GROUP 6

ERA OF WARS AND

REVOLUTION
1914 - 1989
REGALA
BATION
CANDELARIA
TEVES
GIMENEZ
ERA OF WARS AND
REVOLUTION
1914 - 1989 World War 1 and the Peace Settlement

War-born Revolutions: Bolshevik and

Fascist Movements

World War II and Aftermath 1939 - 1949

Postwar Change in Europe and the World

1949 - 1968

The United Nations and World Peace

New Challenge

Contact Information
HOW DID IT START?
WORLD WAR 1 AND THE PEACE
SETTLEMENT
Austria-Hungary
Germany
Italy CENTRAL POWERS
Ottoman Empire
Bulgaria

France
Britain
Russia ALLIED POWERS
Portugal
Japan
United States
World War I Begins
Convinced that Austria-Hungary was
readying for war, the Serbian
government ordered the Serbian
army to mobilize and appealed to
Russia for assistance. On July 28,
Austria-Hungary declared war on
Serbia, and the tenuous peace
between Europe’s great powers
quickly collapsed.
 The Western Front
According to an aggressive military strategy known as the
Schlieffen Plan (named for its mastermind, German Field Marshal
Alfred von Schlieffen), Germany began fighting World War I on
two fronts, invading France through neutral Belgium in the west
and confronting Russia in
the east.

On August 4, 1914, German troops crossed the border into

Belgium. In the first battle of World War I, the Germans assaulted
the heavily fortified city of Liege, using the most powerful
weapons in their arsenal—enormous siege cannons—to capture
the city by August 15.


First battle of the Marne

In the First Battle of the Marne, fought from September 6-9, 1914,
French and British forces confronted the invading German army,
which had by then penetrated deep into northeastern France,
within 30 miles of Paris. The Allied troops checked the German
advance and mounted a successful counterattack, driving the
Germans back to the north of the Aisne River.
The Eastern Front

Front of World War I, Russian
On the Eastern
forces invaded the German-held regions of
East Prussia and Poland but were stopped
short by German and Austrian forces at the
Battle of Tannenberg in late August 1914.
Despite that victory, Russia’s assault forced
Germany to move two corps from the
Western Front to the Eastern, contributing
to the German loss in the Battle of the
Marne.
 Russian Revolution
Defeat on the battlefield, combined with economic instability and the scarcity of food and
other essentials, led to mounting discontent among the bulk of Russia’s population,
especially the poverty-stricken workers and peasants. This increased hostility was directed
toward the imperial regime of Czar Nicholas II and his unpopular German-born wife,
Alexandra.

America Enters World War I

remained on the sidelines of World War I, adopting
At the outbreak of fighting in 1914, the United States
the policy of neutrality favored by President Woodrow Wilson while continuing to engage in commerce
and shipping with European countries on both sides of the conflict.
Widespread protest over the sinking by U-boat of the British ocean liner Lusitania—traveling from New
York to Liverpool, England with hundreds of American passengers onboard—in May 1915 helped turn the
tide of American public opinion against Germany. In February 1917, Congress passed a $250 million arms
appropriations bill intended to make the United States ready for war.

 Gallipoli Campaign

a stalemate in
With World War I having effectively settled into
Europe, the Allies attempted to score a victory against the Ottoman
Empire, which entered the conflict on the side of the Central Powers
in late 1914.
British-led forces also combated the Ottoman Turks in Egypt and
Mesopotamia, while in northern Italy, Austrian and Italian troops
faced off in a series of 12 battles along the Isonzo River, located at
the border between the two nations.
World War I at Sea

World War I, the superiority of Britain’s Royal Navy was
In the years before
unchallenged by any other nation’s fleet, but the Imperial German Navy had
made substantial strides in closing the gap between the two naval powers.
Germany’s strength on the high seas was also aided by its lethal fleet of U-
boat submarines.
After the Battle of Dogger Bank in January 1915, in which the British mounted
a surprise attack on German ships in the North Sea, the German navy chose
not to confront Britain’s mighty Royal Navy in a major battle for more than a
year, preferring to rest the bulk of its naval strategy on its U-boats.
 World war 1 planes

