Students who want Chapter 1 Notes of Standard 10 Social Science then this is right place for you as I have covered Tamilnadu State Board Samacheer Kalvi Social Science Book chapter name Outbreak of World War I and Its Aftermath notes in this post. This will help all those students who want to revise the chapter in timely period.

Chapter 1 Notes Standard 10 Samacheer Kalvi Social Science

The year 1914 was a turning point in world history.

Important developments were:

• First World War began in 1914.
• It was the first industrial war involving the economic resources of the entire world.
• Large sections of the civilian population were affected.
• Germany, Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire were shattered.
• The Russian Revolution was the biggest outcome of the War.
• The League of Nations was formed to promote world peace.
• Capitalist Countries’ Race for Markets

The aim of capitalist industries was to produce more. Surplus wealth was invested in:

• Factories
• Railways
• Steamships
• Other industrial undertakings

Improved communication and transportation helped European expansion in Africa and other regions.

The growing demand for markets and raw materials led capitalist powers to compete for colonies.

Rise of Monopoly Capitalism

After 1870, industry and finance joined together to seek profits from markets for goods and capital.

• The old ideas of free trade declined.
• Trusts developed in the USA.
• Cartels developed in Germany.

Trust

A trust is an industrial organisation that produces or distributes a commodity and controls its supply and price to its own advantage.

Imperialism

Capitalism led to imperialism.

According to Lenin, imperialism was the highest stage of capitalism.

Colonies provided markets for surplus goods. Imperialism also developed into a system of militarisation and total war.

Rivalry of Great Powers

By 1880, most Asian countries had been colonised. The occupation and colonisation of Africa took place mainly from 1881 to 1914.

The main European powers involved in the scramble for colonies were:

• England
• France
• Belgium
• Italy
• Germany

Clashes Among Great Powers

England faced competition from Germany and the United States, which produced cheaper manufactured goods and captured English markets.

This rivalry led to clashes in Asia, Africa and Europe.

Rise of Japan

During the Meiji Era (1867–1912), Japan adopted Western education and machinery.

Japan developed:

• A modern army
• A modern navy
• Advanced industries
• Sino-Japanese War

In 1894–95, Japan defeated China and annexed the Liaotung Peninsula with Port Arthur.

Russo-Japanese War

In 1904, Japan fought Russia and defeated it. Japan regained Port Arthur and entered the “circle of the great Powers.”

Strong-arm Diplomacy of Japan

After 1905, Japan controlled Korea’s domestic and foreign policy.

• 1910: Japan annexed Korea.
• 1912: Political confusion in China provided Japan an opportunity for further expansion.
• Japan demanded German rights in Shantung and recognition of its hold over Manchuria.

This policy created hostility towards Japan in China and among European powers.

Colonisation and Its Fallout

By 1900, practically the whole of Africa had been colonised.

European expansion included:

• Britain, France, Russia and Germany established spheres of influence in China.
• Japan took Korea and Taiwan.
• France conquered Indo-China.
• The USA took the Philippines from Spain.
• Britain and Russia agreed to partition Iran.

European attempts to establish colonies in Africa also resulted in bloody battles.

Causes of the First World War

European Alliances and Counter-Alliances

Triple Alliance – 1882

• Germany
• Austria-Hungary
• Italy

France–Russia Alliance – 1894

France and Russia promised mutual help if Germany attacked either of them.

Entente Cordiale – 1904

Britain and France settled their colonial disputes over Morocco and Egypt.

• France received a free hand in Morocco.
• France recognised British occupation of Egypt.

Triple Entente – 1907

• Britain
• France
• Russia

Violent Forms of Nationalism

Militant nationalism contributed to the outbreak of War.

• England: Jingoism
• France: Chauvinism
• Germany: Kultur

These forms of nationalism increased hatred and rivalry between countries.

Aggressive Attitude of German Emperor

Kaiser Wilhelm II wanted Germany to become the leader of the world.

Germany:

• Expanded its navy.
• Built naval bases.
• Adopted aggressive diplomacy.

Britain responded with a naval race, increasing tension between Britain and Germany.

