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🌍 League of Nations – The First Step Towards Global Peace | UPSC GS1 World History.

  🧭 Introduction: The Birth of Global Governance After World War I The League of Nations was the first international organization established to maintain world peace and collective security after the devastating World War I (1914–1918) . It symbolized humanity’s first attempt to replace war with diplomacy and cooperation . For UPSC GS Paper 1 (World History) , understanding the League’s formation, structure, and failure is essential to grasp how the United Nations evolved later. 🌍 1. The Beginning of International Organizations Before WWI, global relations were guided by the Balance of Power system – where nations formed alliances to maintain equilibrium. However, this often led to conflicts rather than peace. After the carnage of WWI , global leaders recognized the need for a permanent international organization to resolve disputes through dialogue. 🔹 Key Architect – U.S. President Woodrow Wilson 🔹 Proposal – Mentioned in Wilson’s Fourteen Points (1918) 🔹 Es...

Woodrow Wilson’s 14 Points – UPSC Notes.

  Introduction: Context for UPSC In January 1918, during the final phase of World War I , U.S. President Woodrow Wilson presented his famous Fourteen Points as a blueprint for lasting peace. These points aimed to end secret diplomacy, ensure freedom of seas, promote self-determination, and establish a League of Nations . For UPSC GS1 (World History) and GS2 (International Relations) , Wilson’s 14 Points are crucial in understanding the transition from imperial conflicts to modern diplomacy. 14 Points. Causes Behind Wilson’s Fourteen Points Impact of World War I : Millions killed, widespread destruction. Need for Fair Peace : Harsh treaties like the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk raised fears of revenge-driven settlements. American Idealism : U.S. entered the war in 1917; Wilson sought a moral justification and post-war order. Rise of Nationalism : Calls for self-determination among colonized and oppressed peoples. The Fourteen Points (Summary for UPSC Notes) Open d...

World War I – Causes, Course, and Consequences.

  Introduction World War I (1914–1918), also called the Great War , reshaped global politics, society, and economy. Known as the “war to end all wars,” it destroyed old empires, created new nation-states, and laid the foundation for World War II. For UPSC, WWI is crucial under GS1 (World History) , with direct PYQ references. Causes of World War I Militarism – Arms race, German naval buildup. Alliances – Triple Entente vs. Triple Alliance. Imperialism – Competition in Africa & Asia. Nationalism – Balkan crisis, Pan-Slavism. Immediate trigger – Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand (June 1914). Course of the War Western Front: Trench warfare, Battle of Somme, Verdun. Eastern Front: Russia vs. Germany/Austria. Global theatre: Ottoman Empire, colonies of Asia & Africa drawn in. US entry (1917): Shifted balance toward Allies. Russian Revolution (1917): Withdrawal of Russia from war. Armistice (11 November 1918): End of figh...

Pre-War Crises That Led to World War I.

  Introduction The outbreak of World War I in 1914 was not an overnight event. It was the culmination of decades of tensions, rivalries, and diplomatic failures among European powers. A series of international crises acted as sparks that deepened mistrust and militarism. For UPSC aspirants, understanding these crises is crucial because they reveal how imperialism, nationalism, and alliance systems laid the foundation for the First World War. WW 1. Major International Crises Before World War I 1. The Moroccan Crises (1905 & 1911) 1905 (First Moroccan Crisis): Germany opposed French influence in Morocco, challenging the Anglo-French Entente Cordiale . Outcome: Algeciras Conference (1906) — France gained recognition, Germany isolated. 1911 (Second Moroccan Crisis): Germany sent gunboat Panther to Agadir, escalating tensions. Impact: Britain and France drew closer; Germany seen as aggressor. 2. The Bosnia Crisis (1908–09) Austria-Hungary annexed Bosni...

⚔️ World War I: Global Upheaval & UPSC Preparation Insights

  Introduction – The Great War and Its Historical Weight World War I (1914–1918) was not just a European war but a global confrontation that altered the balance of power, reshaped borders, and set the stage for the rest of the 20th century. Known as the “war to end all wars” , it witnessed unprecedented military technologies, mass mobilization, and colonial participation. For UPSC aspirants , understanding WWI is vital in GS Paper I (World History) , as it links directly with international relations, economic crises, and nationalist movements across the globe. Unique Causes of World War I Unlike the familiar causes (militarism, alliances, imperialism, nationalism), here are additional dimensions often overlooked: Economic Rivalry – Germany’s rapid industrial growth threatened Britain’s global trade supremacy. Naval Competition – The Anglo-German naval arms race escalated tensions, with the Dreadnought battleship becoming a symbol of military prestige. Decline of th...

🌍 World War I: Causes, Consequences & UPSC Perspective.

  🔹 Introduction World War I (1914–1918), also known as the Great War , was one of the most transformative events of the 20th century. It not only reshaped the political map of Europe but also had profound consequences on colonies like India . For UPSC Mains (GS1: World History) and Prelims , World War I remains an evergreen topic, as it links colonial history, nationalism, and global geopolitics . 🔹 Causes of World War I The outbreak of the war was the result of a complex mix of immediate triggers and long-term rivalries : Militarism – Aggressive arms race among European powers. Alliances – Entangled system of Triple Entente (Britain, France, Russia) vs. Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy). Imperialism – Scramble for colonies led to tensions in Africa and Asia. Nationalism – Balkan nationalism (Serbia, Bosnia) threatened Austro-Hungarian dominance. Immediate Trigger – Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand (1914) in Sarajevo. 🔹 Im...

Communism: Historical Roots, Relevance & UPSC Perspective.

Introduction: Understanding Communism for UPSC Communism is one of the most debated ideologies in world history, shaping revolutions, governments, and international relations across the 20th century. Rooted in the writings of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels (Communist Manifesto, 1848), communism advocates a classless, stateless society where the means of production are commonly owned. For UPSC aspirants, communism is not just a theoretical concept but a recurring theme in GS1 (World History), GS2 (Ideologies in Politics), and GS3 (Economic Systems) . It also appears in UPSC Prelims under political ideologies, revolutions, and Cold War-related questions. Causes Behind the Rise of Communism Industrial Revolution & Exploitation – Harsh factory conditions, child labor, and worker exploitation in 18th–19th century Europe. Economic Inequality – Concentration of wealth with capitalists while the majority remained poor. Failure of Liberalism & Capitalism – Recurrent ec...