Ww1 Dbq

The beginning of WWI was marked by the execution of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914, and ended with the signing of the November Crime in 1919. The emergence of WWII, less than twenty years later, was surprising because most of the European nations were still recovering from WWI. Joachim Fest, a German historian, states “ The first phase of the postwar era was characterized by both of revolution and anti-civilizational resentments” ( Fest 403). Fest explains that the years following WWI were extremely challenging economically and socially, considering the struggles Germany faced during this time. The underlying causes of WWI were imperialism, nationalism, and alliance systems, all of which were the same causes of WWII. Together with the other

Great Britain was gaining control of colonies, raw materials and new markets all over the world. This angered and threatened the Germans. In other words, Britain was gaining economic strength. A German propaganda cartoon called The British Octopus demonstrated this expansion power.. The cartoon portrays connections from Great Britain to all of the places they were using to gain raw materials, colonies and new free markets. In the image of the cartoon it states, “England is the bloodsucker of the world” (Document 10). This is not only demonstrates the British power but it is motivates the Germans to engage and not stand on the sidelines to watch Britain gain control of the world. Propaganda posters led German leaders and military to believe they were better than others. Germany believed if Britain could do it they could too.. Germany at the time was ready for war and its military leader’s Fritz Fischer wanted war most of all. Adam Gopnik, an American historian, states “ They were determined to have a war. Fischer insisted, and deliberately manipulated the situation, including encouraging all those holidays, on the German side, to prevent anyone from acting decisively to stop them” (Gopnik 28). Gopnik is explaining German nationalism, the idea that they were powerful enough to go into war and be successful. He also explains how Fritz Fischer did everything in his power to not only

Howard Spodek, an American historian states “ Germany occupied Denmark and Norway in April. In May, German armies invaded Belgium, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, and France. Nothing could stop them.” ( Spodek 699). Spodek explains that the Germans were gaining power everywhere. German expansion led them to believe their nation was on top. During this time war broke out in the Pacific in 1937, the clash between Chinese and Japanese troops at the Marco Polo Bridge triggered the start of the Pacific War. The war did not get off to a slow start. Spodek writes “ Japanese troops murdered, raped, and pillaged in what is now generally known as the Rape of Nanjing.” ( Spodek 702). Spodek explains that the Japanese were using savage war tactics to intimidate and kill the Chinese. The imperial thought was now in the Pacific. While countries were building up militaries their confidence was building and they wanted to have no foreign dominance. Both world wars were started by an unexpected attack or execution. The killing of Franz Ferdinand initiated WWI. The Germans invasion of Poland began