The Crushing Finale

The Crushing Finalé

On the eve of the Great War, most Europeans felt great confidence in their own nations. In tonight’s reading, you’ll see how that confidence led to increased international tensions. It begins with a reflection on the Celebration of Queen Victoria’s 60-year reign in 1897—(a film clip of the event is available HERE). The British, French, and Germans all felt confident that they would inherit the new century. Then we’ll learn about the Austria Empire, a polyglot state of many different nationalities. Nationalism, imperialism, and militarism will combine to spark a terrible conflagration.

TASKS:

1. NEW Reader (“Progress & Catastrophe) pp. 13-20

ANNOTATE—be sure to mark the answers to the following questions:

The Crushing Finale:

• 1. What did the generation of 1900 believe? Were they optimistic or pessimistic?

  2. Characterize the ‘moods’ of the following countries:

· Great Britain

· France

· Germany

· Austria Hungary (what were the many nationalities in the AH Empire)

o What about the Viennese? (people in Vienna--the capital city of the Austrian Empire)

• 1. P 16: “strains were increasing every day.” How?

  2. P 17: Why did people find nationalism appealing?

  3. Why were the Serbians so dissatisfied? What was the ultimate result?

  4. What does the author argue was the most striking gain during the “age of Progress”?