Key Events and Crises Early 20th Century
Russian Revolution
Revolution of 1905
- Russian defeat in the Russo-Japanese War
- Revolutionary movement versus Tsarist regime collapse
- Workers marched, faced the Army, leading to the Bloody Sunday Massacre
Russian Civil War (1918-1921)
- Civil War based on ideological differences (Reds vs. Whites)
- Winner: Red Army (after 3 years)
Creation of the USSR
- After civil war, low production levels and hunger
- Introduction of the New Economic Policy (1921)
- The USSR appeared in 1922
- Leader: Lenin (and later Stalin)
Europe After the Great War
Emergence of Totalitarianism (Causes)
- Political Instability: Result of World War I (clash of absolutist vs. democratic ideas)
- Economic and Social Issues: Economies declined after WWI
- Examples: Italian Fascism, German Nazism
Fascism
A political movement and social system. Totalitarianism appeared in Italy after WWI in the 20th Century.
The fascist state is characterized by:
- Foreign Policy Control
- Economic Control
- Social Control
Nationalism
A movement and political regime adopting an extreme form of dictatorship.
The Nazi State
- No individual freedom
- Suppression of political opposition
- Secret state police
- Concentration camps
The New Consumer Society
Economic recovery led to new forms of consumption:
- Private credit funds
- Installment plans (credit sales)
- Essential role of advertising
- Changes in daily life and customs (fashion, sports, lifestyle)
- American model exported to Europe
The Crash of 1929
Causes included:
- Post-WWI overproduction, leading companies to reduce output
- Stock speculation: buying shares at a low price to sell them later for profit
October 24, 1929: Many shares for sale, panic among buyers. Share prices dropped drastically, leading to the Stock Market Crash.
Great Depression
Caused by a combination of economic, social, and political factors.