The American historian Barbara Tuchman (1912-1989) argued The First World War marked the beginning of the 20th century. Tuchman argued, the old world order of monarchs and ruling aristocrats lost because they could not compete against the Industrial Powers. Moreover, the major European powers were weakened by the deaths of millions. Tuchman further contended the impact of the war, made the keeping of their imperial empires more expensive and less desirable to hold onto.
In the end, it left the United States and to a lesser degree the newly created Soviet Union as symbols for future progress. However, Woodrow Wilson’s visionary ideas expressed in his 14 points fell short. Thereby, the war to end all wars and make the world safe for democracy left most of the world in a state of despair.
Explore one individual or thing associated with World War I (Wilson, Princip, Archduke Ferdinand. Kaiser Wilhelm II, Nicholas II airplanes, mustard gas, trench warfare, submarines, machine guns, the 14 Points) and what role it played during the war? You are not limited to those choices. You can choose one not listed. In addition, the Margaret MacMillan video could prove useful.
