Impact of Colonization & World War I: 1914-1918
Consequences of Colonization
European Developments
Colonizing powers introduced some of their developments into colonial territories, brought new land under cultivation, and created industries for their benefit. The introduction of hygienic measures and the construction of hospitals allowed for the reduction of epidemics. Mortality fell, and the population increased. Europeans set up schools to reduce illiteracy. There was an attempt at acculturation: imposing the lifestyles of the colonists over indigenous traditions. Missionaries assisted indigenous people and tried to impose Christianity.
Economic Transformations
In the colonies, the economic interests of the colonizers were imposed. Large plantations were exploited, and products benefited the metropolis. A monetary market economy was imposed, and local handicrafts were ruined by competition from industrial products.
Social and Cultural Change
The impact of Western culture resulted in indigenous cultures losing their identity. The social structure changed due to the imposition of colonial models. Colonial societies were a reflection of significant segregation, with racial groups living apart.
World War I Movements
France, entering the war, was attacked by Germany through Belgium and Luxembourg, with the hope of then directing all their efforts to the Russian front. The British and French managed to stop them at the Battle of the Marne.
Schlieffen Plan
A military strategic plan designed to provide Germany with a general strategy when it entered the war, opening two fronts (Western and Eastern). It advocated carrying troops to the Western front through Belgium and then moving troops to the Russian front.
Trench Warfare
Following the initial movements, the fronts were immobilized. On the Western Front, trenches were opened from Switzerland to the North Sea, and a very tough phase of the war began. New allies were sought to provide more soldiers. In 1915, Italy intervened on behalf of the Allies, and the Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria helped the Central Powers. The Germans launched an offensive against France in the Battle of Verdun.
End of World War I
The Russian Revolution made peace with Germany and withdrew from the war (Treaty of Brest-Litovsk), which favored Germany. The abandonment of Russia was offset by the entry of the United States. Great Britain, France, and Italy defeated Austria. The German High Command asked the Kaiser for peace. On November 11, 1918, the armistice was signed.
Treaty of Versailles
The most important peace treaty was signed with Germany, but it imposed tough conditions:
- Germany was held solely responsible for the war and was forced to pay reparations.
- Most of its army and navy were dismantled, it was forbidden to rearm, and it lost its colonies.
- Germany had to return all the territory of Alsace and Lorraine to France, Schleswig to Denmark, and two counties to Belgium.
Map of Europe After World War I
In his declaration of 14 points, Wilson had proposed that each nation had the right to become an independent state.
- The Russian Empire lost almost all its territories.
- The Ottoman Empire almost completely disappeared, reduced to Turkey.
- The Austro-Hungarian Empire disintegrated into Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and Austria.
- Serbia became the head of Yugoslavia.
League of Nations
Wilson created a new organization that should ensure peace, promote international cooperation, monitor the implementation of treaties, and settle disputes diplomatically.