Second Battle of the Marne

On July 15, 1918, German troops launched what would become the last German offensive of the war, attacking
French forces (joined by 85,000 American troops as well as some of the British Expeditionary Force) in the Second
Battle of the Marne. The Allies successfully pushed back the German offensive and launched their own
counteroffensive just three days later.
The Second Battle of the Marne turned the tide of war decisively towards the Allies, who were able to regain much of
France and Belgium in the months that followed.
Toward Armistice
Austria-Hungary, dissolving from within due to growing nationalist movements among its diverse

population, reached an armistice on November 4. Facing dwindling resources on the battlefield,

discontent on the homefront and the surrender of its allies, Germany was finally forced to seek an
armistice on November 11, 1918, ending World War I.

Treaty of Versailles

Conference in 1919, Allied leaders stated their desire to build a post-war world that would
At the Paris Peace
safeguard itself against future conflicts of such a devastating scale.
Some hopeful participants had even begun calling World War I “the War to End All Wars.” But the Treaty of
Versailles, signed on June 28, 1919, would not achieve that lofty goal.
Saddled with war guilt, heavy reparations and denied entrance into the League of Nations, Germany felt tricked
into signing the treaty, having believed any peace would be a “peace without victory,” as put forward by
President Wilson in his famous Fourteen Points speech of January 1918.

World War I Casualties

lives of more than 9 million soldiers; 21 million more were wounded. Civilian casualties
World War I took the
numbered close to 10 million. The two nations most affected were Germany and France, each of which sent some 80
percent of their male populations between the ages of 15 and 49 into battle.
War-born Revolutions:
Bolshevik and Fascist
Movements
 Bolshevik Revolution

The Bolshevik movement, also known as

Bolshevism, was a political movement that
emerged in Russia in the early 20th century.
In 1917, the Bolsheviks successfully
carried out a revolution, which led to
It was led by Vladimir Lenin and aimed at
the establishment of the Soviet
establishing a socialist government in Russia
Union. The Bolshevik movement had
through revolution
a profound impact on world history
and helped shape the development
The Bolsheviks were a faction of the Russian of communism and socialist politics
Social Democratic Labour Party and believed in the 20th century.
in the overthrow of the capitalist system and
the establishment of a proletarian state
 Vladimir Lenin
Vladimir Lenin was a Russian communist
revolutionary, politician and head of the
Soviet Union from 1917 until his death in
1924. He was a key figure in the Bolshevik
Revolution and played a central role in the
establishment of Soviet Russia. His ideas
and political theories about socialism,
communism, and Marxist-Leninist ideology
continue to influence political and
economic systems around the world.
In April 1917, assisted by Germans, Lenin returned to Russia from
Switzerland. At once he took control and direction over the
Bolsheviks. He prepared to seize power using a clear plan:

First the Bolsheviks had to gain control of the Petrograd

Soviet
Then they would take power in the name of the Soviet
The process would then be repeated in other cities

Lenin's energy and drive convinced the Bolsheviks to agree on

this course of action.
For the plan to work, it was necessary to increase Bolshevik
support within the Soviets. Lenin developed Bolshevik policies
with this aim in mind. These policies were outlined in his April
Theses.
 The April Theses

Lenin declared “All power to the Soviets”. This showed that the Bolsheviks did not believe
in the existence of the Provisional Government or an elected national assembly.
He also promised “Peace, Land and Bread” to the masses
Peace -
Lenin could see that the Russian people wanted an end to the war
The Bolsheviks declared that they would make peace with the Germans.
Land -
Bolsheviks support was concentrated in the cities
they had very little support among the peasants who made up the vast majority of
the population
by offering them land, Lenin ensured that the peasants stayed neutral when the
Bolsheviks made their bid for power
Bread -
Lenin claimed that the Bolsheviks could solve the food shortages that existed in the
towns and cities
 Fascist Movements

The fascist movement was a political belief system and

ideology that emerged in early 20th century Europe,
particularly in Italy, but also in other parts of the world.
Fascism is characterized by authoritarianism, nationalism,
militarism, and a dictatorial leadership style. The fascist
movement rejected liberal democracy and advocated for a
centralized, one-party state with a strong leader, typically
a dictator. The ideology of fascism also included beliefs in
the superiority of one's own country or race, and often
included aggressive militarism and expansionism. The
fascist regimes of the 20th century, notably under Italy's
Benito Mussolini and Germany's Adolf Hitler, were
responsible for some of the most significant tragedies and
atrocities of the time. Today, fascism is widely regarded as
a deeply troubling and dangerous political ideology.

