§1.6 Freedom, wealth and equality in the United States
After World War I, USA rose as a new world power, because their economic competitors were
weakened by it.
After 1918, the American presidents chose a policy of isolationism (remaining apart from the
affairs or interests of other countries). The government set a high tariff on foreign goods to make
imported products more expensive → nobody would buy foreign goods, but would buy
American products → stimulated American production → the USA became the richest country in
the world.
During the Roaring Twenties, the United States became a consumer society → the market was
focused on making and buying luxury items. Everything changed; use of alcohol, music, clothing
& transportation.
Buying on credit made it possible for inhabitants with moderate income to buy luxury items, like cars
with borrowed money. A motto was: ‘Buy now, pay later’.
The causes for the Great Depression in the USA were the bankruptcy of farmers, the consumer society
& the banking system.
§2.1; The Russian Revolution
Russian society pyramid of power: czars (assumed throne by bloodline) → nobles (provincial
governors) → serfs (peasants; labor sources to support the economy). Russia experiences internal
problems; a big gap between rich and poor & political problems. Tsar Nicholas II lost the support
of his people when he had used violence on a peaceful demonstration → a revolution → the
founding of the parliament; the Duma.
The February Revolution in 1917 was caused by World War I (death toll, shortages, mass starvation,
inflation & the defeats of the tsar), the direct cause were the hunger riots led by women and workers.
Nicholas II ordered his soldiers to shoot on the demonstartors, but they refused. The demonstrations
turned into a revolution. The consequences were the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II & the laborers and
soldiers united to govern themselves called the Soviets.
Lenin was sponsored by Germany to come back to Russia, so that he can take over the power.
However, if he does, he needs to sign a peace treaty with Germany. Lenin dreamed of a
communist state (a society based on equality in which there are no individual possessions) → he
formed his own party; the Bolsheviks.
The October Revolution was an unofficially coup initiated by the Bolsheviks. Lenin promised
them peace negotiations for World War I (peace), redistribution (farm)land & more food for the
population (bread). Lenin attacked the Winter Palace (a seat of the government and a former
palace of the tsar) and gained control over the city. The consequences of The October
Revolution were the congress of Soviets, Treaty of Brest-Litovsk (peace), elections which Lenin
lost → coup by Lenin, who became a dictator.
After World War I, USA rose as a new world power, because their economic competitors were
weakened by it.
After 1918, the American presidents chose a policy of isolationism (remaining apart from the
affairs or interests of other countries). The government set a high tariff on foreign goods to make
imported products more expensive → nobody would buy foreign goods, but would buy
American products → stimulated American production → the USA became the richest country in
the world.
During the Roaring Twenties, the United States became a consumer society → the market was
focused on making and buying luxury items. Everything changed; use of alcohol, music, clothing
& transportation.
Buying on credit made it possible for inhabitants with moderate income to buy luxury items, like cars
with borrowed money. A motto was: ‘Buy now, pay later’.
The causes for the Great Depression in the USA were the bankruptcy of farmers, the consumer society
& the banking system.
§2.1; The Russian Revolution
Russian society pyramid of power: czars (assumed throne by bloodline) → nobles (provincial
governors) → serfs (peasants; labor sources to support the economy). Russia experiences internal
problems; a big gap between rich and poor & political problems. Tsar Nicholas II lost the support
of his people when he had used violence on a peaceful demonstration → a revolution → the
founding of the parliament; the Duma.
The February Revolution in 1917 was caused by World War I (death toll, shortages, mass starvation,
inflation & the defeats of the tsar), the direct cause were the hunger riots led by women and workers.
Nicholas II ordered his soldiers to shoot on the demonstartors, but they refused. The demonstrations
turned into a revolution. The consequences were the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II & the laborers and
soldiers united to govern themselves called the Soviets.
Lenin was sponsored by Germany to come back to Russia, so that he can take over the power.
However, if he does, he needs to sign a peace treaty with Germany. Lenin dreamed of a
communist state (a society based on equality in which there are no individual possessions) → he
formed his own party; the Bolsheviks.
The October Revolution was an unofficially coup initiated by the Bolsheviks. Lenin promised
them peace negotiations for World War I (peace), redistribution (farm)land & more food for the
population (bread). Lenin attacked the Winter Palace (a seat of the government and a former
palace of the tsar) and gained control over the city. The consequences of The October
Revolution were the congress of Soviets, Treaty of Brest-Litovsk (peace), elections which Lenin
lost → coup by Lenin, who became a dictator.