Hostility of France Towards Germany

The main reasons were:

• France’s defeat in 1871
• Loss of Alsace and Lorraine
• German interference in Morocco

The Morocco dispute further increased tension between France and Germany.

Imperial Power Politics in the Balkans

Austria and Russia resumed their activities in the Balkans.

Austria annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina. Serbia strongly opposed the action, while Germany gave firm support to Austria.

The hostility between Austria and Serbia contributed to the outbreak of War in 1914.

Balkan Wars

Balkan League

In March 1912, Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria and Montenegro formed the Balkan League.

First Balkan War

The Balkan League defeated Turkey in 1912–13.

The Treaty of London (May 1913):

• Created Albania.
• Divided Macedonia among the Balkan states.
• Reduced Turkey to the area around Constantinople.
• Second Balkan War

Bulgaria attacked Serbia and Greece but was defeated.

The War ended with the Treaty of Bucharest in August 1913.

Immediate Cause

The immediate cause was the assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand at Sarajevo on 28 June 1914.

He was assassinated by Princip, a Bosnian Serb.

The event led to:

• Austria’s action against Serbia
• German support for Austria
• Germany’s declaration of war on Russia
• German violation of Belgian neutrality
• Britain’s entry into the War

Course of the First World War

Two Warring Camps

The War divided the major countries into two groups.

Central Powers

The Central Powers consisted of:

• Germany
• Austria-Hungary
• Turkey
• Bulgaria

Italy was initially associated with Germany and Austria but remained neutral when the War began. In 1915, Italy entered the War against the Central Powers through the Treaty of London, hoping to gain territory.

Allies

The countries opposing the Central Powers included:

• Russia
• France
• Britain
• Italy
• United States
• Belgium
• Serbia
• Romania
• Greece

The USA remained neutral during the first three years and provided moral and material support to Britain and France.

Tsar’s Attempts for Peace

Tsar Nicholas II of Russia suggested meetings to establish universal peace.

Two Peace Conferences were held at The Hague in 1899 and 1907, but they failed to prevent the War.

War on the Western Front

Germany attacked Belgium and broke its resistance.

The French army carried much of the fighting on the Allied side. Within a month, Paris appeared to be in great danger.

Battles of Tannenberg and Marne

Battle of Tannenberg

• Russian forces invaded East Prussia.
• Germany defeated the Russian forces decisively.
• Russia suffered heavy losses.

Battle of Marne

• Fought in September 1914.
• French forces pushed back the Germans.
• Paris was saved.
• It became notable for trench warfare.

Battles of Verdun and Somme

Battle of Verdun

• Fought from February to July 1916.
• Germany attacked the French fortress at Verdun.
• About two million men took part.
• About half of them were killed.
• The battle turned the fortunes of the War in favour of the Allies.

Battle of Somme

• British forces attacked the Germans near the River Somme.
• It lasted about four months.
• Britain lost 20,000 men on the first day.

War on the Eastern Front

Russian forces initially defeated the Austrians but were later defeated by Germany.

Russia suffered heavy losses because its army was poorly trained and equipped.

In 1917, the Tsarist regime was overthrown.

Russia wanted peace and signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with Germany on 3 March 1918, withdrawing from the War.

Minor Theatres of War

Middle East

Turkey fought on the side of the Central Powers.

• Turkey initially achieved some success.
• The Allies suffered reverses at Mesopotamia and Gallipoli.
• Turkey was eventually defeated.
• Turkey’s attack on the Suez Canal was repulsed.
• Britain later attacked Turkey in Iraq, Palestine and Syria.

Trench Warfare

Trenches were ditches dug by troops to protect themselves from enemy fire.

Connected trenches were used for moving:

• Food
• Ammunition
• Fresh troops
• Mail
• Orders

War in the Far East

China joined the Allies.

Japan captured Kiauchau, which Germany had given to China in Shantung.

Japan used the War to pressure China into giving valuable concessions and privileges.

War in the Balkans

• Austro-German forces, with Bulgaria, defeated Serbia.
• Serbia came under German rule.
• Romania joined the Allies in August 1916.
• Romania was later occupied by Austro-German forces.

