lesson 1

Lesson 1Lesson 1

Period 1Period 1

Introduction to Introduction to History of the Modern WorldHistory of the Modern World

History SyllabusHistory Syllabus

Pure History Pure History 2020thth century World century World

History (2009)History (2009) Selected South-Selected South-

east Asian History: east Asian History: Malaya, Indonesia Malaya, Indonesia and Vietnam and Vietnam (2010)(2010)

Elective HistoryElective History 2020thth century World century World

History (2009 + History (2009 + 2010)2010)

Course OutlineCourse Outline

Covers a period which spans about a Covers a period which spans about a century. Late 19century. Late 19thth century to late 20 century to late 20thth century. century.

Looks at Europe, Asia, AmericaLooks at Europe, Asia, America WWI, WWII, Cold War and the periods WWI, WWII, Cold War and the periods

in between.in between. Important concepts: Important concepts: Colonialism + Colonialism +

NationalismNationalism; ; Capitalism + Capitalism + CommunismCommunism

Colonialism

Unequal RelationshipBetween Colonial Master

And colonised

Colonies adopt language, culture, Architecture, governing systems of

The colonial masters

Colonies are modelledAfter the Metropolis

Peaceful or violent

Colonial Masters rule overlocal inhabitants

Colonies need to provide rawMaterials and resources for the

Metropolis (Centre of the empire)Core vs. Periphery

Treaties signed allowingA country to rule over another.

Either by agreement or by conquest

Nationalism

Against Colonialism

Can be Xenophobic(“Them/Other)

Strong national Identity.‘We’/Self

Peaceful or violent

Local inhabitants should Rule themselves

Strong desire to defendNation from foreign

Invaders/excessive influence of Another country.

Nationalist Movements

The 2 CsThe 2 Cs

CapitalismCapitalism Private OwnershipPrivate Ownership Free-market Free-market

economyeconomy Supporters: Middle Supporters: Middle

Class + ElitesClass + Elites

CommunismCommunism State OwnershipState Ownership Centrally-planned Centrally-planned

economy economy Supporters: Supporters:

Working class + Working class + PoorPoor

BackgroundBackground Age of exploration (early modern: 15Age of exploration (early modern: 15thth-17-17thth

century) leading on to growth of Empires century) leading on to growth of Empires ((ColonisationColonisation) during the 18) during the 18thth-19-19thth century. century.

Age of modernity saw the birth of Age of modernity saw the birth of NationalismNationalism (Beginning with French (Beginning with French Revolution 1789). Revolution 1789).

Previously people thought in terms of Previously people thought in terms of parochial/local concerns. (village/province)parochial/local concerns. (village/province)

Emergence of collective identity and sense Emergence of collective identity and sense of nation. (Formation of Germany 1871, of nation. (Formation of Germany 1871, Italy 1870)Italy 1870)

Nationalist movements spread from Nationalist movements spread from America (War of Independence 1775-1783) America (War of Independence 1775-1783) to Europe to Asia. to Europe to Asia.

Looking back on the 20Looking back on the 20thth Century Century

““If I had to sum up the 20If I had to sum up the 20thth century, I century, I would say that it raised the greatest would say that it raised the greatest hopes ever conceived by humanity, hopes ever conceived by humanity, and destroyed all illusions and and destroyed all illusions and ideals.”ideals.”

~Yehudin Menuhin~Yehudin Menuhin

Looking back on the 20Looking back on the 20thth century century

““The most fundamental thing is the The most fundamental thing is the progress of science, which has been progress of science, which has been truly extraordinary…This is what truly extraordinary…This is what characterises our century.”characterises our century.”

~ Severo Ochoa (Nobel Laureate, ~ Severo Ochoa (Nobel Laureate, Science, Spain)Science, Spain)


““In spite of everything there have In spite of everything there have been revolutions for the better in this been revolutions for the better in this century…the rise of the fourth century…the rise of the fourth estate, and the emergence of women estate, and the emergence of women after centuries of repression.” after centuries of repression.”

