Treaty of Versailles (Blog #33)

After winning the war, the Allies dictated a harsh peace settlement that left many nations feeling betrayed. These hard feelings left by the peace settlement helped cause World War II.


Your Assignment:


1.) On page 861 study "The Treaty of Versailles: Major Provisions"
2.) Which column shows limitations on Germany's colonial power and name specific limitations.
3.) Which column shows limitations on Germany's military power and name specific limitations.
4.) How did these provisions against Germany make ordinary German citizens feel about the treaty?


Due: Sunday 4/25/09 by no later than 11:59p.m.

Views of War (Blog #32)

"When World War I broke out, Europe had not experienced a war involving all the major powers for nearly a century, since Napoleon's defeat in 1815. As a result, people had an unrealistic view of warfare. Many expected the war to be short and romantic. Many men enlisted in the army because of patriotism or out of a desire to defend certain institutions. What the soldiers experienced changed their view of war forever."

Your Assignment:

1.) Read the Primary and Secondary sources on page 857.
2.) What reasons does Woodrow Wilson (Source A) give for entering war?
3.) What emotions does the French poster (Propaganda Source D) try to arouse?
4.) Judging from Sources B and C, what was it like for the average soldier in the trenches? Explain how you think such experiences affected the average soldier's view of war.

Due: Sunday 4/18/10 by no later than 11:59p.m.

Zimmerman Note (Blog #31)

World War I spread to several continents and required the full resources of many governments. The war brought the United States into participation and later on propelled the U.S. to a new position of international power, which it holds today.

Your Assignment:

1.) Research the Zimmermann Note on the internet.
2.) Find a few sentences within the Zimmermann Note and quote them. Find ones that you believe to be the most damaging.
3.) Explain what the note was and why it was so important.

Due: Sunday 4/11/10 by no later than 11:59pm

New Weapons of War (Blog #30)

One European nation after another was drawn into a large and industrialized war that resulted in many casualties. Much of the technology of modern warfare, such as fighter planes and tanks, was introduced in World War I. (29.2)

Your Assignment:

1.) Research 3 of the new weapons of war and identify what impact they had on World War I.

Due: 4/4/10 by no later than 11:59p.m.

The Great War 1914-1918 (Blog #29)

The quest among European nations for greater power played a role in causing World War I. By the end of the 20th century, relations among these countries had grown increasingly tense. In Europe, military buildup, nationalistic feelings, and rival alliances set the stage for a continental war. Ethnic conflict in the Balkan region, which helped start the war, continued to erupt in that area in the 1990's.

Your Assignment:

1.) Define imperialism and militarism.
2.) How do these two terms work together to promote war.
3.) What is one argument against militarism.

Due: Sunday 3/28/10 by no later than 11:59p.m.

Karl Marx and the Communist Manifesto (Blog #28)

Along with the Industrial Revolution came problems faced both socially and economically. With Laissez-Faire capitalism being the most prevalent economic model, a change slowly occured in response to the problems that arose due to industrialization. Utilitarianism, which is a backlash to the problems and states that when the government must get involved, then they should get involved for the greatest amount of good for the greatest amount of people. Socialism, is the next rung on the ladder which increased government control over industries. To finally, communism which is full control by the government in all economic matters.

Your Assignment:

1.) Who is/was Karl Marx
2.) What was the Communist Manifesto
3.) Briefly explain the difference between capitalism, utilitarianism, socialism, and communism

Due: Sunday 3/21/10 by no later than 11:59p.m.

Reforming the Industrial World (Blog #27)

The Industrial Revolution led to economic, social, and political reforms. Many modern social welfare programs developed during this period of reform.

Your Assignment:

1.) Describe the difference between Capitalism and Socialism.
2.) Look at the chart on page 737. Consider the following people from the 19th-century Britain: factory worker, shop owner, factory owner, unemployed artisan. Which of them would be most likely to prefer capitalism and which would prefer socialism? Why?
3.) Which system of economic ideas seems most widespread today? Support your opinion.

Due: Sunday 3/7/10 by no later than 11:59p.m.