The Treaty of Versailles (Ended WWI)

After the end of WWI, most of Europe had been in bad conditions. Many towns and city's where destroyed, and many where killed. A peace treaty called the Treaty of Versailles was made and proposed by the Allied Forces to Germany on May 7, 1919. The treaty, consisting of 440 articles, wrongly blamed all causes and effects of the war on Germany. At first, Germany had a large amount of complaints to the treaty. Most of Germany's territory was taken from them, and all of their land overseas was lost. The German army and navy was limited and bans where put on the use of heavy artillery, tanks, and aircrafts.
The treaty was signed on June 28, 1919, which is exactly five years after the assassination of Franz Ferdinand. Of all country's after the war, Germany received the worst treatment due to the signing of this treaty. They had to pay the allies money. This ruined Germany's economy and the country was not able to profit, therefore they could not save themselves from the bad economy. These treatments made Germany desperate and angry at the allied forces. They wanted change. Many believe that this treaty helped lead up to WWII, with Germany being desperate for change, and willing to listen to the Dictator Hitler and join in a war.

Mustafu Kemal and the Modernization of Turkey

Mustafu Kemal has changed a lot as the President of Turkey. But he first started out as a military leader and hero. He helped with the Turkish national liberation struggle, and led his country to freedom while serving in the army. He then later moved to politics after winning the Turkish National Movement. In 1923, he established the Republic of Turkey and became Turkeys first president. During his 15 year run as president, he created a new government and many new rules. His plan was to modernize Turkey and give his country dignity and happiness. In his idea of a government, education and freedom played a large role.
Mustafu wanted to make the governments role in education important. He made faith in religion free to any person. Muslim, Christians, and Jews where able to practice their religion freely, and the government protected their rights to do so. He also tried to modernize the look of Turkey. He changed the calender to the western calender, and took away the fez hats and veils of women. The country went threw many social changes under his rule, most of which where beneficial. Not only was he the president, but he also served as the Leader of R.P.P, Prime Minister of Turkey, and Speaker of Parliament. He died on November 10, 1938, due to sickness.

Gandhi

Gandhi started his life not as a symbol of India's freedom but as a young Indian lawyer. Gandhi was a well educated man, but acheived little success. One of these was because of race. India was not in control of its own country, but controlled by the British. Gandhi had then moved to South Africa, but found himself a victim to prejudice and unfair law for him and his people. Over this course he had suffered many imprisonments before deciding to use passive resistance and civil disobedience to help his cause. He began to protest and campaign for India's independence.

Gandhi moved back to India to help free it of British rule using passive resistance and protest. Gandhi soon gained many loyal followers in India, and his actions soon became effective. He began to boycott British goods, instead encouraging Indian residents to make their own. Soon the British government began to get angered by Gandhi, and arrested him and his protesters on many occasions. Although the British used violence, such as in the Amritsar Massacre, Gandhi supported peace. Gandhi helped the people protest against British rule and the Salt March, when he protested the British salt rules. His followers continued to grow as he aged.

In 1947, India won its freedom from Britain, but only if the Muslim and Hindu cultures where separated, which was not part of Gandhi's plan. Later, he was assassinated , his death was an event that was shocking and saddening for many. Although he was a major influence on India's freedom, I believe that India would have reached its freedom due to WWII effect on Britain's power. But Gandhi did speed up the process of India's freedom and should be considered a hero.

The Russian Revolution

WWI had an extremly negative effect on Russias economy. There where food shortages, population decrease, inflation, and many people where peasents. The government, and the Czar Nicholas II where unable to help the people. The people of Russia wanted a new form of government and a revolution. A revolution leader named Lenin tried to help the country. Inspired by Carl Marx, he believed in communism and spread it through Russia. The people wanted a new government. Inspired by his quote of Peace, land, and bread, they embraced the idea of communism

This started the Russian revolution. They removed their leader Nicholas II from power. This resulte in riots and violent demostrations. New people took government positions. This is known as the Febuary revolution. During a period known as the October revolution. During this, the Soviet Union was established. They got rid of the Democratic system, and set up dictatorship in the country. This resulted in the Russian Civil War.

Causes of WWI

During the late 1800s, tensions began to rise between countries in Europe. Many countries began to stock up on weapons and military forces. Nationalism caused angry feelings between countries, and imperialism caused rivalry between countries. Alliances such as the Three Emperors Lead and Triple alliance where made in case of war. Many armies and navies where expanded because of militarism. Because of conflict, Serbia threatened Austria, and Russia threatened that they would support Austria.

Because of alliances made, Europe was split into two sides that where angry and in compition with each other to be the best. Each country beleived it was better than the other. All tension was let loose when a Serbia assassinated Arch Duke Franz Ferdinand. War broke out between the two countries, and because of previous alliances made with countries, other countries became involved in the war. Later on, because of American ships being destroyed by war, they too entered and helped the Triple Alliance win the war.

The Opium Wars

In the 19th century, Britain's trade of opium with China started a war known as the Opium War. China had traded many things with Britain including tea, which had now become very important in Europe. Britain wanted to trade something with China so it would not become a one sided trade that would hurt Britain. They began to trade opium to the Chinese. Opium is a highly addictive drug that is made from poppy plants, and is used to make many highly addictive drug. Many of Chinas population became addicted, and Chinas economy was damaged trying to pay for all the opium with gold, silver, and tea.
In 1838, the Chinese government started to restrict opium trade with Britain. Chinese government refused to let opium in the country, and would not back down from the British who pressured it onto them. This lead to the British attacking China to allow opium in the country. This was known as the Opium Wars. The British won these drug wars, and China faced defeat. Chinese government signed a treaty to allow opium to be traded in Chinese ports. They also allowed the sale of Opium legal. This caused Chinese government to become weaker and control was lost.

Mountains Of The Moon

Mountains of the Moon is a historical film about John Speke and Richard Burton. It tells of their journey threw Africa's uncharted land, as well as their search for the source of the Nile River. During this quest, they faced many hardships. One great trouble was that they did not know the area, and faced hot temperatures and needed water. Another great problem was the African tribes inhabiting the area, who where not always welcome to them. They had never seen white people before, and attacked them, causing them to retreat. The second time they where more prepared, but still faced difficulties with other tribes and also with animals such as lions and insects.

Even this being so, the European explorers had some advantages. This was a technological advantage. They had better weapons, such as guns which where more useful than spears. The Africans where amazed with their technology. Their superior technology helped the Europeans conquer Africa. This also helped lead to the discovery of the source of the Nile river. This was the worlds third largest lake. It was called lake Victoria, which was named after the European queen. It is strange that they named an African lake after a European queen because the Europeans had not discovered it, the Africans knew it was there before the Europeans.