~ Rita Levi Montalcini (Nobel Laureate, ~ Rita Levi Montalcini (Nobel Laureate, writer, Italy)writer, Italy)


““Historians can’t answer this Historians can’t answer this question (about what characterises question (about what characterises the 20the 20thth century). For me the century). For me the twentieth century is only the ever-twentieth century is only the ever-renewed effort to understand it.”renewed effort to understand it.”

~ Franco Venturi (historian, Italy)~ Franco Venturi (historian, Italy)

KIVKIV

How would you characterise How would you characterise the 20the 20thth century? century?

General ThemesGeneral Themes

History of the Modern World as being History of the Modern World as being a a paradoxparadox (contradictory): (contradictory):

Modernity supposed to herald Modernity supposed to herald progressprogress e.g. of the sciences, to the e.g. of the sciences, to the benefit of Mankind but it also benefit of Mankind but it also indirectly contributed to atrocities indirectly contributed to atrocities committed against Man (e.g. Nuclear committed against Man (e.g. Nuclear weapons).weapons).


The Modern World as being The Modern World as being increasingly increasingly interconnectedinterconnected - - Globalisation. Globalisation.

This has brought about This has brought about benefitsbenefits of of increased mobility of trade, people increased mobility of trade, people etc, but also the etc, but also the tensionstensions arriving arriving from this increasing competition.from this increasing competition.

Emergence of ‘global’ threats (threats Emergence of ‘global’ threats (threats that are not isolated to a particular that are not isolated to a particular place).place).


World being pulled in different World being pulled in different directions:directions:

Cooperation v competitionCooperation v competition Peace v WarPeace v War Outward v inward lookingOutward v inward looking Liberation of Man v continued Liberation of Man v continued

oppression of Manoppression of Man

Historical pattern:Historical pattern:

Any big event (e.g. War, Any big event (e.g. War, revolutions, economic crisis) will revolutions, economic crisis) will

have political, economic and have political, economic and social repercussions. social repercussions.

Political History1) Big political eventsE.g. Political upheaval

War. Changes in governance

2) Concerned with key politicalfigures and ideas

“Great Man History”

Economic History1) Study of past economies

and events that affect economy, jobs, etc.E.g. Industrial Revolution, Great Depression

2) Concern with economic forces

Social History1) How society was ordered

(Class, gender relations, myths, conventions)

2)How common people lived their daily lives, E.g. Response to political + economic

changes, fashion, food etc.

ExpectationsExpectations 1) 1) Taking perspectivesTaking perspectives, both important , both important

as a historical and as an inter-personal as a historical and as an inter-personal skill. skill.

I.e. Put yourself in the shoes of others I.e. Put yourself in the shoes of others (historical figures, teacher, other (historical figures, teacher, other classmates)classmates)

I.e. Be respectful of others. (Handing in I.e. Be respectful of others. (Handing in your work on time, listen to others when your work on time, listen to others when they are speaking.)they are speaking.)

2) 2) Personal IntegrityPersonal Integrity, being honest , being honest despite the cost.despite the cost.

Expectations cont.Expectations cont. 3) 3) Personal ResponsibilityPersonal Responsibility, ensuring , ensuring

that you have handed in your work on that you have handed in your work on time, and have done it to the best of your time, and have done it to the best of your ability. ability.

4) 4) Concern for one anotherConcern for one another, keeping , keeping each other accountable, encouraging each each other accountable, encouraging each other to move on in spite of failures. other to move on in spite of failures.

Aim: To achieve a conducive learning Aim: To achieve a conducive learning environmentenvironment

What you can expect from History What you can expect from History lessons…lessons…

-Academically rigorous and fun. (but I -Academically rigorous and fun. (but I need your cooperation!)need your cooperation!)

-Interactive learning environment (I -Interactive learning environment (I value your feedback/suggestions for value your feedback/suggestions for improvement)improvement)

-Learning that goes beyond the -Learning that goes beyond the textbook. textbook.

http://the-historic-times.wikispaces.comhttp://the-historic-times.wikispaces.com

Some TipsSome Tips

Read ahead to prepare for the next Read ahead to prepare for the next lessonlesson

Don’t be afraid to ask questions/to Don’t be afraid to ask questions/to clarify doubts. clarify doubts.

