Global Transformations: Imperialism to Interwar Period

Key Historical Events (1870-1939)

• Second Industrial Revolution: 1870-1930
• Berlin Conference: 1885
• Triple Alliance: 1882
• Triple Entente: 1907
• First World War: 1914-1918
• Peace of Paris: 1919
• Interwar Period: 1919-1939
• Russian Revolution: 1917
• Russian Civil War: 1918-1921
• Creation of the USSR: 1922
• Wall Street Crash: 1929
• Electoral Victory of Roosevelt: 1932
• Founding of the National Fascist Party: 1921

Causes of Imperialism (Late 19th - Early 20th Century)

Imperialism, while present from the 16th to 18th centuries, saw new drivers emerge between 1870 and early 1924. This period, leading up to the First World War, produced significant changes in economic relations. The crisis of 1873-1879 led to the evolution of protectionism, which in turn fueled the need for new markets, new industries, and increased investments from European countries. Key factors driving this era of imperialism included:

• Economic Shifts and Protectionism

  The crisis of 1873-1879 spurred a shift towards protectionism, necessitating the acquisition of new markets and raw materials to sustain industrial growth and investments in European nations.

• Population Growth in Europe

  Europe's population experienced substantial growth, rising from 1815 to 450 million, creating pressure for new territories and resources.

• Advancements in Transport and Trade

  The development of new means of transport and powerful commercial companies, along with chambers of commerce, were among the first to establish themselves in colonies. Their primary aim was to improve the economy of the metropolis by exploiting colonial resources and markets.

Key Historical Terms Defined

• Fascism

  A political regime in Italy between 1922 and 1945, where power was held by the National Fascist Party, led by Benito Mussolini. The term "Fascism" was initially used for a political group, then for the regime, and subsequently for the ideology itself.

• Imperialism

  The political and economic control exercised by some countries over others. The most powerful nations aspired to be world powers, taking advantage of economic opportunities, strategic advantages, and the human and material resources of colonies to strengthen their global position.

• Autarky

  An economic system in which a state relies exclusively on its own resources, aiming for self-sufficiency.

• Stalinism

  This term refers to the totalitarian government of Joseph Stalin in the Soviet Union, supported by the Communist Party. It established a regime of police terror and repression, eliminating anyone suspected of opposing the regime.

• Colonialism

  The influence or domination of one country by another more powerful nation. This can occur violently, through military invasion, or subtly, without direct recourse to force.

• Treaty of Versailles

  A peace treaty signed at the end of World War I, officially ending the state of war between Germany and the Allied Powers on June 28, 1919. Germany and its allies accepted full moral and material responsibility for causing the war. The treaty was undermined from early 1922 and effectively violated by events in Germany in the 1930s with the rise of Adolf Hitler.