Unit 9 - Superpowers, supranational organisations, empires

Question 1

What is militarism?

Answer 1

Policy of building up a strong military to prepare for war, military used as a tool for diplomacy.

Question 2

What does nationalism refer to?

Answer 2

Extreme pride in one’s country, national interests should be placed above international affairs.

Question 3

What is imperialism?

Answer 3

When one country takes over another country economically and politically.

Question 4

What event triggered the start of World War I?

Answer 4

Assassination of Austrian Archduke Francis Ferdinand. (1914 june 28th)

Question 5

Causes of World War I.

Answer 5

Long term
* Alliances
* Anglo-German Rivalry
* Increase in military spending

Short term
Moroccan Crises (1905, 1911)
* Agadir Conference (1911)
* Problems in the Balkans
* Bosnian Crisis (1908)
* Balkan Wars (1912, 1913)
* Assassination at Sarajevo

Question 6

What was the U.S. stance at the beginning of World War I?

Answer 6

The U.S. announced it would remain neutral - Isolation Policy.

Question 7

What significant event occurred on May 7, 1915?

Answer 7

The British ocean liner RMS Lusitania was sunk by a German U-boat.

Question 8

What was the Zimmerman Telegram?

Answer 8

A secret message sent by Germany to entice Mexico to join the war, intercepted by the British.

Question 9

What were Woodrow Wilson’s Fourteen Points?

Answer 9

A proposal for peace including open diplomacy, free trade, disarmament, and self-determination.

Question 10

What was the primary goal of the League of Nations?

Answer 10

To ensure world peace by preventing future wars and resolving disputes diplomatically.

• Preventing future wars
• Promoting disarmament
• Encouraging cooperation
• Establishing collective security

Question 11

What was the purpose of the Marshall Plan?

Answer 11

To provide economic aid to rebuild Europe and contain communism.

Question 12

When was the United Nations founded?

Answer 12

October 24, 1945.

Question 13

What are the main purposes of the United Nations?

Answer 13

• Maintain international peace and security
• Promote human rights
• Deliver humanitarian aid
• Support sustainable development
• Uphold international law

Question 14

What are the principal organs of the United Nations?

Answer 14

• General Assembly (GA)
• Security Council (UNSC)
• Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
• International Court of Justice (ICJ)
• Trusteeship Council
• Secretariat

Question 15

Fill in the blank: The League of Nations was established as part of the _______.

Answer 15

[Treaty of Versailles]

Question 16

WW2 as a whole

Answer 16

🌍 Causes
Treaty of Versailles (1919): Harsh terms on Germany → resentment.

Rise of Totalitarian Regimes: Hitler (Germany), Mussolini (Italy), Tojo (Japan).

Expansionism: Germany invaded Poland, Japan invaded China, Italy invaded Ethiopia.

Failure of League of Nations: Could not stop aggression.

Appeasement: UK/France allowed Hitler to expand without consequence (e.g., Munich Agreement).

📅 Major Events Timeline
1939 – Germany invades Poland → Britain & France declare war.

1940 – Blitzkrieg conquers much of Europe; Battle of Britain.

1941 – Hitler invades USSR (Operation Barbarossa); Japan bombs Pearl Harbor → USA enters war.

1942–43 – Turning points: Battle of Stalingrad (USSR), El Alamein (North Africa), Midway (Pacific).

1944 – D-Day: Allied forces land in Normandy, France.

1945 – Hitler commits suicide; Germany surrenders (May); USA drops atomic bombs on Hiroshima & Nagasaki → Japan surrenders (August).

🔫 Key Theatres of War
Europe: Nazi Germany vs. Allies (UK, USSR, USA).

Pacific: USA vs. Japan.

North Africa: UK vs. Axis powers.

Air & Sea: Bombing campaigns, U-boat warfare, aircraft carriers.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Allies vs Axis
Allies: USA, USSR, UK, China, France.

Axis: Germany, Italy, Japan.

