HISTORY OF MODERN EUROPE BAC404 Q.1.

- Discuss the Paris peace conference that was held after the first world war. Ans:- The Paris Peace Conference:- Germany ageed to sign the armistice that signaled the end of the war on the back of US president Woodrow Wilsons peace proposals. Wilson opposed the idea of any secret treaty and suggested moderate punishment both economically and territorially for Germany of the fourtee points established general ideals, eight point dealt with immediate political and territorial problems and the fourteenth paint called for an association to help keep peace in the world. The fourteen points of Woodrow Wilson are summarized as follows:1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. No more secret agreements Free navigation in all seas An end to all economic barriers between countries. Reduction of national armaments All decisions regarding the colonies should be impartial. The evacuation of the German Army from all Russian Territory it holds, Moreover, Russia should be left to develop her own political set up. Independence of Belgium. France should be fully liberated and allowed to recover Alsace Larraine All Italians are to be allowed to live in Italy. Italys boaders to be along clearly recognizable lines of nationality. Self determination should be allowed for all those living in Austria- Hungary. Self determination and guarantees of independence should be allowed for the Balkan States. The Turkish people should be governed by the Turkish Gov. non Turks in the old Turkish Empire should govern themselves. An independent Poland should be created which should have access to the Sea. A league of Nations should be set up to guarantee the political and territorial independence of all states.

Representative from 32 allied countries and associated pour met at the Paris to draw the peace settlement after the first war. The defeated central powers neutral countries and Russia did not find any representation in this conference. Decision making in the conference was confined to the Allied nations alone. The most important nations in the conference were the big four nations. Q.2. War reparations were the reason for the proposition of the 1929 depression elaborate. Ans:- Depression is an economic downturn that is marked by the downward movement in price, wages, investment, trade and employment. During an economic slump though the economics undergo recession due to business cycle fluctuation they recover automatically. But the great depression (also known as the great slump) which began with the crash of the New York stock exchange on 29 th October 1929 was the longest and severest economic depression ever experienced by the advanced economies. Not only did it cause social and economic distress worldwide it also bed to the rise of dictatorship in several countries and paved way for the Second World War It is generally agreed upon that the great depression did originate in United States of America. The decade preceding the great depression referred to as the roaring Twenties was an era of high

economic growth and prosperity in America. But the era came to an abrupt end in 1929 owing to economic depression in the US on account of a boom period stock prices had reached historic peaks in the American economy. The federal reserve of the United States resorted to hiking interest rates for two consecutive years 1928 and 1929. By September 1929 the buying of shares at the New York stock exchange began to slow down. On 26 October 1929 share prices tumbled radically at the stock exchange triggering panic among the investors. Immediate government intervention arrested further fall in the stock market but very soon in November 1929 the share price fell steeply.
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Q.3.- Give a detailed account on the foreign policy of Mussolini. Ans:- Mussolinis Foreign Policy:- the aggressive nationalism pride and glory in Italian past was the key to Mussolinis power and presentation. The following highlights of Mussolinis foreign policy depict his aggressive and totalitarian approach. 1. The Treaty of Lausanne 1923:- This was the revision of the Treaty of Sevres and bought some legal recognition to Italian possession of Dodecanese Leland and gave a boost to Italian naval base in Mediterranean east. Soon Italy as a part of administrative ambition to extend fascist influence in the western Mediterranean persuaded France and Spain to give Italy Space in administrative control over several issues and this resulted in Italian influence rising in the League of Nations too. 2. Four Power Pact:- In 1933 Benito Mussolini called for the creation of the four power pact as a better means of ensuring international security. Under this plan smaller nations would have less of a voice in Great Power Politics representatives of Britain, France, Germany and Italy signed a diluted version of Mussolinis Four Power Pact Proposal. 3. Invasion of Abyssinia:- Encouraged by Japanese attack of Manchuria. Mussolini invaded Abyssinia in 1935. England opposed Mussolinis action and the League of Nations decided to take action against him. Mussolini gave up membership of League of Nations and became a dependable ally of Germany and Japan. 4. The Rome Berlin Tokyo Axis: - Mussolini by philosophy and attitude was closer to Germany. Therefore in 1937 Italy joined the Anti-Co intern pact concluded by Germany and Japan in 1936 as a result of which the Berlin Rome Tokyo Axis came into existence. Hitler referred to this axis as a great world political triagle and determined to protect decisively their right and vital interests. In March1938 Hitler occupied Austria, Mussolini had assumed the self imposed role of protector of Austria. Austria did not interest him at all by his act, Mussolini was able to earn the gratitude of Hitler but lost him cherished dream of following an independent policy and establishing protectorate over Austria. Q.4.- Explain the formation of the Weimar Republic. Ans:- Formation of the Weimar Republic:- Prince Monee appeared to the allied power for an armistice on the ground that the new German Government was totally representative of the people. But Wilson rejected the request on the ground that as long as the German Policy was in the hands of the Kaisers former ministers, there could be no negotiation.

On 19th January 1919 general elections were held on 6th February the national assembly met at Weimar to frame a republican constitution. In the elections the socialists failed to secure a majority compelling them to form a coalition with the help of the bourgeois parties with here Ebert as the president it was this government which was called upon to sign the fateful treaty of Versailles in 1919. Nature of the Weimar Republic:- The nature of the Weimar Republic has been discussed below:1. Lack of Popular Support:- The Weimar Republic was born under very unfavourable circumstances. The harsh and humiliating terms