Understanding is more important Understanding is more important than memorisingthan memorising

Detect historical patternsDetect historical patterns

Before the end of every Before the end of every lesson…lesson…

1) Spend 5 mins to do a 1) Spend 5 mins to do a mind-mapmind-map to to take stock of what you have learnt for take stock of what you have learnt for

that lesson. that lesson. 2) Try to 2) Try to organiseorganise it. it.

(Without reference to textbook/notes etc)(Without reference to textbook/notes etc)

*Good Preparation for Exams*

Issue

Factor 1

Factor 2

Alternatives?

Additional Questions?

Factor 3

ExampleOf Mind-map

Example 1

Examples?

Elaboration 1

Example 2Elaboration 2

Elaboration 1

???

Important Ideas

Liberalism

Conservatism

Feminism

Socialism

EuropeanEnlightenment

Rights of Individual

Freedom

Reason Vs.

Tradition

Democracy

Maintain Status Quo

Little socialmobility Patriarchal

Society

Strong Army

ANTIEqual political rights

For women

Middle Class

Elite

WorkingClass

EgalitarianismElimination Of status

And privilege

SocialJustice

Capitalism

Feudalism

ANTI

Communism

QuestionsQuestions

1) A Monarchy would be best supported by 1) A Monarchy would be best supported by __________ (which ideology?) __________ (which ideology?) Explain your answerExplain your answer

2) Arrange the 4 ideologies in the right order, 2) Arrange the 4 ideologies in the right order, starting with the one that emerged first, and starting with the one that emerged first, and ending with the most recent ideology. ending with the most recent ideology. Explain your answer.Explain your answer.

3) Which, in your opinion, is the most dangerous 3) Which, in your opinion, is the most dangerous ideology? ideology? Explain your answerExplain your answer

Identify one important Identify one important ideology that is missing…ideology that is missing…

OverarchingOverarching Essential Essential Question:Question:

What prompts a nation to act What prompts a nation to act in a particular way?in a particular way?

Is it strict adherence to ideology or Is it strict adherence to ideology or something? something?

Overarching Essential Overarching Essential UnderstandingUnderstanding

Nations act in accordance Nations act in accordance with their perceived national with their perceived national

interest. interest. National Interests can transcend ideological boundaries

Politics of Pragmatism. Regardless of ideological stripes/beliefs

Lesson 1Lesson 1

Period 2Period 2

Unit 1Unit 1

World War IWorld War I

World War I

What was the world like In 1914?

What happened in WWI?

What caused WWI?

How did the world Change after WWI?

1. What was the World 1. What was the World like in 1914?like in 1914?

Setting the stage for the Setting the stage for the conflictconflict

““Great Powers” – The Main Great Powers” – The Main CharactersCharacters

Britain Britain FranceFrance GermanyGermany AustriaAustria

RussiaRussia

What qualifies them as What qualifies them as

““Great Powers”?Great Powers”?

1)1) Size of empireSize of empire

2)2) Level of Level of industrialisationindustrialisation

Vast size and Vast size and populationpopulation

Other emerging powersOther emerging powers

USA USA

JapanJapan

Growing skilled Growing skilled workforce + Rich in workforce + Rich in natural resources.natural resources.

Many inventionsMany inventions

1894-5: Defeated 1894-5: Defeated China (Gained Taiwan China (Gained Taiwan + Influence over + Influence over Korea) Treaty of Korea) Treaty of ShimonosekiShimonoseki

1904-5: Defeated 1904-5: Defeated Russia (Gained parts Russia (Gained parts of Manchuria + of Manchuria + Control over Korea) Control over Korea) Treaty of PortsmouthTreaty of Portsmouth

World in 1914World in 1914

Growth of Industries (Ever since Growth of Industries (Ever since Industrial Revolution in late 18Industrial Revolution in late 18thth Century)Century)

Industrialisation leading to new Industrialisation leading to new inventions E.g. Steam engines, inventions E.g. Steam engines, railway, telegram, telephone.railway, telegram, telephone.

