Form Four History Notes: The First World War (NECTA Revision)

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 FORM FOUR HISTORY NOTES

CRISES IN THE CAPITALIST SYSTEM: THE FIRST WORLD WAR (WWI)

Introduction

The First World War (WWI) was one of the largest global conflicts in modern history. It was fought between 1914 and 1918 and involved many powerful nations in Europe and other parts of the world. The war was mainly caused by competition among capitalist countries for economic power, colonies, and political influence.

Although the war was centered in Europe, it had serious effects on Africa because African colonies were controlled by European powers.

Meaning of Crisis in the Capitalist System

A crisis in the capitalist system refers to serious economic and political problems that affect capitalist countries and their colonies. These crises usually lead to wars, economic depression, and social instability.

Examples of capitalist crises include:

The First World War

The Great Economic Depression

The Second World War


THE FIRST WORLD WAR (1914–1918)

The First World War was an imperialist war fought between two major alliances:

Triple Entente:

Britain

France

Russia

Triple Alliance:

Germany

Italy

Austria-Hungary

The war officially started in 1914 and ended in 1918 when Germany was defeated.


Causes of the First World War

Long-term causes

1. Development of capitalism

Industrial development in Europe created competition among powerful nations such as Britain, Germany, and France. These countries competed for markets, raw materials, and colonies, which created tension.

2. Colonial conflicts

European countries disagreed over the division of colonies in Africa and other parts of the world. Some countries felt they received fewer colonies, which created resentment.

3. Military alliances

European countries formed military alliances for protection. These alliances increased tension because any small conflict could involve many countries.

4. Arms race and militarism

European countries competed in producing weapons and increasing their armies. This made war more likely because countries were prepared to fight.

5. Balkan nationalism

Conflicts in the Balkan region increased tension between Austria-Hungary, Serbia, and Russia. Nationalism in this region contributed to the outbreak of the war.

Immediate cause of the war

The immediate cause of the First World War was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary and his wife in Sarajevo in 1914.

After the assassination, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, and other countries joined through alliances, leading to a global war.


Effects of the First World War on Africa

1. Change of colonial administration

German colonies in Africa were taken by other European powers and placed under new administration.

2. Death of African soldiers

Many Africans were recruited to fight in the war, and many lost their lives.

3. Spread of diseases

Diseases such as influenza spread widely after the war and caused many deaths.

4. Destruction of infrastructure

Farms, railways, and buildings were destroyed in some African colonies.

5. Increased colonial exploitation

European countries increased taxes, forced labor, and production of raw materials in African colonies to recover their economies.

6. Decline in trade

Trade between Africa and Europe decreased because European economies were damaged by the war.


NECTA Examination Questions

Explain the causes of the First World War.

Discuss the effects of the First World War on Africa.

What was the immediate cause of the First World War?


Conclusion

The First World War was a major crisis in the capitalist system that changed global politics and economics. Although the war occurred mainly in Europe, Africa experienced many negative effects such as exploitation, economic decline, and loss of life. Understanding this topic helps students prepare for NECTA history examinations.

NECTA Examination Questions

Explain the causes of the First World War.

Discuss the effects of the First World War on Africa.

What was the immediate cause of the First World War?


Related Topics:

Weakness of Versailles Treaty

The Second World War

Role of Second World War to Growth of African Nationalism





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