🧨 Weapons & Technology
Tanks, planes, aircraft carriers, radar, atomic bomb (Manhattan Project).

🧑‍🌾 Home Front & Impact
Total war: civilians contributed via rationing, factories, propaganda.

Women joined workforce (e.g., Rosie the Riveter).

Holocaust: 6 million Jews murdered in Nazi death camps.

📜 End of War & Consequences
Germany divided; Japan occupied.

United Nations (UN) formed to maintain peace.

Beginning of the Cold War.

Decolonization accelerates post-war.

Trials: Nuremberg Trials for Nazi war crimes.

Question 17

What was the significance of the ‘war guilt’ clause in the Treaty of Versailles?

Answer 17

It forced Germany to accept responsibility for the war.

Question 18

What was the policy of appeasement?

Answer 18

Britain and France’s strategy to allow Hitler to make territorial gains to avoid conflict.

Question 19

What did the League of Nations fail to do that contributed to its decline?

Answer 19

Failed to manage the aggression of Axis powers.

Question 20

What is the role of UN Specialized Agencies?

Answer 20

UN Specialized Agencies operate independently but are affiliated with the UN through ECOSOC.

Key agencies include WHO, UNESCO, UNICEF, WFP, ILO, IMF, World Bank, and FAO.

Question 21

What is the primary purpose of UN Peacekeeping Operations?

Answer 21

To maintain peace and protect civilians in conflict zones.

Blue Helmets are deployed in regions such as the Middle East, Africa, and the Balkans.

Question 22

What factors contributed to the USA becoming a superpower post-WWII?

Answer 22

Economic Dominance, Technological Superiority, Global Military Presence, Financial System Leadership, Political Stability, Cultural Influence, Human Capital, Natural Resource Abundance, Leadership in International Organizations, Rapid entrepreneurial movement.

Each factor played a crucial role in establishing the USA’s global influence.

Question 23

What was the significance of the Bretton Woods Agreement for the USA?

Answer 23

It established the U.S. dollar as the global reserve currency, ensuring economic leverage.

This agreement shaped international financial policies and institutions.

Question 24

What was the role of the Warsaw Pact?

Answer 24

It was formed as a counterbalance to NATO, consolidating military alliances with Eastern Bloc nations.

Established in 1955, it solidified Soviet control in Eastern Europe.

Question 25

What was the primary ideological influence of the USSR post-WWII?

Answer 25

Communist Expansion. ## Footnote The USSR supported and installed communist regimes in Eastern Europe and parts of Asia.

Question 26

What does 'spheres of influence' refer to in the context of superpowers?

Answer 26

A region or country where a superpower exerts significant political, economic, and military control. ## Footnote This often occurs without direct governance.

Question 27

What were proxy wars?

Answer 27

Conflicts where superpowers supported opposing sides without engaging in direct conflict. ## Footnote Examples include the Korean War, Vietnam War, and Afghan War.

Question 28

What was a significant outcome of the Mauryan Empire's formation?

Answer 28

The unification of vast territories under a centralized system. ## Footnote This was primarily driven by the ambitions of Chandragupta Maurya and Chanakya.

Question 29

Fill in the blank: The Mauryan Empire was established in _______.

Answer 29

[321 BCE]

Question 30

What was the impact of Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism on the Mauryan Empire?

Answer 30

It led to policies grounded in non-violence and welfare reforms. ## Footnote Ashoka's reign was marked by the spread of Buddhist values throughout Asia.

Question 31

What characterized the administrative structure of the Mauryan Empire?

Answer 31

A highly centralized system with an emperor at its core supported by a complex bureaucracy. ## Footnote Provinces were governed by officials representing the emperor.

Question 32

What led to the decline of the Mauryan Empire after Ashoka's reign?

Answer 32

Successive rulers struggled to maintain centralized control, leading to internal instability. ## Footnote Local governors began asserting independence.

Question 33

What was the outcome of Chandragupta's campaigns against Alexander's satraps?

Answer 33

He secured and unified territories under Mauryan rule. ## Footnote This was crucial for establishing the empire's foundation.

