[Synopsis] Day 8 – July 10, 2024-75 Days Mains Revision Plan 2024 – WORLD HISTORY

75 Days Mains Revision Plan 2024 – World History

World History

Q1. To what extent was the Treaty of Versailles responsible for World War II? (10 m)

Introduction

The Treaty of Versailles, signed on June 28, 1919, marked the official end of World War I and aimed to establish a lasting peace in Europe. However, within two decades, the world was plunged into an even more devastating conflict – World War II.

Body:

The extent to which the Treaty of Versailles can be held responsible for the Second World War:

1. Territorial Losses: The treaty stripped Germany of significant territories, including Alsace-Lorraine, parts of Prussia, and all overseas colonies. This created resentment and a desire for territorial reclamation, which Hitler later exploited.
2. Military Restrictions: Germany’s military was severely limited in size and capabilities. This left Germany feeling vulnerable and eager to rearm, which became a key policy of the Nazi regime.
3. War Guilt Clause (Article 231): Germany was forced to accept sole responsibility for the war. This humiliated the German people and fostered a sense of injustice, which Hitler used to gain support.
4. Reparations: Germany was required to pay massive war reparations. This crippled the German economy, leading to hyperinflation and economic instability, creating conditions ripe for extremist ideologies.
5. Weakening of Germany: The treaty aimed to weaken Germany to prevent future aggression. This policy ultimately failed, as it created resentment without truly crippling Germany’s potential for rearmament.
6. Creation of New States: The treaty redrew the map of Europe, creating new nations. This led to ethnic tensions and border disputes, particularly in Eastern Europe.

However, other factors also contributed to World War II:

1. Global Economic Depression: The Great Depression of the 1930s created economic hardship and political instability worldwide.
2. Rise of Fascism: The treaty alone didn’t cause fascism in Germany and Italy, but it created conditions that fascist leaders exploited.
3. Failure of the League of Nations: The inability of this international body to prevent aggression was a significant factor.
4. Appeasement Policy: The policy of appeasing Hitler’s demands in the 1930s allowed Nazi Germany to grow stronger.
5. Japanese Imperialism: The expansion of Japan in Asia was largely unrelated to the Treaty of Versailles.
6. Ideological Conflicts: The rise of communism and the subsequent fear of its spread played a role in shaping pre-war politics.

Conclusion

While the Treaty of Versailles was not the sole cause of World War II, it created conditions that fostered economic hardship, political instability, and a desire for revenge in Germany. These factors, combined with the failures of the League of Nations and the policy of appeasement, significantly contributed to the outbreak of the war.

Q2. Discuss the impact of World War I on the Russian Revolution. How did the war exacerbate the existing political, social, and economic issues in Russia? (15 m)

Introduction

World War I significantly influenced the Russian Revolution, acting as a catalyst that exacerbated pre-existing political, social, and economic issues in Russia. The war exposed and intensified the weaknesses of the Russian state, leading to widespread discontent and ultimately, revolution.

Body:

Impact of World War I on the Russian Revolution:

Political Impact

1. Weak Leadership: Tsar Nicholas II’s decision to take personal command of the army in 1915 left the government in the hands of the Tsarina and the mystic Rasputin.
   1. This undermined public confidence in the regime and exacerbated political instability.
2. Military Failures: The Russian military suffered devastating defeats and high casualties.
   1. The Battle of Tannenberg (1914) and the Brusilov Offensive (1916) highlighted the incompetence of the military leadership and the inadequacy of Russia’s war machinery.
3. Duma’s Dissatisfaction: The legislative body, the Duma, grew increasingly critical of the Tsarist regime. The Progressive Bloc, formed in 1915, demanded political reforms, but the Tsar’s refusal to cooperate alienated the moderate political forces.

Social Impact

1. Mass Mobilization: Millions of peasants and workers were conscripted, disrupting agricultural and industrial production. Families were torn apart, and communities were destabilized, leading to widespread social unrest.
2. Urban Overcrowding: The influx of refugees and displaced persons into cities caused overcrowding, exacerbating housing shortages and poor living conditions. This led to a rise in social tensions and public health crises.
3. Worker Strikes and Protests: Poor working conditions, food shortages, and inflation triggered strikes and protests. The famous strikes of 1917 in Petrograd, involving women workers, played a pivotal role in igniting the February Revolution.

Economic Impact

1. Economic Strain: The war placed enormous strain on the Russian economy. The cost of the war effort led to massive government debt and inflation.
   1. By 1917, the rubble had lost significant value, and the economy was on the brink of collapse.
2. Agricultural Crisis: The conscription of millions of peasants led to a shortage of agricultural labour, resulting in reduced food production.
   1. Combined with transportation breakdowns, this caused severe food shortages in urban areas.
3. Industrial Decline: Factories faced shortages of raw materials and fuel due to the war. Industrial production plummeted, and many workers faced unemployment or drastically reduced wages.

WW 1 exacerbating the existing issues:

1. Autocratic Rule: The war highlighted the inefficiency and rigidity of the autocratic The Tsar’s inability to adapt to the demands of a modern state and his resistance to political reform alienated both the elite and the masses.
2. Peasant Discontent: Long-standing grievances over land ownership and rural poverty were magnified by the war.
   1. The peasants’ desire for land reform became more urgent as the war exacerbated their suffering.
3. Class Tensions: The disparity between the aristocracy and the lower classes became more pronounced during the war.
   1. The lavish lifestyles of the elite contrasted sharply with the deprivation experienced by soldiers and civilians, fuelling class resentment.

Conclusion

World War I was a critical factor in precipitating the Russian Revolution by exacerbating existing political, social, and economic issues. The war exposed the ineptitude of the Tsarist regime, deepened social divisions, and crippled the economy, creating a perfect storm of discontent that led to the fall of the Romanov dynasty and the rise of the Bolsheviks. The revolution, sparked by these compounded issues, fundamentally transformed Russian society and had a lasting impact on global history.

ETHICS

Q3. Explain the importance and relevance of the Gandhiji lessons in contemporary world scenarios? [10M, 150words]

Introduction:

Gandhi was a thinker, writer, public intellectual, political activist, political theorist and, above all, a philosopher who invented a new philosophical way of life. As a philosopher, he undoubtedly deserves to be ranked alongside the Buddha and Socrates.

Body:

1. Non-violence (Ahimsa): Gandhi’s emphasis on non-violence remains crucial in resolving conflicts peacefully.
   • g.: Adhere to ahimsa could end ethnic conflict in Manipur.

2. Empowerment through Self-reliance (Swadeshi): Gandhi promoted self-reliance and community empowerment through local production and consumption.
   • Eg: Indigenization of the Indian defence sector to reduce dependency.
3. Social Justice and Equality: Gandhi advocated for social justice, equality, and the upliftment of the oppressed.
   • Eg: His teachings inspire movements for civil rights, gender equality, and inclusive development globally.
4. Environmental Sustainability (Sarvodaya): Gandhi’s vision of Sarvodaya (welfare of all) underscores the need for environmental stewardship.
   • Eg: This is crucial in combating climate change and promoting sustainable development practices worldwide.
5. Global Peacebuilding and Harmony: Gandhi’s belief in interfaith harmony and respect for diversity offers a blueprint for global peacebuilding.
6. Legacy of Peacebuilding and Reconciliation: Gandhi’s legacy in India’s independence movement and his efforts towards peacebuilding and reconciliation offer lessons for resolving conflicts peacefully.

Conclusion:

Gandhi’s lessons resonate globally as a source of ethical guidance, promoting sustainable development, social justice, and peaceful coexistence in contemporary world scenarios.

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