1. History 20: How to Think About History
Unit 3: Imperialism in Africa & World War I

2. Events are the products of other events
Causation
Events are the products of other events
Imperialism is what happens when one country meets its own needs at the expense of another
England and France dominated the Ottoman Empire to prevent Russia from moving into the Balkans
Belgium established a colony in Congo to exploit its vast mineral wealth

3. Change is ongoing and ever present
Austria, French, German, Russian, and English diplomats ultimately decided to go to war in
Citizens of these countries initially went to war believing it would be a short conflict
As the war dragged on citizens began questioning the wisdom and authority of their governments
New political movements emerged to replace the “old” political parties like the Liberals and Conservatives, e.g. Socialist political parties
Once the war was over, people no longer unquestioningly accept the authority of traditional elites, e.g. kings, political parties, etc.
Some historians argue World War I resulted in the cynicism and the inability of people to trust authority today

4. Continuity connects different historical periods and developments
World War I was a “dress rehearsal” for World War II
The same sides faced off against one another, e.g. Germany against France/England
The Treaty of Versailles didn’t end World War I so much as create another reason to go to war again twenty years later

5. History is not a science but a perspective or story
Perspectives & Biases
History is not a science but a perspective or story
Germany was forced to sign the Treaty of Versailles and accept the “war guilt clause”
Some historians argue Germany’s unqualified support of Austria- Hungary prevented a peaceful resolution to a diplomatic crisis making war inevitable
Other historians argue it’s impossible to pin the responsibility for starting the war on one nation
Russia wanted war in order to restore its reputation as a great power following their defeat at the hands of Japan
France wanted revenge for losing the Franco-Prussian war and to get Alsace-Lorraine back
Germany openly competed with England for naval supremacy