World War I
The events of World War I took place between the Allies, which included countries such as the United States, Russia, France, Britain, Italy, and Japan, against the Central Powers represented by Germany, Turkey, Austria, and Hungary. This conflict spanned from 1914 to 1918 and was commonly referred to as the “Great War.” The war was marked by extensive events, atrocities, and destruction. One notable outcome was the collapse of imperial families in Germany, Turkey, Austria, Hungary, and Russia. Additionally, the war ignited the Bolshevik Revolution and destabilized security across Europe. Moreover, it set the stage for World War II.
World War II
World War II unfolded between the Axis Powers, which included Germany, Italy, and Japan, and the Allies, comprising the United States, the Soviet Union, Britain, France, and China. This significant conflict lasted from 1939 to 1945 and is recognized as the largest historical war, resulting in approximately 40 million to 50 million fatalities. The war allowed the Soviet Union to extend its influence into Eastern Europe and facilitated the communist regime’s expansion into China.
Furthermore, during this conflict, Japan was brought under control. On August 6, 1945, the city of Hiroshima was entirely devastated by an atomic bomb, leading to the deaths of around 70,000 individuals. This tragic event was followed by another atomic bomb drop on Nagasaki on August 9 of the same year, resulting in an estimated 35,000 to 40,000 fatalities.
The Cold War
Following the conclusion of World War II, tensions arose in the relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union, despite their alliance during the war. The Soviets viewed the U.S. delay in entering World War II as a contributing factor to the high casualties among Russians. Simultaneously, the United States became wary of the communist regime under Stalin’s leadership, leading to the adoption of a containment policy toward Russia’s expansionist ambitions. Consequently, interactions between the two powers involved treaties and agreements, despite their differing ideologies.
The Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution began in Europe from the 1830s to the 1880s, marking a transition from an agriculture-based economy to one centered on industry. This revolution unfolded in two primary phases; the first phase commenced in the 1830s, characterized by advancements in textiles, iron, and steam power. The second phase saw significant developments in electricity and automobile manufacturing. Notably, Germany and the United States played pivotal roles in the Second Industrial Revolution, which thrived during the 1850s.