German Colonies in Africa

The Allies attacked German colonies in western and eastern Africa.

Because these colonies were far from Germany and could not receive immediate help, they surrendered to the Allies.

Italy Joins the Allies

Italy formally joined the Allies in May 1916.

Italy fought Austria but later faced a German-supported Austrian attack and collapsed.

Central Powers’ Victories

The Central Powers occupied:

• Belgium
• Part of north-eastern France
• Poland
• Serbia
• Romania

The main struggle took place on the Western Front and at sea.

The Allied control of sea routes cut supplies reaching the Central Powers, causing hunger and privation in Germany and Austria.

Germany also used:

• Air attacks
• Poison gas

Both sides eventually used poison gas.

Naval Battles and America’s Entry

Battle of Jutland

• Took place in the North Sea in 1916.
• Britain won the battle.

Germany then increased its submarine warfare and attacked Allied shipping.

The German cruiser Emden bombarded Madras.

Sinking of Lusitania

Germany announced in January 1917 that it would sink even neutral ships in certain waters.

The American ship Lusitania was torpedoed by a German submarine.

As a result, there was strong resentment in the USA.

President Wilson declared war on Germany in April 1917.

The entry of the USA, with its enormous resources, made an Allied victory almost certain.

Armistice and Treaty of Versailles

Armistice

Germany surrendered in November 1918.

The armistice came into effect on 11 November 1918.

Germany was forced to accept harsh terms after the abdication of Kaiser William II.

Paris Peace Conference

The Paris Peace Conference opened in January 1919, two months after the armistice.

Important leaders were:

• Woodrow Wilson – USA
• Lloyd George – England
• Clemenceau – France

Treaty of Versailles

The peace treaty was signed on 28 June 1919 in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles.

Provisions of the Treaty

• Germany was held responsible for the War and had to pay reparations.
• The German army was limited to 100,000 men and only a small navy was allowed.
• Union between Austria and Germany was forbidden.
• German colonies became mandated territories under the League of Nations.
• Germany had to revoke the Treaties of Brest-Litovsk and Bucharest.
• Alsace-Lorraine was returned to France.
• Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania became independent.
• Northern Schleswig was given to Denmark and some districts to Belgium.
• Poland was recreated.
• The Rhineland was to be occupied by the Allies and the area east of the Rhine was to be demilitarised.

Wilson’s Fourteen Points

President Woodrow Wilson put forward his Fourteen Points.

The important idea mentioned was the creation of a general association of nations to guarantee the:

• Political independence of states
• Territorial integrity of states

Treaty with Turkey

Separate treaties were made with:

• Austria
• Hungary
• Bulgaria
• Turkey

The Treaty of Sevres with Turkey was accepted by the Sultan but failed because of the resistance led by Mustafa Kemal Pasha and his followers.

Fallout of the First World War

The War had a deep impact on European society and politics.

Important effects included:

• About 8 million people died in four years.
• More than twice as many were wounded.
• Many people were permanently disabled.
• Millions died during the worldwide influenza of 1918.
• There was a shortage of men in many countries.
• Soldiers came to be placed above civilians.
• The Soviet Union rose and became consolidated.
• America changed from a debtor country to a money-lender to the world.
• Colonies became increasingly awakened and began attempts to gain freedom.
• Mustafa Kemal Pasha played an important role in the rebirth and modernisation of Turkey.

Impact on India

The First World War had a significant impact on India.

• The British recruited a large number of Indians for service in Europe, Africa and West Asia.
• Soldiers returned with new ideas that influenced Indian society.
• India contributed £230 million in cash towards war expenses.
• India provided over £125 million in loans.
• War materials worth £250 million were supplied.
• These contributions caused serious economic distress.
• Grain riots took place.
• India was also affected by the worldwide influenza epidemic.
• The War conditions contributed to the rise of the Home Rule Movement.
• The Congress was reunited during the War.
• Indians expected Britain to reward their loyalty, but they were disappointed.

Russian Revolution and Its Impact

The Russian Revolution was the biggest outcome of the First World War.

