AP World History POD #24 – Europe Clings to Relevance Total War

Class Discussion Questions McKay – “The Home Front”, pp

What is the relationship between the outbreak of the Great War and the Industrial Revolution? The Industrial Revolution created new methods to mass produce goodsThe Industrial Revolution created new methods to mass produce goods The Industrial Revolution created cheaper products with improved qualityThe Industrial Revolution created cheaper products with improved quality The Great War saw the creation of new methods to improve the efficiency of killing (machine gun, gas etc.)The Great War saw the creation of new methods to improve the efficiency of killing (machine gun, gas etc.)

What are the key events in the evolution of the Great War? First Battle of the Marne - the Belgians, French, and British fought bravely stifling the original efforts of the Schlieffen Plan / it should be noted that at one point French reserves were sent to the front in taxicabsFirst Battle of the Marne - the Belgians, French, and British fought bravely stifling the original efforts of the Schlieffen Plan / it should be noted that at one point French reserves were sent to the front in taxicabs Trench Warfare - French resistance at the Marne brought about the onset of brutal trench warfare / With the start of trench warfare human losses were staggering and territorial gains minimalTrench Warfare - French resistance at the Marne brought about the onset of brutal trench warfare / With the start of trench warfare human losses were staggering and territorial gains minimal Russian Backwardness - they were backwards and undersupplied / the Germans were easily able to advance into RussiaRussian Backwardness - they were backwards and undersupplied / the Germans were easily able to advance into Russia Italian Switch (May 1915) - Italy an original member of the Triple Alliance joined the Triple Entente of Russia, France, and Great BritainItalian Switch (May 1915) - Italy an original member of the Triple Alliance joined the Triple Entente of Russia, France, and Great Britain Ottoman Empire (1918) - the British army smashed the Ottoman Empire / the Ottoman Empire fell apartOttoman Empire (1918) - the British army smashed the Ottoman Empire / the Ottoman Empire fell apart United States Entry (April 1917) - joined the allied powers in defense of neutral shipping rights / German U-Boats sunk numerous vessels (Lusitania) as it attempted to blockade Great Britain forcing submission / the balance of power tipped to the Triple Entente / victory was inevitableUnited States Entry (April 1917) - joined the allied powers in defense of neutral shipping rights / German U-Boats sunk numerous vessels (Lusitania) as it attempted to blockade Great Britain forcing submission / the balance of power tipped to the Triple Entente / victory was inevitable

What is total war? –August people greeted war enthusiastically –War support contributed to national unity and an energetic war effort –Each country experienced a desperate demand for men and women –Each nation faced shortages as pre war Europe had depended on foreign trade and an international division of labor –Government began to control economic and social life to meet its’ war needs –Free capitalism was temporarily abandoned and replaced by government planning boards who prioritized war demands –Rationing, price, and wage controls and even restrictions on workers freedom of movement were imposed by the government –Women went to work in factories (they were later rewarded with the right to vote after the war) –Labor unions gained power and prestige –War promoted greater social equality as class distinctions were weakened –The aristocratic labor of skilled workers were spared as they were needed at home to train new workers- the rest of society was destroyed in the trenches –Propaganda was used to increase support for the war

What were the strengths and weaknesses each of the major powers brought to the Great War? Great Britain – Industrial and Imperial PowerGreat Britain – Industrial and Imperial Power Germany – Industrial and Imperial Power / New Military Technology (U-Boat) / surrounded by enemiesGermany – Industrial and Imperial Power / New Military Technology (U-Boat) / surrounded by enemies France – Home Field Advantage / too weak to stop the German offensive on their ownFrance – Home Field Advantage / too weak to stop the German offensive on their own Russia - Russian Winter / Lack of Technology and IndustryRussia - Russian Winter / Lack of Technology and Industry United States – New energy and Industrial Power / IsolatedUnited States – New energy and Industrial Power / Isolated

What is the relationship between the Great War and capitalism? Capitalism was predicated on competition. This manifested itself in imperialism and the competition for world resources and markets. This competition eventually brought the European nations into direct conflict and war with each other.Capitalism was predicated on competition. This manifested itself in imperialism and the competition for world resources and markets. This competition eventually brought the European nations into direct conflict and war with each other.

What is the relationship between Great War and socialism? Socialism allows for government control over the economy. In order to regulate the war effort governments had to employ “War Socialism” in order to ensure that the troops at the front would continue to be supplied.Socialism allows for government control over the economy. In order to regulate the war effort governments had to employ “War Socialism” in order to ensure that the troops at the front would continue to be supplied. Socialism was successful in providing for the war effort. People were now interested in experimenting with it as a means to improve and provide for their daily life away from the war.Socialism was successful in providing for the war effort. People were now interested in experimenting with it as a means to improve and provide for their daily life away from the war.

What were the effects of war weariness on Europe and the war effort? –began to set in by 1916 –support for the war began to wane –ALL elements of society became disgruntled