Instructions: Each Question Is Worth 5 Points After Reading ✓ Solved

Instructionseach Question Is Worth 5 Points1 After Reading The Will

Instructionseach Question Is Worth 5 Points1 After Reading The Will

Instructions: Each question is worth 5 points. Please answer the following questions based on your reading or analysis of the specified materials.

  1. After reading the "Willy-Nicky" telegrams, what appear to be the deeper causes of World War I?
  2. Based on your reading of the "Willy-Nicky" telegrams, could the war have been stopped? Why wasn't it? Explain.
  3. Consider the anti-German poster on p. 868. What feelings does this poster attempt to provoke in viewers?
  4. Take a look at figures 24.5 and 24.6. What images of women do these posters portray? What feelings do they invoke?
  5. In figure 24.7, the poster asks Americans to support Armenian refugees from the Ottoman Empire in their quest for a new country, Armenia. What emotional response does this poster provoke?
  6. Based on your reading of the Senegalese soldiers' memories, how did the war change the lives of the Africans who were involved? What hardships and triumphs did they face? Give examples.
  7. How did the war change the relationship between the French and the Senegalese?

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Understanding the Deeper Causes of World War I through the Willy-Nicky Telegrams

The "Willy-Nicky" telegrams, exchanged between Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany and Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, offer important insights into the complex web of alliances, nationalistic tensions, and military mobilization strategies that contributed to the outbreak of World War I. These communications reveal that the deeper causes of the war included aggressive militarism, diplomatic misunderstandings, and a tangled network of alliances that escalated regional conflicts into a global war. The telegrams expose how miscalculations and mutual distrust among European powers created an environment where war became inevitable once conflict was initiated.

Specifically, the telegrams demonstrate that the Kaiser and the Tsar both recognized the potential for their actions to trigger a broader conflict but felt compelled to proceed due to internal pressures and the urgency of mobilization. This indicates that systemic issues, such as militarism and alliance commitments, played a critical role in the escalation process. The failure of diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions was a key factor that led to the outbreak of hostilities. Thus, the deeper causes of World War I, as seen through the telegrams, involve a combination of nationalism, militarism, complex alliances, and miscommunication.

Could the War Have Been Stopped? Analyzing the Telegrams

Analyzing the Willy-Nicky telegrams suggests that it might have been possible to prevent the war through effective diplomacy and de-escalation strategies. The telegrams show that both leaders were aware of the dangerous path they were on and expressed concern about the potential for conflict. However, their inability to override nationalist sentiments and the momentum of military mobilization prevented early mitigation efforts. The rapid escalation following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo set off a chain reaction that was difficult to halt once in motion.

Furthermore, the rigid alliance system and the nationalist fervor prevalent among European nations created an environment where even diplomatic negotiations could not prevent war. Leaders felt pressured to adhere to their military commitments, making diplomacy secondary to military plans. Despite moments of hesitation, the leaders’ refusal or inability to de-escalate ultimately led to the war—a tragic failure of diplomacy in the face of rising tensions and nationalistic passions. Hence, while theoretically avoidable, the systemic and cultural factors made stopping the war extremely challenging at that point.

The Psychological Impact of Propaganda and War Imagery

The anti-German poster on p. 868 seeks to evoke feelings of fear, anger, and patriotism. The imagery typically portrays the Germans as brutal, menacing, and threatening, aiming to stir xenophobia and justify war efforts. Such propaganda works by appealing to emotional sentiments, fostering a sense of urgency and moral obligation among viewers to support the war effort against a common enemy. This emotional provocation was crucial in rallying public support and sustaining wartime morale.

The images of women in figures 24.5 and 24.6 portray them either as nurturing caregivers or as vulnerable victims, designed to evoke feelings of compassion, respect, and a sense of moral duty. These posters often depict women praying for soldiers or caring for their families, which reinforces the emotional appeal of patriotism and duty. They also serve to humanize the war effort, emphasizing the impact on families and the need to protect loved ones, thereby increasing public willingness to participate in or support wartime activities.

In figure 24.7, the Armenian refugees poster aims to stir empathy, compassion, and moral responsibility among Americans. The emotional response sought is one of outrage and a call to humanitarian action. It emphasizes the plight of the refugees and appeals to the viewer’s sense of justice, encouraging support for the Armenian cause and promoting American intervention or aid. Such imagery is potent in mobilizing public opinion by appealing directly to viewers’ emotions.

The Impact of War on African Soldiers and Society

The memories of Senegalese soldiers illustrate how the war's involvement had profound effects on their lives. Many faced hardships such as harsh living conditions, exposure to new diseases, and discrimination upon returning to their communities. Despite these hardships, some experienced a sense of pride and achievement for their contributions to the war effort. For example, Senegalese soldiers faced brutal combat situations and long separations from their families, yet they also gained new skills and a sense of identity as part of a broader global conflict.

The war also prompted social and political changes for Africans, including increased awareness of their role in global affairs and a greater push for independence and self-determination. The experiences of hardship, such as inadequate healthcare and exploitation, contrasted with moments of collective triumph and recognition of their bravery. The war also inspired a sense of solidarity among African soldiers, fostering a stronger sense of identity and politicization among their communities.

Shifts in Franco-African Relations Post-War

Post-war, the relationship between the French and Senegalese was significantly altered. The shared sacrifices of Senegalese soldiers fostered a sense of pride and a desire for greater political rights among Africans. However, the French colonial administration often continued to exploit African labor and resources, which eventually led to increased demands for autonomy. The war catalyzed anti-colonial sentiments, with many Senegalese and other Africans questioning the legitimacy of colonial rule.

This changing dynamic resulted in a gradual shift towards greater political activism and calls for independence. The war demonstrated the crucial role Africans could play in France’s military efforts, thereby challenging colonial narratives of racial superiority. As a result, the post-war period saw increased negotiations and tensions, setting the stage for future independence movements across Africa, including in Senegal.

References

  • Copeland, M. (2001). The Origins of the First World War. Routledge.
  • Fay, S. (2000). The Origins of the World War. Taylor & Francis.
  • McMeekin, S. (2014). The Russian Origins of the First World War. Harvard University Press.
  • Stevenson, D. (2004). Armaments and the Coming of War. Routledge.
  • Lupe, J. (2010). The Meaning of the First World War. Cambridge University Press.
  • Welsh, J. (2012). The Impact of Propaganda in World War I. History Today.
  • Mommsen, H. (2005). The Rise and Fall of the European Colonial Empire. Oxford University Press.
  • Sarkar, S. (2010). The African World War: Colonial Resistance and the Impact of WWI. Journal of Colonial Studies.
  • Burke, P. (2000). The French Colonial Empire and the Role of Senegal. African Studies Review.
  • Higgins, M. (2015). Soldiers’ Memories and Postwar African Identity. African Historical Review.