The heavy losses and suffering caused by the War brought the social, political and economic problems of Russia to a climax.

There were two revolutions in 1917:

• March Revolution
• November Revolution

After the Tsar abdicated, a bourgeois government was formed, but it continued the War. This led to another uprising under Lenin, who established a communist government in Russia.

Causes of the Revolution

Social Causes

Russia attempted westernisation under Peter the Great and Catherine II, but social conditions remained unchanged.

The peasants were serfs tied to lands owned by wealthy Russians.

In 1861, Tsar Alexander II abolished serfdom and freed the serfs. However, they were not given enough land for their livelihood.

This created widespread discontent among peasants.

The number of labourers and industrial workers also increased with industrialisation.

Role of Revolutionaries

Revolutionary ideas spread among the intelligentsia.

Socialist-minded students carried revolutionary propaganda to the peasants.

Based on Marxist philosophy, new political ideas developed and the Social and Democratic Labour Party was formed.

Autocracy of the Tsar

Tsar Nicholas II belonged to the Romanov dynasty and had little experience in government.

Important events during his rule included:

• Russian expansion into Manchuria
• War with Japan in 1904
• Russian defeat leading to strikes and riots

On 22 January 1905, Father Gapon led a peaceful march to the Winter Palace demanding:

• A representative national assembly
• Agrarian reforms
• Industrial reforms

Police and soldiers fired on the procession, killing hundreds and wounding thousands.

This event became known as Bloody Sunday.

As a result:

• Riots and strikes spread.
• Nicholas II granted a constitution.
• The Duma was established.
• Workers formed the Soviet in St. Petersburg under Trotsky.

Opposition to the Tsar

The First World War temporarily strengthened the monarchy.

Nicholas II made himself the Commander-in-Chief of the army.

Important developments included:

• Rasputin strongly influenced the Tsar and Tsarina.
• Rasputin was murdered in 1916.
• Members of the St. Petersburg Soviet were arrested.
• Whenever the Duma opposed the Tsar, it was dissolved.
• The fourth Duma ended with the Revolution of 1917.

Popular Uprisings

Bread shortages forced women textile workers to begin a strike in Petrograd.

They marched through factory areas demanding:

• Bread for workers
• Stop work

On the next day, nearly 400,000 workers joined the movement.

March Revolution

Abdication of the Tsar

The government ordered troops to suppress the strike.

Instead, mutinies broke out among soldiers.

Important events were:

• Martial law was declared.
• The Tsar attempted to return to Petrograd.
• Railway workers stopped his train.
• Military generals and political leaders urged him to abdicate.

On 15 March 1917, Nicholas II abdicated.

Provisional Government

After the Tsar’s abdication, two parallel bodies functioned.

Duma

• Represented bourgeois politicians.
• Included the propertied classes.

Soviet

• Represented workers’ delegates.
• Dominated by the Mensheviks.
• The Bolsheviks were initially a minority.

The situation changed after the arrival of Lenin.

Failure of the Provisional Government

Lenin returned from Switzerland and called for continued revolution.

His famous slogans were:

• All power to the Soviets
• Bread, Peace and Land

The Provisional Government made two major mistakes:

• Postponed redistribution of land.
• Continued the First World War.

As a result:

• Peasant soldiers deserted the army.
• Land grabbing increased.
• Bolshevik uprisings intensified in Petrograd.
• Pravda was banned.
• Bolsheviks and Trotsky were arrested.

November Revolution

Takeover by the Bolshevik Party

In October 1917, Lenin persuaded the Bolshevik Central Committee to begin an immediate revolution.

Trotsky prepared the detailed plan.

On 7 November, armed factory workers and revolutionary troops seized:

• Winter Palace
• Prime Minister’s headquarters
• Key government buildings

On 8 November 1917, a new communist government was formed under Lenin.

The Bolshevik Party was renamed the Russian Communist Party.

Outcome of the Revolution

The new communist government introduced major changes.

Important measures included:

• Elimination of illiteracy and poverty.
• Development of industry and agriculture.
• Equal rights for women, including voting rights.
• Nationalisation of industries and banks.
• Land declared as social property.
• Distribution of land to poor peasants.

