1914 is a turning point in world history. Thepolitical and social processes that began in 1789culminated in the First World War that brokeout in that year and decisively shaped the courseof the twentieth century. Historians thereforecall this as ‘the long nineteenth century’. Thiswas the first industrial war that drew on the
economic resources of the entire world, and alsoaffected large sections of the civilian population.The political map of the world was redrawn.Three major empires lay shattered by the endof the War: Germany, Austria–Hungary, and
the Ottomans. The biggest outcome of the Warwas the Russian Revolution. It was a uniqueevent as well as the first revolution of its kindin world history. For the first time, countriestried to bring about world peace through theLeague of Nations. In this lesson, we discuss thecircumstances leading to the outbreak of the
First World War and its repercussions, includingthe Russian Revolution and the formation of an international peace organisation, namely the League of Nations.
The aim of capitalistic industry was toproduce more and more. The surplus wealth
thus produced was used to build more factories,railways, steamships and other such undertakings.Revolution in the means of communication andtransportation in the latter half of the nineteenthcentury facilitated the process of Europeanexpansion in Africa and other places.A striking feature of nineteenth centurywas that Europe emerged as the dominantpower while Asia and Africa were colonizedand exploited. Within Europe, England helda pre-eminent position as the world leader of capitalism. An ever-growing demand for markets and raw materials made the capitalist powers race around the world for expanding their empire for
exploitation.
In Asia, Japan during this period (Meijiera from 1867 to 1912), imitating Western
nations had become their equal in manyrespects. Though the outlook of the rulers
still remained feudal, Japan took to Westerneducation and machinery. With a modern armyand navy, Japan had emerged as an advancedindustrialised power. In 1894 she forced a war on China. The crushing defeat of China by little Japan in the Sino-Japanese War (1894-95)surprised the world. Despite the warning of the
three great powers Russia, Germany and France– Japan annexed the Liaotung peninsula with Port Arthur. By this action Japan proved that it was the strongest nation of the East Asia.Japan, however, in view of the pressuremounted by European Powers, soon gave up itsclaim over Port Arthur. Russia took advantage
of this and sent a large army to Manchuria.Japan entered into an alliance with England in 1902 and demanded that Russia withdraw troops from Manchuria. Russia underestimated Japan. In 1904 the war began between the two countries. In this Russo-Japanese War, Japan defeated Russia and got back Port Arthur. After
this War Japan entered the “circle of the great Powers”.
10th class| Social |2nd Revision Exam 2024 | Original Question Paper
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