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Unresolved Tensions After World War I

Driving Question: In what ways did unresolved tensions from the interwar period shape future conflicts and territorial boundaries?

People experiencing the period between the two world wars did not know, of course, that they were living in a period between two wars. Many thought it still made sense to call the most recent conflict “the war to end all wars,” and hoped that international efforts for a lasting peace and prosperity would succeed. But the bitter losses suffered during the First World War, the punishments placed on the countries who were blamed for the war, and the attempt at reworking territorial holdings only served to fan, rather than snuff, the flames of conflict in the interwar period.

Learning Objectives

  1. Explain the continuities and changes in territorial holdings from 1900 to the present.
  2. Evaluate international cooperative efforts that arose because of, or in response to, the end of World War I.
  3. Analyze primary source documents to evaluate unresolved tensions during the interwar period.

Vocab Terms:

  • authoritarianism
  • diplomacy
  • dual consciousness
  • internationalism
  • militarism
  • self-determination
  • treaty
STEP 1

Opener: Unresolved Tensions After World War I

STEP 2

Internationalism Between the Wars

In the 1920s, people around the world promoted international cooperation to prevent future wars, leading to efforts like the League of Nations and the Kellogg-Briand Pact. However, these internationalist ideals collapsed in the 1930s and failed to halt rising nationalism and authoritarianism.

Internationalism Between the Wars External link

After World War I, many people had dreams of peace and international cooperation. But these dreams were not realized and the world grew more isolationist and combative.

Key Ideas

As this video progresses, key ideas will be introduced to invoke discussion.
STEP 3

Source Collection: Unresolved Tensions

What led to World War II? These sources may provide some clues. As you read the primary source excerpts in this collection, use the accompanying Quick-Sourcing Tool and activity to guide your analysis.

STEP 4

Authoritarianism in Japan

After the Meiji restoration in 1868, Japan rapidly industrialized and adopted imperialist strategies similar to those of European powers, using militarism and authoritarianism to expand its influence. As the military gained control over society, Japan pursued aggressive expansion with little civilian oversight.

STEP 5

Closer: Unresolved Tensions After World War I

Coming soon!

Extension Materials
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The article below can be used as an illustrative example for Topic 7.5 in its exploration of anti-imperial resistance and the impacts of the colonial system on colonized peoples.
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Dual Consciousness

This article helps students understand the cultural and psychological effects of racism and colonialism. It places W.E.B. DuBois’s work, including his idea of “double consciousness,” in the context of transnational connections between colonized peoples.