 World War II

The Principal Belligerents:

Axis—Germany, Italy, and Japan

Allies—France, Great Britain, the United States, the Soviet

Union and China

The Outbreak

of War

dictator Adolf Hitler had become
By the early part of 1939 the German
determined to invade and occupy Poland. Poland, for its part, had guarantees of
French and British military support should it be attacked by Germany. Hitler
intended to invade Poland anyway, but first he had to neutralize the possibility
that the Soviet Union would resist the invasion of its western neighbor.
 The History of World War II
World War II was the biggest and deadliest war in history, involving more
than 30 countries. Sparked by the 1939 Nazi invasion of Poland, the war
dragged on for six bloody years until the Allies defeated Nazi Germany and
Japan in 1945.

World War II in the Pacific (1941-43)

With Britain facing Germany in Europe,
the United States was the only nation
capable of combating Japanese aggression, which by late 1941 included an
expansion of its ongoing war with China and the seizure of European colonial
holdings in the Far East. On December 7, 1941, 360 Japanese aircraft attacked
the major U.S/. naval base at Pearl
Harbor in Hawaii, taking the Americans completely by surprise and claiming the
lives of more than 2,300 troops. The attack on Pearl Harbor served to unify
American public opinion in favor of entering World War II, and on December 8
Congress declared war on Japan with only one dissenting vote. Germany and
the other Axis Powers promptly declared war on the United States.
 Toward Allied Victory in World War II (1943-45)
1943-In North Africa, British and American forces had defeated the Italians and Germans.

July 1943-An Allied invasion of Sicily and Italy followed, and Mussolini's government fell, though Allied fighting against the
Germans in Italy would continue until 1945.

November 1942- On World War II's Easter Front, a Soviet counteroffensive launched that ended the bloody Battle of
Stalingrad, which had seen some of the fiercest combat of the war.

January 31, 1943- The approach of winter, along with dwindling food and medical supplies, spelled the end for German
troops there, and the last of them surrendered.

June 6, 1944-celebrated as "D-Day"- Allies began a massive invasion of Europe, landing 156,000 British, Canadian and
American soldiers on the beaches of Normandy, France.

December 1944-January 1945- Hitler poured all the remaining strength of his army into Western Europe, ensuring
Germany's defeat in the east. Soviet troops soon advanced into Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Romania, while
Hitler gathered his forces to drive the Americans and British back from Germany in the Battle of the Bulge, the last major
German offensive of the war.

An intensive aerial bombardment in February 1945 preceded the Allied land invasion of Germany, and by the time Germany
formally surrendered on May 8, Soviet forces had occupied much of the country. Hitler was already dead, having died by
suicide on April 30 in his Berlin bunker.
 World War II Ends (1945)

July-August 1945- At the Potsdam

Conference, U.S. President Harry S. August 9, 1945 The United
Truman (who had taken office after States drops an atomic bomb
Roosevelt's death in April), Churchill
on Nagasaki.
and Stalin discussed the ongoing war

with Japan as well as the peace

September 2, 1945 Having
settlement with Germany. Post-war
agreed in principle to
Germany would be divided into four
unconditional surrender on
occupation zones, to be controlled by

the Soviet Union, Britain, the United

States and France. On the divisive August 14, 1945, Japan formally
matter of Eastern Europe's future, surrenders, ending World War II.
Churchill and Truman acquiesced to
Stalin, as they needed Soviet
cooperation in the war against Japan.

 World War II Aftermath

By the end of World War II, much of Europe and Asia, and parts
of Africa, lay in ruins. Combat and bombing had flattened cities
and towns, destroyed bridges and railroads, and scorched the
countryside. The war had also taken a staggering toll in both
military and civilian lives.

