Laissez Faire Economics (capitalism)

Directions: Answer two of the following sets of questions. Be sure to write complete sentences, double space, set one-inch margins, and use Times Roman 12-point font.  Aim for about one-and-a half to two pages for each of your answers.

Be sure to place your name on your exam.  Also, remember to cite any sources you use and be careful not plagiarize, which will be penalized with a grade of F for the exam.

1. Why did socialism develop into such a strong challenge to laissez faire economics (capitalism)? What were Karl Marx’s three chief criticisms of capitalism? Briefly explain his theory of revolution. According to Marx, what conditions had to be met before a country was ready for socialism? Why did Karl Marx’s critique of capitalism become so influential after his death?

2. Russia made substantial economic, social, and political progress between 1861 and 1914. Why, then, did the tsarists government collapse so suddenly in February/March* 1917 and be replaced by a Provisional (temporary) Government? Why were the Bolsheviks (soon to call themselves Communists) under Lenin able to overthrow the Provisional Government in October/November of that year, and why did they win the subsequent Russian Civil War (1918-1921)? What kind of leader was Stalin, and how did he diverge from Lenin’s policies in his “revolution from above”?

*Remember: the Russian used the old Julian calendar until February 1918, when the Communists adopted the Gregorian calendar. The Julian calendar was thirteen days behind the Gregorian calendar in the 20th century.

3. What is imperialism? Briefly explain four reasons for the unprecedented European expansion into Africa and Asia during the period 1870-1914. Explain two important effects of imperialism for Europeans and two for native populations in Africa and Asia? How did people in China and India eventually respond to European imperialism?

4. Discuss the causes of the Great War (World War I) and the reasons for the Allies’ victory. Was any one nation more responsible than others for the war?  Why was France so determined to punish Germany after the war? Was the punishment just?

5. What circumstances were conducive to the rise of dictatorships and the decline of democracies between 1918 and 1939, particularly in Italy and Germany? What were three important similarities between Italian fascism and German Nazism. What made German Nazism and Italian Fascism such aggressive, even warmongering, ideologies?

6. Various writers have suggested that the twentieth century’s World Wars in their European contexts were in fact civil wars between competing ideologies, one representing progressive ideas and values that originated in the Enlightenment, and the other, the antithesis of progressive ideas and values. Discuss.

Bonus: Answer either A or B (if you answer both, only the first one will count). Twenty to twenty-five words should suffice.

A. Based on your study of history this semester, what is the best answer to the following question: “why has there been so much warfare in history?” An answer more sophisticated than human greed (which may be a product of specific economic and social forces rather than a product of human nature) is necessary. (2 points)

B. Identify and briefly explain two important values (beware of confusing value with institution. Government, education, religion, etc. are institutions) found in the history of world civilizations since 1600 that we ought to cultivate in the 21st century.