3.3.3 War
Completion requirements
3.3.3 War
How should contemporary society respond to the legacies of historical globalization?
Competition leads to conflict. During the era known as the New Imperialism of the 19th century, nations competed for territory and economic power. This led to conflict and then to war. World War I or the Great War involved fighting on land and sea and in the air, and it lasted from 1914 until 11:00 a.m., November 11, 1918.
World War I was a total war:
War and industrialization: New technology invented during the Industrial Revolution made transportation and communication easier, so troops and weapons could reach their targets more efficiently. The airplane took the fight to the skies, and ships formerly used to move goods and resources were used in battle. Gas attacks killed thousands, and improved weapons increased significantly the number of deaths.
War and imperialism: The nations of Europe brought their colonies into the conflict. In some cases, soldiers from the colonies fought beside their European masters. In others, they supplied food products, arms, and financial support.
Think about how the fight for colonies changed the course of history. At the end of the brutal four-year World War I, more than 15 million people were dead, nations were in ruins, and four empires had collapsed.
World War I was a total war:
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Countries used all their resources to destroy others.
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Factories that had made consumer items were used to make weapons.
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The media was used to encourage people to support the war effort.
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Civilians produced weapons.
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Agricultural production focused on the war effort.
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Citizens were encouraged to invest in war bonds (loans to the government).
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Cultural sites were targeted.
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Civilians were killed.
War and industrialization: New technology invented during the Industrial Revolution made transportation and communication easier, so troops and weapons could reach their targets more efficiently. The airplane took the fight to the skies, and ships formerly used to move goods and resources were used in battle. Gas attacks killed thousands, and improved weapons increased significantly the number of deaths.
War and imperialism: The nations of Europe brought their colonies into the conflict. In some cases, soldiers from the colonies fought beside their European masters. In others, they supplied food products, arms, and financial support.
Image from Wikipedia under GNU Licence
Imperialism was not the only cause of World War I, but it was an important one. Most of the fighting occurred in Europe and parts of the Middle East.
The war was truly global and involved almost the entire world.
The war was truly global and involved almost the entire world.
Reflect
Think about how the fight for colonies changed the course of history. At the end of the brutal four-year World War I, more than 15 million people were dead, nations were in ruins, and four empires had collapsed.