1.) What are some key traits of totalitarianism? Explain each trait.
Dynamic Leader: Helps unite people towards meeting shared goals or realizing common vision. Becomes a symbol of the government. dictatorship and one party rule: exercises absolute authority dominates the government. ideology: justifices government actions. Glorifies the arms of the state. state control over the individual: demands total obedience to authority and personal sacrifice for the good of the state. state control over the sectors of society: business, labor, housing, family tree, and youth groups.
2.) What were some of the causes of World War 1? Name at least 4 and explain each.
Mutual defense alliances: Russia and Serbia, Germany and Austria-Hungary, France and Russia, Britain and France, and Belgium Japan and Britain.
Imperialism: Before World War 1, Africa and parts of Asia were points of contention amongst the European countries. This was especially true because of the raw materials these areas could provide. The increasing competition and desire for greater empires led to an increase in confrontation that helped push the world into World War I.
Militarism: By 1914, Germany had the greatest increase in military buildup. Great Britain and Germany both greatly increased their navies in this time period. Further, in Germany and Russia particularly, the military establishment began to have a greater influence on public policy. This increase in militarism helped push the countries involved to war.
Nationalism: nationalism led directly to the War. But in a more general way, the nationalism of the various countries throughout Europe contributed not only to the beginning but the extension of the war in Europe. Each country tried to prove their dominance and power.
Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: In June 1914, a Serbian nationalist assassinated him and his wife while they were in Sarajevo, Bosnia which was part of Austria-Hungary. This was in protest to Austria-Hungary having control of this region.When Russia began to mobilize due to its alliance with Serbia, Germany declared war on Russia. Thus began the expansion of the war to include all those involved in the mutual defense alliances.
3.)Describe the Schlieffen Plan. Explain how it worked and if it succeeded or failed.
The Schlieffen plan was the German plan of attack designed to defeat France quickly and then turn on Russia. It was intended to avoid a war on two fronts. However, the