7.9 Causation in Global Conflict

At this point, you’ve been exposed to a variety of causes of conflicts from WWI to WWII, but it is also important for you to think about its short-term and long-term implications and consequences to global conflicts as a whole.

Science and Technology

College Board: "Rapid advances in science and technology altered the understanding of the universe and the natural world and led to advances in communication, transportation, industry, agriculture, and medicine."

In the field of physics, the development of quantum mechanics and the theory of relativity greatly expanded our understanding of the universe and the behavior of matter and energy. The discovery of the atom and the development of nuclear physics led to the creation of nuclear energy and the atomic bomb.

In biology, the discovery of the structure of DNA and the subsequent development of genetic engineering revolutionized the field of medicine. This led to the creation of new treatments and therapies for diseases, as well as the ability to manipulate the genetic makeup of plants and animals.

In communication, the development of radio technology in the early 20th century further expanded the ways in which people could communicate and share information. The ability to transmit sound through the airwaves allowed for the creation of radio programs and broadcasts, which provided a new way for people to access news, music, and entertainment. Radio also played a crucial role in emergency communication and was used to transmit critical information during times of war and natural disasters. 

Television, which was first demonstrated in the 1920s, expanded the ways in which people could access information and stay connected even further. The ability to transmit visual images and sound greatly increased the potential for entertainment and educational programming. Television also played a significant role in shaping public opinion and influencing political and social issues.

In transportation, the invention of the airplane and the automobile greatly increased the speed at which people and goods could be moved. The development of the jet engine and the creation of the commercial airline industry made travel faster and more convenient.

In industry, the introduction of new technologies, such as the assembly line and automation, greatly increased production efficiency and reduced labor costs. This led to the development of mass production and the creation of consumer goods on a scale never before seen.

In agriculture, the development of new technologies such as chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and mechanization greatly increased crop yields and made farming more efficient.

In medicine, the development of new treatments and technologies such as antibiotics, vaccines, and diagnostic imaging revolutionized the way diseases were treated and prevented. This led to a significant increase in life expectancy and a decrease in mortality rates.

Political and Social Order

College Board: "Peoples and states around the world challenged the existing political and social order in varying ways, leading to unprecedented worldwide conflicts."

Balance of Power

The West had the most influence over the global political order. This was due to the power and influence of European colonial empires, which controlled vast territories and resources around the world. European nations had built these empires through military conquest and economic exploitation, and they used their power to maintain political and economic hegemony over the rest of the world. Therefore, global conflicts created new balances of power. After World War I, the US stood on the top before spiraling down alongside Europe during the onset of the Great Depression. Japan then dominated Southeast and East Asia during the Interwar Period. After World War II, the US and Soviet Russia became the two leading global superpowers that emerged, later on duking it out in the Cold War.

End of Empires

What led empires to go away? Firstly, the devastation of World War I and World War II weakened the European powers, both economically and militarily. The wars drained the resources of European nations, and the loss of life and infrastructure further exacerbated the situation. This made it difficult for them to maintain control of their overseas territories.

Secondly, the rise of anti-colonial movements around the world also played a role in the collapse of European empires. These movements, led by people from colonized countries, sought to gain independence from European control. They used a variety of tactics, including political lobbying, strikes, and armed resistance, to achieve their goals. The role of these movements was critical in gaining independence for many countries in Asia and Africa, and their actions forced the European powers to relinquish their control.

Therefore, global conflicts marked the end of land-based and maritime empires. Industrialization marked the end of old-school imperialism with castles and primitive guns. With the development of advanced weapons like fighter planes, bombs, artillery, durable amphibious vehicles, and even missiles, land and maritime empires could easily crumble once they gave one hint of weakness in their military arsenals. Examples of empires that collapsed are: Ottoman Empire, Qing Dynasty, Russian Empire (not to be confused with Soviet Union or the USSR).

Global conflicts set the world down a path of decolonization. The disastrous transfer of power (colonies → mandates) after WWI and the spread of the ideal of self-determination stirred strong nationalist sentiments from inhabitants of colonies. After the world wars, movements will start to shift their focus once again on establishing an independent state and freeing themselves from their colonizers. The current political and/or social order was also challenged. Notable movements include India from Britain, the prelude to the Chinese Civil War from Japan, Vietnam from France, Indonesia from the Netherlands, African states from Europeans, and the Mexican Revolution.

Forms of Government

Global conflicts led to the rise of new forms of government. The failure of the old system of capitalism after World War I highlighted the need for some nations to use different methods to run governments and economies. Examples include fascism, socialism (including communism), and Keynesian economics (new capitalism).

In addition to these ideologies, there were other forms of government:

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