Wednesday, January 13, 2010

The Russian Revolution

There were many reasons why the Russians created a revolution. For one reason, the Russian Czar Nicholas II had sent troops to fight against Germany in World War I. However, it ended up with many people either dead, wounded, or taken in as Germany's prisoners. The second reason is because of food shortages during the winter period of 1916-1917. Many people were starving and were demanding for food. Unfortunately, the czar sent his troops to prevent the people from protesting. Eventually, Nicholas had to leave his throne and the people executed him.

The phase "Peace, land, and bread" is a slogan that is associated with the Russian Revolution. Lenin had promised the workers peace (via communism), their own land, and food (hence the mention of bread). The workers were willing to overthrow the czarist government, hence the execution of Czar Nicholas II.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Causes of World War I


There were 3 major causes for World War I. One of the reasons is nationalism. Nations want to become the most powerful nation in the world. They will compete for land with other countries, and it usually ends up with a war with the other country. Other countries want to be independent, like the country of Serbia. They don't like to be controlled by Austria-Hungary.

Another main cause of the War is militarism. Many countries went to build an army of solders to protect their native land. They built more railways so supplies can transfer from 1 area to another. They also built modern weapons that can kill more people than if you were to use a rifle. Britain and Germany also made a navy and battleships.

The 3rd main cause is the separation of the alliance systems in Europe. When the Franco- Prussian War ended, secret alliances were formed in Europe. However, it ended up with the alliances feeling suspicious of their fellow countries. They suspect that their allies are being secret allies with other countries, sometimes with their enemies.