Question 34

What economic strategies did the Mauryan Empire employ?

Answer 34

Taxing traders and leveraging wealth from resources like gold and gems. ## Footnote This supported a strong treasury essential for the empire's stability.

Question 35

What was the role of dharma mahamatras in the Mauryan Empire?

Answer 35

Officials responsible for promoting moral welfare and unity under the principles of dharma. ## Footnote Their role helped unify the population across regions.

Question 36

What was the significance of the battle of Kalinga in Ashoka's reign?

Answer 36

It impacted Ashoka deeply, leading him to adopt policies of non-violence and Buddhism. ## Footnote The battle's brutality changed his approach to governance.

Question 37

What challenges did successive rulers face after Ashoka's reign?

Answer 37

Increasing challenges in controlling distant provinces ## Footnote Local governors began asserting more independence.

Question 38

What event marked the end of the Mauryan Empire?

Answer 38

Assassination of Brihadratha by Pushyamitra Shunga

Question 39

What were the main components of the Mauryan military?

Answer 39

* Infantry * Cavalry * Chariots * War elephants

Question 40

What system did the Mauryan Empire establish for gathering intelligence?

Answer 40

Espionage system using spies regarded as one of the first widespread spying espionage systems. ## Footnote Spies were known as gudhapurushas.

Question 41

What was a notable technological advancement of the Mauryan Empire?

Answer 41

The Mauryan road network connecting major communication routes from paliputra to the provinces

Question 42

What architectural feature is associated with Ashoka?

Answer 42

Ashokan Pillars ## Footnote Carved with inscriptions promoting dharma and adorned with animal motifs.

Question 43

Major health advancement by the mauryan empire

Answer 43

Dedicated veterinary centres for war elephants and horses, gained better inderstanding of treating animals.

Question 44

How did the Mauryan Empire's economy primarily derive its wealth?

Answer 44

From agriculture, particularly along the Ganges River due to the highly fertile land present alongisde the banks of the river which facillitated growth of cash crops and wheat.

Question 45

What facilitated trade in the Mauryan Empire?

Answer 45

Improved infrastructure such as roads and ports, taxation systems also present that tax all traders.

Question 46

What climatic conditions were beneficial for the Mauryan Empire?

Answer 46

Tropical and subtropical climate supporting abundant agricultural production

Question 47

What legacy did the Mauryan Empire leave in Indian history?

Answer 47

Emphasis on centralized authority, economic sustainability, and military strength. Certain principles still being followed in modern day india.

Question 48

Unsuccessful example of un intervention - Rwanda genocide

Answer 48

⚔️ 1. Rwanda – 1994 Genocide Type: Peacekeeping & Humanitarian Aid Background: Ethnic conflict between the Hutu and Tutsi led to the genocide of ~800,000 Tutsi people in just 100 days. UN Response: The mission was called UNAMIR (United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda). Deployed peacekeepers but underpowered and restricted in mandate. Failed to prevent the genocide, widely considered a UN failure due to lack of swift action and international support. Impact: Led to reforms in peacekeeping policies and the creation of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) principle, which allows intervention to prevent mass atrocities.

Question 49

successful example of un intervention - East timor

Answer 49

✅ UN Intervention in East Timor (Timor-Leste) 📍Background: East Timor was a former Portuguese colony. In 1975, it declared independence but was invaded and occupied by Indonesia shortly after. For decades, the Timorese people faced violence and human rights abuses under Indonesian control. 🕊️ UN Role: In 1999, after a UN-sponsored referendum where the majority voted for independence from Indonesia, violent backlash erupted. The UN sent a peacekeeping force (INTERFET) led by Australia to restore order. Later, the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) was deployed to: Maintain law and order. Rebuild infrastructure. Help draft a constitution. Organize elections and prepare the country for independence. 🌟 Outcome: East Timor became fully independent in 2002. The UN helped ensure a smooth political transition and stability. The intervention is praised for its effective peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, and state-building efforts.