Chapter 1
United States History, Government, and Citizenship
Course: Elementary Education Multiple Subjects 7001
Subject: Elementary Education Social Studies Subtest 7004
Chapter: World History And Economics
The twentieth century was a period of dramatic political, economic, social, technological, and cultural change on a global scale. people must understand the key global events of this period, including world wars, ideological conflicts, decolonization, economic globalization, technological advancement, and the development of human rights. These events not only shaped the modern world but also continue to influence current affairs.
1. The First World War (1914–1918)
World War I began as a conflict among European powers but quickly escalated into a global war due to colonial ties and alliances. Major causes included militarism, secret alliances, imperialist competition, and intense nationalism, with the immediate trigger being the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary.
The war introduced new warfare technologies such as tanks, machine guns, poison gas, and submarines. Trench warfare on the Western Front led to prolonged stalemates and immense casualties.