Shortages of food, fuel, and all kinds of consumer products

persisted and in many cases worsened after peace was
declared. War-ravaged Europe and Japan could not produce
enough goods for their own people, much less for export.
After the war, some of those responsible for crimes committed
during the Holocaust were brought to trial. Nuremberg,
Germany, was chosen as a site for trials that took place in 1945
and 1946. Judges from the Allied powers -- Great Britain,
France, the Soviet Union, and the United States -- presided over
the hearings of twenty-two major Nazi criminals.
 Postwar Change in Europe and the World
1949 - 1968

The period from 1949 to 1968 was marked by significant

post-war changes in Europe and the world. This paper aims
to examine the various events, trends, and developments
that occurred during this period, and their impact on
European and global politics, economics, society, and
culture.

 The Marshall Plan and the Cold War:

was a significant aid program aimed at rebuilding
In 1949, the Marshall Plan was implemented, which
Europe after the devastation of World War II. The Marshall Plan played a crucial role in the post-war
reconstruction of Europe, and it helped to stabilize the economies of Western Europe.

However, the Marshall Plan was also part of the broader Cold War context, with the United States
seeking to contain the spread of communism in Europe. This led to the division of Europe into
Western and Eastern blocs, with the formation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in
1949 and the establishment of the Warsaw Pact in 1955.
 The European Economic Community:

In 1957, the Treaty of Rome was signed, which established the European Economic
Community (EEC). The EEC aimed to create a common market and promote economic
integration among its member states. The EEC was later expanded to become the European
Union (EU).

The EEC played a significant role in promoting economic growth and development in Europe
during the post-war period. It helped to reduce trade barriers, increase investment, and
create jobs. The EU also played a crucial role in promoting democracy, human rights, and the
rule of law in Europe.

The Decolonization of Africa and Asia: The Civil Rights Movement:

During the post-war period, there was a significant wave

The 1950s and 1960s were also marked by significant social

of decolonization in Africa and Asia. Many European
and cultural changes in Europe and the world. In the United
powers, including Britain, France, and Belgium, granted
States, the Civil Rights Movement emerged, aimed at ending
independence to their former colonies. This led to the
racial segregation and discrimination against African
emergence of new nations and the redefinition of global
Americans.
power dynamics.

The Civil Rights Movement inspired similar movements in

The decolonization process was marked by various
other parts of the world, including Europe. The movement
challenges, including political instability, ethnic conflicts,
helped to promote greater social equality, cultural diversity,
and economic struggles. However, it also gave rise to new
and political participation.
opportunities for economic development and cultural

exchange.

The Prague Spring and the Cold War:

In 1968, the Prague Spring occurred, which was a period of political liberalization in
Czechoslovakia. The Prague Spring was met with opposition from the Soviet Union,
which invaded Czechoslovakia and ended the reforms.

The Prague Spring demonstrated the challenges of political liberalization in a Cold War
context, where the Soviet Union sought to maintain its influence over its satellite states
in Eastern Europe.

 Conclusion:

The period from 1949 to 1968 was marked by

significant post-war changes in Europe and the world.
These changes included the implementation of the
Marshall Plan, the establishment of the EEC, the
decolonization of Africa and Asia, the Civil Rights
Movement, and the Prague Spring. These events and
trends had a significant impact on European and
global politics, economics, society, and culture.

The United Nations and World Peace

 The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded on October 24, 1945, with the
goal of promoting peace, security, and sustainable development worldwide. It serves as a
platform for member states to collaborate, discuss pressing global issues, and work towards
collective solutions. This report provides an overview of the United Nations, its structure,
functions, and key achievements.
Structure of the United Nations.

The UN is composed of six main organs

1. General Assembly: It is the primary deliberative and policymaking body of the UN, consisting of representatives from all 193 member states.
Each member state has one vote, and decisions on important issues require a two-thirds majority.
2. Security Council: The Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security. It has 15 members, including five
permanent members (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) with veto power and ten non-permanent members
elected for two-year terms.
3. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC): ECOSOC focuses on promoting economic and social development, addressing global challenges, and
coordinating the work of specialized agencies and programs.
4. International Court of Justice (ICJ): The ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the UN, settling legal disputes between states and providing
advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by UN organs.
5. Secretariat: The Secretariat, headed by the Secretary-General, is responsible for implementing the decisions of the UN organs, managing day-
to-day operations, and providing administrative support.
6. Trusteeship Council: Originally established to oversee the administration of trust territories, the Trusteeship Council has suspended its
operations since 1994, as all trust territories have attained self-government or independence.