ExternalExternal Effects of Industrialisation Effects of Industrialisation

Economic changes leading to social and Economic changes leading to social and political changes: (Historical pattern)political changes: (Historical pattern)

Growing empires of Industrialised nations. Growing empires of Industrialised nations. A shrinking world – i.e. interconnected. // A shrinking world – i.e. interconnected. //

to Globalisation in our age. to Globalisation in our age. Increased MobilityIncreased Mobility of people (travel), of people (travel),

money (investments), information (news, money (investments), information (news, ideas, culture)ideas, culture)

Internal Effects of IndustrialisationInternal Effects of Industrialisation

Economic changes leading to social and Economic changes leading to social and political changes: (Historical pattern)political changes: (Historical pattern)

People move away from agriculture (rural People move away from agriculture (rural countryside) to get better paid jobs in the countryside) to get better paid jobs in the factory (urban towns)factory (urban towns)

Rapid growth of towns. Overcrowding + Rapid growth of towns. Overcrowding + Unsanitary living conditions + Unsanitary living conditions + discontentmentdiscontentment

Increase in literacy. Increase in literacy. Able to read and write newspapers. Able to read and write newspapers. Rapid spread of ideas. (Print Revolution)Rapid spread of ideas. (Print Revolution)

How societies were organisedHow societies were organised

Britain: Constitutional MonarchyBritain: Constitutional Monarchy France: RepublicanFrance: Republican Germany: Constitutional MonarchyGermany: Constitutional Monarchy Russia: Absolute MonarchyRussia: Absolute Monarchy (but in (but in

1905, Parliament was established.)1905, Parliament was established.) Austria-Hungary: Constitutional Austria-Hungary: Constitutional

Monarchy.Monarchy. Serbia: Constitutional MonarchySerbia: Constitutional Monarchy

Agenda for ReformAgenda for Reform

Desire to make society more Desire to make society more egalitarian. I.e Equal Opportunitiesegalitarian. I.e Equal Opportunities

Widening the franchise (who gets to Widening the franchise (who gets to vote).vote).

Aimed at giving women and working Aimed at giving women and working classes a voice in how country is run.classes a voice in how country is run.

Taking Taking powerpower away from Elite to the away from Elite to the marginalised (Power Struggle)marginalised (Power Struggle)

2. What caused WWI?2. What caused WWI?1)1) TriggerTrigger

2)2) Short Term causesShort Term causes3)3) Long Term causesLong Term causes

4)4) Why did the various countries Why did the various countries go to war?go to war?

TriggerTrigger

Assassination of Archduke Franz Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by a 19 Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by a 19 year old student Gravilo Princip (had year old student Gravilo Princip (had links to Serbian secret society “Black links to Serbian secret society “Black Hand”)Hand”)

Why did an assassination incident in Why did an assassination incident in the Balkans launch Europe into a the Balkans launch Europe into a War?War?

CausesCauses Short TermShort Term Conflict in the Balkans Conflict in the Balkans

1908/19121908/1912 Conflict in Morocco Conflict in Morocco

(Ger vs. Fr)(Ger vs. Fr) Arms Race (Ger vs. Br)Arms Race (Ger vs. Br) Alliance System (But Alliance System (But

note exception of note exception of Italy)Italy)

Long Term Long Term Weak Ottoman EmpireWeak Ottoman Empire Discontentment Discontentment

amongst Southern amongst Southern SlavsSlavs

Russia’s historic quest Russia’s historic quest for Constantinoplefor Constantinople

Rising Nationalism and Rising Nationalism and MilitarismMilitarism

Germany’s growing Germany’s growing ambitions (vs. France, ambitions (vs. France, Britain)Britain)

RelationshipsRelationships

Balkans(Southern-Slavs)

SerbiaCentre of Slavic

Nationalism

Austria-HungaryMulti-Ethnic

Russia“Protector of Slavs”

France

Britain

Germany

ItalyWeakening OttomanEmpire

(Turkey)

VS.

Why did those particular Why did those particular nations enter the fray?nations enter the fray?

Those who entered the War either Those who entered the War either sought to maintain or change the sought to maintain or change the

Status QuoStatus Quo in Europe, to the in Europe, to the benefit of their own country.benefit of their own country.

