ASSIGNMENT DIRECTIONS

ASSIGNMENT DIRECTIONS Choose ONE of the following topics for your main discussion posting for the week. Remember to provide a reference if you used a source other than your textbook for information. Also, remember not to copy and paste from any sources - summarize and analyze in your own words. Note from Professor: you'll be able to answer the question more fully if you draw primarily from our shared materials (textbook & video) and use outside materials more as supplements. 1. How did the Versailles peace treaties set the basis for future conflicts in both Europe and the colonial world? Constructively critique the Treaty of Versailles. If the treaty had been written differently, do you think World War II could have been avoided? Explain. 2. What was Bismarck's plan for ensuring German power and security on the European continent? How did world events and German actions after 1900 upend the European equilibrium that Bismarck had tried to maintain? 3. Discuss the factors that led to the collapse of the Central Powers and the Allied victory in World War I. In your analysis, which factor was to prove to be most decisive in the Allied victory? 4. What role did the formation of alliances play in the cause of World War I? How do you think World War I would have differed if the alliance system were not in play? Explain.