Lenin immediately sought peace and withdrew Russia from the War.

In March 1918, Russia signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with Germany.

Global Influence of the Russian Revolution

The Revolution inspired people across the world.

Its major influences were:

• Formation of communist parties in many countries.
• Encouragement of colonial freedom movements.
• Global debates on land reforms.
• Social welfare.
• Workers’ rights.
• Gender equality.

Pravda means “Truth” in Russian and became the official newspaper of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.

League of Nations

Formation

The League of Nations was formed in 1920.

Its Covenant was prepared at the Paris Peace Conference and included in the treaties signed after the First World War.

The League was formed largely due to the efforts of President Wilson.

Structure and Composition

The League consisted of five bodies:

• Assembly
• Council
• Secretariat
• Permanent Court of Justice
• International Labour Organisation

Assembly

Each member country was represented in the Assembly.

Each member had one vote and decisions had to be unanimous.

Council

The Council was the executive body of the League.

The original permanent members were:

• Britain
• France
• Italy
• Japan
• United States

Secretariat

The Secretariat was located at Geneva.

Its first Secretary-General was Sir Eric Drummond of Britain.

Permanent Court of Justice

The court was established at The Hague and consisted of 15 judges.

International Labour Organisation

It consisted of a secretariat and a general conference with four representatives from each country.

Objectives of the League

The two main objectives were:

• To avoid war and maintain world peace
• To promote international cooperation in economic and social affairs

The League aimed to:

• Act as a conciliator and arbitrator in disputes.
• Resolve disputes at an early stage.
• Apply economic and military sanctions against an aggressor if war broke out.

Difficulties in the Beginning

The League faced difficulties because three major powers were initially absent:

• USA – did not become a member
• Germany – defeated country
• Russia

Germany joined in 1926, while Russia joined in 1934.

Germany resigned in 1933, and Russia was expelled in 1939.

Activities and Successes

Between 1920 and 1925, the League was called upon to settle several disputes.

Aaland Islands Dispute – 1920

A dispute arose between Sweden and Finland.

The League decided that the Aaland Islands should go to Finland.

Upper Silesia Dispute – 1921

The League successfully settled the frontier dispute between Poland and Germany over Upper Silesia.

Greece–Bulgaria Dispute – 1925

Greece invaded Bulgaria.

The League:

• Ordered a ceasefire.
• Blamed Greece.
• Ordered Greece to pay reparations.

Locarno Treaty

The Locarno Treaty of 1925 guaranteed peace in Western Europe.

The countries involved were:

• Germany
• France
• Belgium
• Great Britain
• Italy

After this, Germany joined the League and received a permanent seat on the Council.

Later, the USA and Russia participated in the League’s non-political activities.

Violations of the League

Disarmament Problem

The League faced difficulty in achieving disarmament.

A Disarmament Conference was proposed, but it took place only in February 1932.

Germany demanded equality of arms with France, but its demand was rejected.

In October 1933, Hitler withdrew Germany from the Conference and the League.

Japan and Manchuria

Japan attacked Manchuria in September 1931.

The League condemned Japan, after which Japan also resigned from the League.

Italy and Ethiopia

Italy attacked Ethiopia.

The League imposed sanctions on Italy.

Italy resigned from the League in 1937.

After this, the League remained largely inactive during crises involving:

• Rhineland
• Austria
• Czechoslovakia
• Poland

Russia was expelled in 1939 for attacking Finland.

The League finally dissolved in 1946.

Causes of Failure

The League failed because:

• It appeared to represent the victorious powers of the First World War.
• It had no military power of its own to enforce decisions.
• The founders underestimated the power of nationalism.
• Collective security could not be effectively applied.
• Dictatorships in Italy, Japan and Germany refused to follow the League’s decisions.
• Britain and France were the only major powers willing to act decisively.

