E.H. Gombrich 'A Little History of the World' 39. Dividing up the World part one

Summary

The script from 'Little History of the World' chapter 39 narrates the industrial revolution's impact, leading to economic crises and the scramble for colonies. It describes the rise of factories, urbanization, and the need for new markets, which sparked global competition and conflicts. The text also covers World War I's outbreak, its devastating effects, and the Treaty of Versailles' consequences. It reflects on humanity's technological advancements juxtaposed with ongoing poverty and the hope for a better future.

Takeaways

• 🏭 The industrial revolution led to the rise of factories and mass production, which in turn created a need for new markets to sell the surplus goods.
• 🌐 The competition for new markets and resources led to the colonization of Africa and Asia by European powers, who sought to sell their goods and acquire raw materials.
• 🚗 The expansion of industry and technology improved living standards for some, with the spread of amenities like gas, electric lighting, and telephones, and the development of transportation like trams and cars.
• 📉 Economic crises arose due to overproduction and the inability of local markets to absorb the surplus, necessitating the search for foreign markets to prevent factory closures and job losses.
• 🌍 The scramble for colonies was driven by the need for new markets and resources, leading to conflicts and wars among European powers.
• 🇬🇧 The British Empire was particularly successful in acquiring colonies, including India, Australia, and parts of Africa, which provided both markets and resources.
• 🇫🇷 France also expanded its colonial holdings, particularly in Indochina and Africa, to secure resources and markets for its industries.
• 🇷🇺 Russia, despite not having overseas colonies, sought to expand its influence across Asia, clashing with Japan, which was also industrializing and in need of markets.
• 🔫 The arms race and militarization among European powers, driven by the competition for colonies, eventually led to World War I.
• ⚔️ World War I was a global conflict that involved not only European powers but also their colonies, leading to massive casualties and the use of new, devastating weapons.
• 🏛️ The Treaty of Versailles and other peace treaties that followed the war imposed heavy penalties on Germany and Austria, leading to political upheaval and the redrawing of national borders.

Q & A

What significant changes occurred in homes during the time when the author's parents were young?

During the time when the author's parents were young, homes began to have gas and electric lighting, followed by telephones. Electric tramways appeared in towns, soon followed by cars. Suburbs expanded to house workers and factories, and the use of powerful machines in factories increased efficiency, leading to more affordable goods for the working class.

Why did factories need to sell their products abroad during the industrialization period?

Factories needed to sell their products abroad because the domestic market could not consume all the goods produced by the new, highly efficient machines. Selling abroad was a way to prevent economic crises caused by unsold goods and to keep factories running, which in turn kept workers employed and able to purchase goods.

What was the role of colonies in the industrial countries' economic expansion?

Colonies played a crucial role in the industrial countries' economic expansion by providing new markets for the sale of manufactured goods and sources of raw materials that were not available in their home countries. This allowed factories to continue production and meet the demand for their products.

Why did the industrial nations compete to acquire territories in remote and wild places?

Industrial nations competed to acquire territories in remote and wild places to sell their goods and secure resources that were not available in their home countries, such as cotton for cloth and oil for petrol. These resources were essential for the continued operation and expansion of their industries.

How did the British Empire benefit from its early colonial acquisitions?

The British Empire benefited from its early colonial acquisitions by having access to vast territories like India, Australia, and North America, which provided both markets for their goods and resources necessary for their industries. This early advantage allowed them to be a dominant power in the division of the world.

What was the situation that led to the outbreak of the war between Russia and Japan in 1905?

The war between Russia and Japan in 1905 broke out due to Russia's ambitions to extend its influence across Asia to the sea for trade, which was opposed by Japan. The conflict resulted in Russia's defeat and the loss of some of its territories to Japan.

Why did Italy and Germany, as new states, seek to acquire colonies later than other European powers?

Italy and Germany sought to acquire colonies later than other European powers because they were previously fragmented and not in a position to conquer lands overseas. Once unified, they wanted to make up for lost opportunities and secure resources and markets for their growing industries.

What was the main reason for the escalating arms race and military buildup among European countries?

The main reason for the escalating arms race and military buildup among European countries was the need to secure and protect their colonies and territories. This was driven by the genuine need for more land to support their industries and the fear of losing their colonies to stronger neighbors.

How did the assassination in Sarajevo in 1914 set off a chain of events leading to World War I?

The assassination of the heir to the Austrian throne by a Serb in Sarajevo led Austria to believe war with Serbia was inevitable. This drew in Russia, which was protective of the Slavic peoples, and Germany, as Austria's ally. The complex web of alliances and enmities among European powers eventually led to a full-scale war.

What were the conditions like for the people of Germany and Austria during World War I?

The people of Germany and Austria suffered greatly during World War I, with scarce resources leading to a lack of food, clothing, and fuel. Women had to queue for hours to buy the smallest amounts of food, and the general population was destitute.