The Functions of the United Nations:

1. Peacekeeping: The UN deploys peacekeeping missions to
areas of conflict, aiming to facilitate peaceful
resolutions, protect civilians, and promote stability.
2. Conflict Resolution and Mediation: The UN plays a vital role in diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts and mediate
disputes between nations through negotiation, peace talks, and reconciliation processes.
3. Humanitarian Assistance: The UN coordinates global humanitarian efforts, providing aid and support to countries
affected by natural disasters, conflicts, and other emergencies, while also advocating for the protection of human
rights.
4. Sustainable Development: Through its various programs, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the
UN strives to eradicate poverty, promote education, ensure gender equality, combat climate change, and foster
sustainable economic growth.
5. Human Rights: The UN is committed to upholding and promoting human rights globally, working to prevent human
rights abuses, supporting the establishment of international norms and standards, and monitoring human rights
situations in different countries.
 Striving for Global Harmony: The Quest for World Peace

World peace is humanity's enduring

aspiration for global harmony, where
nations and individuals peacefully resolve conflicts through dialogue and
cooperation. Progress has been made in advancing understanding and
resolving disputes, despite ongoing complexities.

International Collaboration:

Recent times have seen nations recognizing collaboration's significance for world
peace. Diplomatic efforts, multilateral organizations, and forums play pivotal roles in
nurturing dialogue and resolving conflicts peacefully. Institutions like the UN, EU, AU,
and bilateral agreements provide platforms for addressing shared challenges and
promoting peaceful solutions.

 Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding:

Promoting peace requires addressing conflict
causes and implementing effective
peacebuilding strategies. Governments, NGOs,
and international entities actively engage in
resolving conflicts. Mediation, negotiation, and
reconciliation have successfully resolved long-
standing conflicts, fostering trust and
sustainable peace frameworks. Advancement of Human Rights:
Respecting human rights is a cornerstone of peace. A
global commitment to safeguarding and promoting
human rights has emerged, guided by international
laws and conventions like the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights. Progress in areas like gender equality,
LGBTQ+ rights, and marginalized community
protection fosters a more equitable and peaceful
world.
 Education and Cultural Exchange:

Education and cultural exchange bridge gaps and foster understanding. Programs
promoting tolerance, empathy, and intercultural dialogue dismantle stereotypes,
nurturing peace. Technological advancements enable global connectivity,
promoting peaceful coexistence through the exchange of ideas and perspectives.

Challenges and the Path Ahead:

Challenges persist on the path to world
peace. Conflicts, terrorism, economic
disparities, and environmental degradation threaten stability. Collective action is
needed from governments, organizations, and individuals. Prioritizing diplomacy,
dialogue, and mediation is crucial. Promoting development, reducing inequalities,
and addressing conflict root causes will create a more peaceful world. Investing in
education, cultural exchange, and empowering marginalized communities fosters
understanding and tolerance.

 New Challenge

Climate Change: Climate change remains one of the most pressing global
issues. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and
the loss of biodiversity pose significant challenges to ecosystems,
economies, and human well-being. Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions, transition to renewable energy sources, and adapt to the
changing climate are crucial.
Economic Inequality: The gap between the rich and the poor
continues to widen, both within and between countries.
Economic inequality affects access to education, healthcare,
and basic necessities, leading to social unrest and disparities
in opportunities. Addressing poverty, promoting inclusive
economic growth, and reducing income inequality are vital
challenges.

Environmental Degradation: Beyond climate change, other

forms of environmental degradation, including deforestation,
pollution, loss of biodiversity, and resource depletion,
continue to threaten ecosystems and livelihoods. Sustainable
development practices, conservation efforts, and
responsible resource management are crucial for preserving
the planet.
Thank you for listening!