Important Dates from the Chapter

Year/Date	Event
1861	Alexander II abolished serfdom in Russia.
1867–1912	Meiji Era in Japan; Japan adopted Western education, machinery and modern military methods.
1870	Birth of Lenin.
1871	France was defeated by Germany and lost Alsace-Lorraine.
1879	British suffered losses against the Zulus in Africa.
1881–1914	Period of intense European occupation and colonisation of Africa.
1882	Triple Alliance formed — Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy.
1894	France–Russia Alliance formed.
1894–95	Sino-Japanese War; Japan defeated China.
1896	Italy was defeated by Ethiopia at Adowa.
1899	First Hague Peace Conference.
1902	Anglo-Japanese Alliance.
1904	Russo-Japanese War began; Japan defeated Russia.
1904	Entente Cordiale between Britain and France.
1905	Japan gained major influence over Korea after defeating Russia.
1907	Second Hague Peace Conference.
1907	Triple Entente formed — Britain, France and Russia.
1908	Young Turk Revolution; Austria annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina.
1910	Japan annexed Korea.
March 1912	Balkan League formed — Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria and Montenegro.
1912–13	First Balkan War.
May 1913	Treaty of London ended the First Balkan War.
1913	Second Balkan War.
August 1913	Treaty of Bucharest ended the Second Balkan War.
28 June 1914	Archduke Francis Ferdinand was assassinated at Sarajevo.
1 August 1914	Germany declared war on Russia.
September 1914	Battle of Marne; German advance towards Paris was stopped.
1916	Battle of Verdun and Battle of Somme.
1916	Battle of Jutland.
3 March 1918	Treaty of Brest-Litovsk between Russia and Germany.
11 November 1918	Armistice ended the fighting in the First World War.
January 1919	Paris Peace Conference began.
28 June 1919	Treaty of Versailles was signed.
1920	League of Nations came into existence.
1925	Locarno agreements; Germany joined the League of Nations.
1931	Japan attacked Manchuria.
1932	Disarmament Conference began.
1933	Hitler withdrew Germany from the Disarmament Conference/League system.
1934	Russia joined the League of Nations.
1939	Russia was expelled from the League of Nations.
1946	League of Nations was dissolved.

Important Personalities from Chapter 1

Kaiser Wilhelm II

• Emperor of Germany.
• Wanted Germany to become the leading world power.
• Expanded Germany’s navy and naval bases.
• His aggressive policies increased rivalry with Britain.

Archduke Francis Ferdinand

• Heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary.
• Assassinated at Sarajevo on 28 June 1914.
• His assassination became the immediate cause of the First World War.

Nicholas II

• Tsar of Russia.
• Faced growing opposition because of autocratic rule and military failures.
• Abdicated on 15 March 1917 during the Russian Revolution.

Lenin

• Leader of the Bolsheviks.
• Influenced by the ideas of Karl Marx.
• Led the Bolshevik takeover in November 1917.
• Became head of the new Communist government.
• Introduced the slogan “All power to Soviets.”

Leon Trotsky

• Leader associated with the Soviet.
• Helped organise the Bolshevik uprising.
• Played an important role in the takeover of key buildings in Petrograd.

Karl Marx

• His socialist ideas influenced Russian revolutionaries.
• Lenin and the Bolsheviks were influenced by Marxist philosophy.

Tsarina Alexandra

• Wife of Nicholas II.
• Had a strong influence over the Tsar.
• Her association with Rasputin contributed to growing opposition to the monarchy.

Rasputin

• Had considerable influence over Tsarina Alexandra.
• His influence damaged the reputation of the Russian monarchy.
• He was murdered in 1916.

Father Gapon

• Led workers in a peaceful march in St Petersburg on 22 January 1905.
• The march demanded a representative assembly and reforms.
• The firing on the protesters became known as Bloody Sunday.

Mustafa Kemal Pasha

Led resistance against the Treaty of Sevres.
Later modernised Turkey.

Woodrow Wilson

• President of the United States.
• Played an important role at the Paris Peace Conference.
• Proposed the Fourteen Points.
• Supported the idea of a general association of nations for maintaining peace.

David Lloyd George

• British Prime Minister.
• One of the important leaders at the Paris Peace Conference.

Georges Clemenceau

• French statesman.
• One of the important leaders at the Paris Peace Conference.

Sir Eric Drummond

• First Secretary-General of the League of Nations.