Activity 1Activity 1CommunicationCommunication

Of National AgendasOf National Agendas

Get into pairs for this activityGet into pairs for this activity

1)1) Austria-HungaryAustria-Hungary

2)2) GermanyGermany

3)3) RussiaRussia

4)4) FranceFrance

5)5) Britain Britain

6)6) Serbia Serbia

Activity 1 – Mobilising the PeopleActivity 1 – Mobilising the People

Each pair will be given a country card Each pair will be given a country card with a list of the country’s national with a list of the country’s national agendas, which led to that country agendas, which led to that country entering the War. entering the War.

You have to assume the role of the You have to assume the role of the Cultural Czar, and come up with a Cultural Czar, and come up with a convincing convincing propaganda posterpropaganda poster to to rally your countrymen behind the rally your countrymen behind the government’s decision to go to war. government’s decision to go to war.

Activity 1 cont.Activity 1 cont.

Come up with a propaganda poster Come up with a propaganda poster before next lesson.before next lesson.

Explain why you came up with a Explain why you came up with a particular sloganparticular slogan

And how it will appeal to the people. And how it will appeal to the people.

Why is it important to Why is it important to appeal to the People?appeal to the People?

I.e. Why is Popular Opinion so I.e. Why is Popular Opinion so important?important?

Why did War break out inEurope?

Lesson 1Lesson 1

Period 3Period 3

3. What happened 3. What happened during WWI?during WWI?

What happened during WWIWhat happened during WWI War on many fronts.War on many fronts. Western FrontWestern Front: Trench War fare. Bloody : Trench War fare. Bloody

Stalemate. But after Treaty of Brest-Litovsk Stalemate. But after Treaty of Brest-Litovsk Germany broke through the Western Front and Germany broke through the Western Front and advanced on Paris again. Timely help from advanced on Paris again. Timely help from America. (Wiki, Obituary: Poems 2 and 3)America. (Wiki, Obituary: Poems 2 and 3)

Eastern Front: German Army secured total victory Eastern Front: German Army secured total victory in the East. Triggered revolution in Russia. in the East. Triggered revolution in Russia.

Submarines: Used to blockade ports. To prevent Submarines: Used to blockade ports. To prevent supplies from reaching Britain/Germany to starve supplies from reaching Britain/Germany to starve the civilian population.the civilian population.

Dreadnoughts were hardly used.Dreadnoughts were hardly used.

What happened (cont.)What happened (cont.)

Some new countries (Italy + USA) Some new countries (Italy + USA) entered; others e.g. Russia left entered; others e.g. Russia left (Treaty of Brest-Litovsk 1918)(Treaty of Brest-Litovsk 1918)

The protracted war was taking a toll The protracted war was taking a toll on all parties – Stalemate. on all parties – Stalemate.

German Army was NOT defeated.German Army was NOT defeated. Truce called. Armistice. Truce called. Armistice.

Find out more:Find out more:http://www.firstworldwar.com/ihttp://www.firstworldwar.com/index.htmndex.htm

Find one piece of information about WWI (military battles, slogans etc) that interests you, and write a short paragraph in the Wiki site, (under Discussion:“Interesting snippets about WWI”) about WHY it is particularly interesting to you.

How did the World How did the World change after WWI?change after WWI?

I.e. What were the I.e. What were the effects/consequenceseffects/consequences of WWI? of WWI?

Political effects of WWIPolitical effects of WWI

Toppled existing systems of governance.Toppled existing systems of governance.(i) Russian Revolution 1917: Monarchy to Dictatorship of (i) Russian Revolution 1917: Monarchy to Dictatorship of

Proletariat. (This had social and economic repercussions)Proletariat. (This had social and economic repercussions)(ii) Kaiser abdicates in Germany 1918: Monarchy to Republic (ii) Kaiser abdicates in Germany 1918: Monarchy to Republic

(Weimar government)(Weimar government)(iii) In Hungary, a Communist Government was elected into (iii) In Hungary, a Communist Government was elected into

power in March 1919.power in March 1919. ““None of the defeated countries escaped revolution.”None of the defeated countries escaped revolution.” Creation of new political Creation of new political

nation-states/countries. (Re-drawing of the nation-states/countries. (Re-drawing of the map of Europe) “Self-determination”map of Europe) “Self-determination”

Political effects cont.Political effects cont.

