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Era: The World Wars: Contextualization
Era: The World Wars: Contextualization
Contextualization
Student version
Era: The World Wars
Period Start: Period End:
Justification: Justification:
Important Processes/Developments:
5 Key Events:
TEACHER’S RESOURCE M ATERIALS | A History of Western Society for the AP® Course | Part 4
© 2017 Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers
Based on the Fall 2017 AP® European History Curriculum Framework
DO NOT POST TO OPEN-ACCESS WEBSITES
Contextualization
Instructor version
Era: The World Wars
Period Start: Period End:
1914 1945
Justification: Justification:
Start of the war WWII ends
Important Processes/Developments:
Worldwide Conflict
Total war
Nationalism
Alliances: Central Europe versus Eastern and Western Europe
5 Key Events:
1. 1890: The Dismissal of Bismarck: While the Unification of Germany upset
the traditional Balance of Power in Europe, it was Bismarck’s dismissal by
Kaiser Wilhelm II that set the wheels in motion of the unraveling of the system
of alliances that had been carefully cultivated by Bismarck. In addition, it
emboldened the Kaiser to make further rash decisions, like encouraging
colonial conflict, the navel buildup, and the Austrian “blank check” that
directly led to WWI
2. 1916: Battles of Verdun and the Somme: The massive loss of life at both
these battles furthered government’s involvement in furthering government’s
involvement in the economy. Total war and economic planning led to social
change with women beginning to perform more traditional male tasks. AS
industry is integrated with a country’s war making ability, civilians and
industrial production will be seen as legitimate targets in warfare, especially in
WWII. Russia’s lack of industrialization will put it at a disadvantage, leading
to death and dissatisfaction with the Tsar and play a role in the Russian
Revolution of 1917
3. 1917: The Treaty of Versailles: The provisions of this treaty contributed to
many of the major issues that faced the 20th century. The active punishment of
Germany through the war guilt clause, demilitarization and reparation
payments contributed to the rise of Hitler and Nazism. In addition, these
reparation payments contributed to the Great Depression. The Mandate system
in the Middle East contributed to Arab resentment and Nationalism as well as
TEACHER’S RESOURCE M ATERIALS | A History of Western Society for the AP® Course | Part 4
© 2017 Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers
Based on the Fall 2017 AP® European History Curriculum Framework
DO NOT POST TO OPEN-ACCESS WEBSITES
TEACHER’S RESOURCE M ATERIALS | A History of Western Society for the AP® Course | Part 4
© 2017 Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers
Based on the Fall 2017 AP® European History Curriculum Framework