Major Historical Policies and Conflicts: 18th to 20th Century

Enlightened Despotism in the 18th Century

During the mid-18th century, the philosophical ideas of the Enlightenment spread widely. These philosophies considered that equality and tolerance should be the basis of human relationships. Such ideas influenced some European monarchs. These rulers fostered a new form of government: Enlightened Despotism.

This system aimed to implement reforms for the benefit of all subjects, but without their direct participation ('everything for the people, nothing by the people'). This era promoted significant economic and social reforms.

The Treaty of Versailles (1919)

The Treaty of Versailles was the most important agreement regulating peace with Germany following World War I.

Consequences of the Treaty:

• The victorious powers held Germany responsible for the conflict.
• Germany suffered significant territorial losses, and its colonial empire was dismantled.
• The German army was severely reduced.
• Germany was required to pay substantial war reparations, which led to further economic hardship and the loss of key industrial areas.

The intervention of the United Kingdom was decisive in the resolution of the peace crisis.

Pre-War Alliances: Triple Alliance and Triple Entente

These were the major political-military alliances preceding World War I:

The Triple Entente

Composed of France, Russia, and Great Britain.

The Triple Alliance

Composed of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.

Nazi Anti-Semitic Policy and Racial Ideology

The Nazi Party's anti-Semitic policies hardened significantly, driven by the belief that the German people constituted a superior race. The Nazis asserted that only racial cleansing would create the unified nation they desired, a nation intent on conquering the world.

The New Economic Policy (NEP)

Following the end of the Civil War, the resulting economic crisis caused widespread malaise among the population. Lenin approved the New Economic Policy (NEP), which aimed to implement a mixed economy operating between capitalism and socialism.

NEP Objectives and Outcomes:

• The primary objective was to restore production and appease the peasantry, which resulted in production increasing by 100%.
• Small businesses were also granted freedom of operation.

The Morocco Crises (Precursors to World War I)

Opposition to the creation of a French protectorate in Morocco led to two major international crises.

First Moroccan Crisis (1905)

Kaiser Wilhelm II, driven by expansionist ideas, landed in Tangier. This action caused a conflict which was ultimately resolved by the Algeciras Conference (1906).

Second Moroccan Crisis (Agadir Crisis, 1911)

The second crisis erupted when German troops landed in Agadir to force economic agreements, managing to expand their territories slightly in the process. These German offensives strengthened the Anglo-French alliance, increased the international isolation of Germany, and heightened Franco-German tensions.