4.1 Overview
Completion requirements
Legacies of Ultranationalism
Both propaganda posters above (published in 1942) depict anti-Japanese and anti-Axis messages during World War II. Considering how propaganda was used in World War I, how are these posters different in their purpose for the viewer? How are
each poster's techniques (review the tutorial How to Read a Picture) different from World War I propaganda?
As you learned at the end of Unit 3, while the Allied nations took measures to prevent another war, the reparations and blame directed at Germany at the end of World War I resulted in many Germans losing their pride, resenting clauses in the Treaty of Versailles, and kindling a desire to regain power. This, in part, led to the 1919 creation and growth of the National Socialist German Workers' Party (Nazi Party). In addition, many nations post-World War I were too involved in affairs at home, rebuilding infrastructure, stabilizing their economies, and taking care of their own citizens to enforce many of the Treaty's punishments.
In Unit 4, the focus is on Related Issue 2.
Should nations pursue national interest?
Before we continue, let us take a closer look at the two title words for Unit 4.
Legacy (Legacies)A legacy is the impact or effect that is left behind. A legacy could include the footprint people make upon their global community, environment, culture, or nation. We often examine the legacies left behind by others in an effort to help shape our own actions.Some legacies have been positive, such as peace movements and medical advancements, while others have been destructive, such as poor environmental practices, nuclear warfare, and assimilation of FNMI people. Either way, humans leave large footprints on the world. As a result of our study of legacies, you will hopefully be motivated to take part in activities that allow you to leave a beneficial legacy. |
UltranationalismNationalism is a strong sense of national identity, while still allowing for respect of the national identities of others.Ultranationalism is an extreme form of nationalism, and is characterized by
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But what legacies (lasting effects) can a nation leave?
Review the characteristics of ultranationalism (above). As you can see, many of the characteristics are essentially negative, and some can be destructive, particularly if they are seen as socially-desired actions by the ultranationalist group. Sometimes, our collective pride in belonging to a group and our need to express this pride can lead us to extreme actions against others. Is it possible for nations to be affected by ultranationalism this way?World War I was referred to as the "war to end all wars" because WWI was unprecedented in its high casualty rates. In addition, France and Britain wanted to ensure Germany was punished so severely at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919 that Germany would never be able to wage war again. Although American President Woodrow Wilson called for a less harsh treatment of Germany, he was largely ignored by the citizens of France and Britain, who were intent on revenge and demanded their leaders make Germany pay.
Mass demonstration in front of the Reichstag (German parliament building in Berlin, the capital city of Germany) against the Treaty of Versailles, 1919
© Library of Congress
When the Treaty of Versailles was published in 1918, many of its clauses were included based on the Allies views of Germany's ultranationalist actions.
A clause particularly hated by German nationalists was the "war guilt" clause, which blamed Germany for starting World War I. There was nothing to be done about the clause because Germany had not been part of the peace negotiations, so Germany had to accept the blame or be invaded by the Allies.
A blow had been struck by the Allies against German national pride, and in the years after World War I, German nationalism turned into ultranationalism.
Reflection
| Tip: Throughout the course, you will be asked to reflect on certain questions or issues. While the “Reflect” sections are not part of your course mark, they help you consider your own perspectives and ideas prior to going through the unit. When you encounter the "Reflect" sections, brainstorm your own perspectives and ideas, and record these impressions in your notes. Review the tutorial How to Take Notes to review note-taking methods for Social Studies 20-2. |
Read the two quotes below, and respond to the Reflect questions that follow.
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"During the time of my struggle for power, it was in the first instance only the Jewish race that received my prophecies with laughter when I said that I would one day take over the leadership of the
state
and with it that of the whole
nation
and that I would then
among other things settle the Jewish problem."
Adolf Hitler, fascist dictator of Nazi Germany, 1933 to 1945
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"Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere. When human lives are endangered, when human dignity is in jeopardy, national borders and sensitivities become irrelevant. Wherever men and women are persecuted because of their race, religion, or political views, that place must — at that moment — become the center of the universe... And action is the only remedy to indifference, the most insidious danger of all."
Elie Wiesel, Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, 1986
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Read Hitler's quote (left), and then Wiesel's quote (right) during his Nobel acceptance speech over 40 years later. Ask yourself about the legacies of World War I, and answer the questions that follow.
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Wilson's vision of a world with open diplomacy and a League of Nations that would provide an international setting for open discussion and conflict resolution was the legacy he wanted to leave for future generations. However, not all good ideas take hold. A worldwide economic crisis (the Great Depression) and another world war would occur to make nations examine how they expressed their national interests.
"What we demand in this war, therefore, is nothing peculiar to
ourselves. It is that the world be made fit and safe to live in; and
particularly that it be made safe for every peace-loving nation which,
like our own, wishes to live its own life, determine its own
institutions, be assured of justice and fair dealing by the other
peoples of the world as against force and selfish aggression. All the
peoples of the world are in effect partners in this interest, and for
our own part we see very clearly that unless justice be done to others
it will not be done to us".
President Woodrow Wilson, Speech of USA Congress, 1918
The Interwar Years (the time between the end of World War I (1918) and the beginning of World War II (1939)) saw the growth of ultranationalism, not just in Germany but in Italy and Japan as well. Their ultranationalism led them (and the rest of the world) into another world war — World War II.
| All Overview pages in Social 20-2 have a Checklist (at the top of the Overview page) that specifies the assignments, quizzes, and forums that students must complete. Download the Unit 4 Checklist to keep track of your progress before moving onto the next page. |