American government retreats American government retreats into Isolationism.into Isolationism.

Failure of Liberalism. Failure of Liberalism. Socialism becoming increasingly Socialism becoming increasingly

popular as an alternative ideology.popular as an alternative ideology.

(Led to social changes)(Led to social changes)

Economic effectsEconomic effects

Economic dislocation. (i.e. A lot of Economic dislocation. (i.e. A lot of problems with the economy)problems with the economy)

War time expenditure led to massive War time expenditure led to massive government debt (War had been waged government debt (War had been waged beyond resources).beyond resources).

Unemployment (Factories took a while to Unemployment (Factories took a while to shift from war-time production)shift from war-time production)

Inflation of prices. (Due to shortage of Inflation of prices. (Due to shortage of goods)goods)

Low levels of international tradeLow levels of international trade

Social effectsSocial effects

Women in some countries won the Women in some countries won the right to vote. right to vote.

But the extent of the changes in But the extent of the changes in attitudes towards women’s role in attitudes towards women’s role in society is debatable. society is debatable.

Now that the men are back from war, Now that the men are back from war, women may have to return to the women may have to return to the homes. (Public v. Private spheres)homes. (Public v. Private spheres)

Psychological effectsPsychological effects

Disillusionment amongst populationDisillusionment amongst population Destroyed the notion that the Destroyed the notion that the

Western civilisation is superior. Western civilisation is superior. (Destruction of Christian values. (Destruction of Christian values. What of the ‘White-man’s burden’)What of the ‘White-man’s burden’)

Survivors have to deal with the loss Survivors have to deal with the loss of family + friendsof family + friends

Post-war trauma for ex-service menPost-war trauma for ex-service men

Activity 2Activity 2

Drawing up the terms of the Drawing up the terms of the

““Treaty of Versailles”Treaty of Versailles”

Activity 2Activity 2

You are the foreign minister of _______. You You are the foreign minister of _______. You and the other statesmen from the and the other statesmen from the victorious Allied forces are coming victorious Allied forces are coming together at the Palace in Versailles to sign together at the Palace in Versailles to sign an agreement as a form of closure to WWI.an agreement as a form of closure to WWI.

Think about your respective national Think about your respective national interests, and come up with clauses (for interests, and come up with clauses (for the Treaty) that reflects your national the Treaty) that reflects your national agenda. agenda.

The 2 sidesThe 2 sides

Winners:Winners: Britain (3)Britain (3) France (3)France (3) Italy (3)Italy (3) Japan (2)Japan (2) USA (3)USA (3) Amongst othersAmongst others

Losers: Losers: GermanyGermany AustriaAustria TurkeyTurkey BulgariaBulgaria

Treaty of VersaillesTreaty of Versailles

““Conference of Victors”Conference of Victors” Reflects national agendas of the Reflects national agendas of the

victors.victors. Aim: To keep Germany weak. Aim: To keep Germany weak. Was it a fair Treaty?Was it a fair Treaty?

Consequences of WWI

Performance TaskPerformance Task

Individual Work Individual Work - 2 mind maps (Causes + 2 mind maps (Causes +

Consequences)Consequences) Pair/Group WorkPair/Group Work- Activity 1: Reason for entering War + Activity 1: Reason for entering War +

Translation into PropagandaTranslation into Propaganda- Activity 2: National agendas + Activity 2: National agendas +

Translation into clauses for Treaty of Translation into clauses for Treaty of VersaillesVersailles

Further readingFurther reading

Eric Hobsbawm, Eric Hobsbawm, The Age of Extremes: A The Age of Extremes: A History of the World, 1914-1991,History of the World, 1914-1991, (New (New York: Vintage Books, 1996).York: Vintage Books, 1996).

James Joll, James Joll, The Origins of the First World The Origins of the First World War (2War (2ndnd ed.), ed.), (London: Longman, 1992.) (London: Longman, 1992.)

lesson 1

Documents