Emergency Chapter 29 Notes, Mr. Bartula
World War I ended November 11, 1918. Peace treaties signed during 1919-1920, the most important being
the Treaty of Versailles between the Allies and Germany.
The Treaty of Versailles and the other treaties were primarily written by the Big 4:
Woodrow Wilson, President of US
David Lloyd-George, British Prime Minister
Georges Clemenceau, French Premier
Vittorio Orlando, Italian Prime Minister
Germans not allowed to participate in treaty writing, nor Russia (had pulled out of World War I early
1918).
Wilson’s Fourteen Points, issued during War, called for self-determination of peoples, no secret treaties,
fair treatment for defeated nations, establishment of League of Nations. Wilson an idealist, stubborn,
regarded as impractical by other Big 4 leaders.
Treaty of Versailles forced Germany to disarm except for self-defense force, give up colonies, navy. Land
taken from Germany and given to France, Poland, reparations. A League of Nations was established in
Treaty of Versailles, but US refused to join, therefore the League was never able to enforce its decisions or
maintain peace.
Other peace treaties after World War I broke up Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire. New independent
states were created from land taken from Russia, Germany, Austria-Hungary. Poland given access to sea by
dividing German territory. Peace treaties created new tensions which led to future conflict.
1920s a time of peace, optimism, some prosperity in West, hope that future conflicts could be avoided. The
Locarno Pact of 1922 between France and Germany seemed to make war impossible. The Kellogg-Briand
Pact of 1928, signed by US and many other nations, outlawed war. Unenforceable. New nations unstable,
many jealousies over boundaries, etc.
Italy a victorious country in World War I, but disappointed in outcome of treaties. 1921 Benito Mussolini
seized power and implemented Fascism in Italy. Fascism: Aggressive nationalism/racism, militarism,
strong powerful state all important, totalitarian rule.
Japan now leading Asian power, building Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere (Japanese Empire),
dominated by war lords, Fascist type leadership from 1920s on.
US gained power and influence because of powerful economy, particularly in Latin America , but
isolationist and opposed to making war in future.
Mexico, underwent revolution in 1910, caudillo Porfirio Diaz forced out by democratic leader Francisco
Madero, who was assassinated in 1913. Wilson Administration supported Madero, however US business
interests with heavy Mexican investments supported more conservative leadership. After 1917 the
Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) gained power and dominated Mexican politics until 2000.
Russian Revolution March 1917 (February Revolution) overthrew Tsar Nicholas II and installed liberal
democratic government led by Alexander Kerensky, who insisted Russia remain in war, causing him to lose
support among Russian people. Vladimir Lenin and other Bolsheviks (Communists) returned to Russia
with German help in April 1917, began to work against new Russian democracy. November 1917, Lenin
seized power (October Revolution) with assistance of Leon Trotsky. Russia left war, Bolsheviks instituted
Marxist economics (war communism), which caused economic collapse. New Economic Policy then put
into place to allow some capitalism, private ownership. Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (Soviet Union)
established 1922. Lenin died 1924, succeeded by Joseph Stalin (Trotsky exiled and later assassinated).
Stalin took a more nationalistic view of communism, focused on building industry through Five Year Plans
and on collectivization of agriculture (destruction of kulaks, other landowners).
India remained jewel in the crown of British Empire after World War I, but nationalist/pro-independence
movement growing. Congress Party dominated by Hindus, Muslim League by Muslims, distrust between
religious groups prevented cooperation against British. British promised self-government during World
War I, but failed to deliver after war ended. Amritsar Massacre 1919 caused more unrest. Mohandas
Gandhi (Mahatma) became leader of independence movement in 1920s. Western educated, lawyer, Hindu
holy man who was trusted by Muslims. Practiced satyagraha: non-violent non-cooperation, passive
resistance, civil disobedience. Sit down strikes, hunger strikes.
Middle East: Rather than allowing Arab states independence, League of Nation mandates were set up by
French and British. (Oil). Created disappointment, unrest among Muslims. Increasing number of Jewish
settlers in Palestine (Zionism) creates further unrest among Muslims.
Africa: Nationalist pressures creates Pan-African Movement (independence , decolonization movement)
hampered by leadership from non-native Africans (primarily US and Caribbean citizens). Continued racial
attitudes by Westerners meant most Europeans thought Africans incapable of governing themselves. Small
or non-existent middle classes in most African colonies meant no stable leadership available for
independence movement.
China: During World War I technically on Allied side, did not take part in conflict. Still divided into
spheres of influence under foreign domination. May Fourth Movement (1919) was a call for westernization
or modernization of Chinese society, failure. Guomindang or Chinese Nationalist Party formed after 1912
Revolution, by 1920s led by Chiang Kai-shek. Focused efforts and looked for support among urban areas,
ignored needs of peasantry. Chinese Marxism became important under leadership of Mao Zedong. Maoism
modification of Marxism, looks to rural peasants to lead Revolution (Classical Marxism focused on urban
proletariat to lead Revolution. Leninism looked to small, well organized elites to lead Revolution).
Civil War between Guomindang, Chinese Communists began 1920s. By late 1920s Mao and other
Communists in retreat on Long March, appeared to indicate final victory of Guomindang.