At the end of the 19th century, many people believed that war could no longer be used as a tool of diplomacy, but the 20th century proved otherwise.
The century saw two world wars, with World War I (1914–1918) and World War II (1939–1945) killing millions of people; World War II alone caused the deaths of more than 50 million.
In addition to these global conflicts, numerous other wars occurred between and within nations, often with extremely high casualty rates.
The changing nature of warfare blurred the distinction between soldiers and civilians; by the 1990s, more civilians were being killed in wars than combatants.
Technological advances, including the development of nuclear weapons, meant that humanity faced the possibility of total destruction for the first time in history.
Importance of Studying War
World War I swept away empires, destroyed the old order, and prepared the ground for new political and social developments in Europe.
World War II resulted in the emergence of the United States and the Soviet Union as superpowers while accelerating the decline of European powers such as Britain and France.
These changes led directly to the Cold War and the collapse of European colonial empires, shaping the global political landscape of the late 20th century.
Types of War
Interstate War
Hitler and Himmler inspected their personal guard
An interstate war is a conflict between two or more states that use their national armed forces to fight.
World War I and World War II are examples of large-scale interstate wars involving multiple nations on a global scale.
Civil War
A civil war is a conflict between groups within the same country, usually over political control, ideology, or independence.
The Spanish Civil War (1936–1939) was fought between the Republicans and the Nationalists, while the Chinese Civil War (1927–1949) was fought between the Nationalists and the Communists.
Guerrilla Warfare
Guerrilla warfare is an unconventional form of warfare in which small groups of fighters use ambushes, hit-and-run attacks, and raids against larger, less mobile forces.
This strategy is often used during struggles for independence or in difficult terrain, such as jungles or mountains.
The Algerian War (1954–1962) and First Indochina War (1946-54) against French colonial rule are examples of wars in which guerrilla tactics played a major role.
Causes of War
Economic Causes
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Note
The 20th century was a period of unprecedented global conflict, marked by two world wars and numerous other significant conflicts. These wars reshaped the world politically, economically, and socially.
World War I (1914-1918) and World War II (1939-1945) were the most devastating conflicts, with millions of casualties and widespread destruction.
The century also saw the rise of new forms of warfare, including guerrilla tactics and nuclear weapons.
Analogy
Think of the 20th century as a pressure cooker, where various tensions (political, economic, social) built up until they exploded in violent conflicts.
Example
The development of nuclear weapons during WWII introduced the concept of mutually assured destruction, fundamentally changing international relations.
