries were left in great debt, with no way to pay it off.  Along with the economic instability, China had trouble with trade, Italy had no natural resources, and both Russia and Germany were in a state of extreme poverty and inflation. Consequently, because of all of the chaos left from WW1, the people of those countries were in despair. They craved a leader who could promise and fulfill beneficial change. Moreover, this is when Totalitarian Leaders stepped in and gained complete control.

Although the Totalitarian leaders stepped in and various changes were made, chaos involving the citizens arose. For example, the rights of the people decreased drastically and  "[the leaders] scorned the democratic ideals of civil liberties, of the dignity the individual, and world peace, and they openly declared their intent to destroy democracy" (49).  The citizens were no longer able to act for themselves, "If the state was a machine, its citizens were simply parts- parts that worked smoothly and quietly were oiled. Those that made noise were removed and discarded" (62). Therefore in spite of the citizen's rights decreasing, even more chaos evolved.

World War One and Interwar Totalitarianism intertwined the most with World War Two because of the effect they had on the countries, causing the war to begin.

Natasha Snapper

Purple Block