Historical Shifts: Empires, WWI, Nazism, and the UN

Posted on Apr 4, 2025 in History

Rise of Japanese and U.S. Empires

Japan

Previously a feudal country under the dominion of shogunates, Japan underwent a significant evolution at the turn of the century, becoming a power comparable to European nations. This transformation occurred during the Meiji Restoration, where the old feudal structure was abandoned. Key changes included:

  • Establishment of compulsory education
  • Creation of a modern police service
  • Implementation of a new legal system

Furthermore, military conscription was introduced, and the army was restructured based on German and French models.

United States (U.S.)

Changes in the U.S. were very rapid. The population increased significantly, and the nation sought to expand its large territory. Expansion occurred into previously unexplored areas, particularly where gold had been discovered. To enlarge the national territory, war with Mexico was utilized. Potential conflicts with other European powers led to the implementation of the Monroe Doctrine. In the first decade of the 20th century, the U.S. became the leading producer of iron, coal, copper, silver, and petroleum. By 1914, it was a major industrial economy and a pioneer in mass production and culture.

Factors Leading to World War I

Several factors contributed to the outbreak of World War I:

  • The legacy of the Franco-Prussian War, where France lost Alsace and Lorraine.
  • Rivalry between the Russian Empire and Austria-Hungary (AH) over influence in the Balkans.
  • Competition between major powers like the United Kingdom (UK) and Germany. The UK sought an alliance with France due to concerns about German power.
  • Rapid industrial development and new economic activities fueling competition.
  • A shift from romantic nationalism to more aggressive, xenophobic nationalism.
  • The formation of opposing alliances:
    • Triple Alliance (1882): Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy.
    • Triple Entente: Formed progressively through agreements:
      • Franco-Russian Alliance (military agreement for mutual support).
      • Entente Cordiale (1904): France and UK settled colonial disputes.
      • Anglo-Russian Entente (1907): UK and Russia reached an agreement, solidifying the bloc.
  • Germany’s adoption of Weltpolitik (World Policy), aiming for global influence, increased tensions.
  • The agreements solidifying the Triple Entente contributed to the escalating arms race.

The Rise of Nazism in Germany

Starting as a small political group, the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (Nazi Party) gradually gained members. Germany faced significant material and financial losses after World War I (WWI). The subsequent occupation of the Ruhr industrial region by France was exploited by nationalist groups, contributing to events like the Beer Hall Putsch, an attempted coup against the Weimar Republic. As Germany emerged from the economic crises of the 1920s (hyperinflation and later the Great Depression), traditional nationalist parties lost prestige, creating an opening for the Nazis.

In January 1933, Adolf Hitler legally became Chancellor of the Weimar Republic. Following the Reichstag fire in February 1933, a state of emergency was declared, allowing Hitler to consolidate power. On March 24, 1933, the Enabling Act was passed, granting Hitler’s government full legislative powers. He proceeded to dissolve all other political parties and eliminate any form of opposition, establishing a totalitarian dictatorship.

Formation and Structure of the United Nations

Principles first outlined in the Atlantic Charter during WWII later formed the basis for the United Nations (UN). At the Moscow Conference (1943), the USSR, UK, and U.S. proposed the creation of an international organization founded on the sovereign equality of all peace-loving nations, dedicated to maintaining international peace and security.

At the San Francisco Conference (1945), these objectives were formalized in the United Nations Charter. Key goals included:

  • Defense of peace and the independence of nations.
  • Regulation of international conflicts and disarmament negotiations.
  • Promotion of fundamental rights, including the right to work and freedom of education.
  • Facilitation of international commerce.
  • Respect for established international borders.

In 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was drafted to establish common standards for international law, although it was not initially adopted by the USSR and its satellite states.

Key UN Institutions

  • General Assembly: Composed of representatives from all member states (one vote per country). Meets annually. Its functions include deliberation and making recommendations, managing finances, proposing studies, administrative duties, admitting new members, and promoting international law.
  • Security Council: Composed of 15 members – 5 permanent (China, France, Russia, UK, US) with veto power, and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. Responsible for maintaining international peace and security.
  • Secretary-General: The chief administrative officer of the UN.
  • International Court of Justice (ICJ): The principal judicial organ, based in The Hague.