Summary

Summary - Imperialism and its Onslaught

Transition from Mercantilism to Industrial capitalism and then to financial capitalism culminating in Imperialism is explained.

Markets for selling surplus manufactured goods and for obtaining raw materials leading to search for colonies and the resultant conflict amongst great powers in Europe are discussed.

Rise of Japan as an imperial power in Asia and its expansionist policy are highlighted.

Europe organising into two warring camps resulting in the formation of alliances and counter-alliances are detailed.

Important factors responsible for the outbreak of World War I, aggressive attitude of Germany, France’s hostility towards Germany for the loss of its territories, Alsace and Lorraine, Japan’s expansionist policy, power politics in Balkans are explained.

Conduct of War in frontiers and important battles in other theatres of war are described.

Causes, course and results of Russian Revolution are analysed.

America’s entry into the War in the context of launching of submarines by Germany and the decisive outcome of the War in favour of the Allies are outlined.

Paris Peace Conference and the results of the War are elaborated.

The League of Nations and its role in promoting peace are critically examined.

Rise of Fascist governments and their fallout are described.