The Great War. Causes of the Great War. Mutual Defense Alliances

Red Deer College
Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences
HIST 208: The World since 1789 Winter 2020 Instructor: Dr. Eduard Baidaus Instructions for Take-Home Midterm Exam
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Due on Friday, February 28, 2020 in class
Please read the instructions carefully.
The Midterm Exam is due at the beginning of class.
Only print copies will be accepted.
In an essay format answer one of the questions found below:
1. Analyze, compare, and contrast the developments in Russia, Austria, and Turkey during the 19th century – 1914.
2. What role did nationalism, imperialism, and colonialism play in the nation- and state-building processes during the 19th century – 1914?
3. Describe the European alliance systems before World War I. Explain what led to the outbreak of the so-called “Great War” and what its main consequences were.
4. Analyze, compare, and contrast the society, economy, and politics in China and Japan with those in Latin America during the 19th century – 1914.
5. How did the Industrial Revolution influence economy, society, internal policies, and international relations during the 19th century – 1914?
6. Analyze, compare, and contrast the French Revolution of 1789 with the Russian Revolution of 1917.
 Expectations: good knowledge of class readings (textbook and primary sources) and lecture materials; strong thesis statement (type it in bold text); two research questions (type them in bold text), thoughtful and compelling argumentation; factual accuracy; accurate writing; ability to synthesize; comprehensive conclusion. Offer your interpretation.
 Your thesis statement will make an argument, not state a fact. Please consult, Mary Lynn Rampolla, A Pocket Guide to Writing in History (any edition) available in the RDC Library, or “Writing Tips: Thesis Statements” available at http://www(dot)cws(dot)illinois(dot)edu/workshop/writers/tips/thesis/
 Your research questions should define the focus of your essay, be clear and concise. Please consult “Writing a History Paper. Formulating a Research Question,” available at: https://history(dot)fas(dot)harvard(dot)edu/files/history/files/research_question.pdf?m=1459176775 or “How to Write a Research Question: What is a research question?” available at: http://www(dot)williamcronon(dot)net/researching/questions.htm (accessed February 4, 2020).
 Your answer should draw on the required readings and lecture materials. In addition to these sources, you should rely on at least one monograph and at least two scholarly articles. Your answer should use three primary sources, either from those listed on your reading list or those you will identify in the web-links indicated below.
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Red Deer College
Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences
HIST 208: The World since 1789 Winter 2020 Instructor: Dr. Eduard Baidaus  Useful resources for scholarly publications, i.e., books, articles, and primary sources:
 Via the RDC Library History guide: https://rdc(dot)libguides(dot)com/history
 Monograph search: https://books(dot)google(dot)ca/
 Articles search: https://www(dot)jstor(dot)org/ or https://scholar(dot)google(dot)ca/
 Primary sources search: https://avalon(dot)law(dot)yale(dot)edu/ or
https://sourcebooks(dot)fordham(dot)edu/mod/modsbook.asp
 You may use the sources available on Blackboard in the “Examinations” folder in the file named “208-W20-Midterm-Primary-Sources.”
 Note that these are some select suggestions for secondary and primary sources. However, there are many more available on-line. Feel free to navigate, explore, and identify any other secondary and primary sources that correspond to the topic of your midterm exam.
Evaluation:
a) The essay will count towards 20% of the final grade.
b) It will be evaluated based on organization, coherence, quality of argumentation,
originality, accuracy, writing style, and the above mentioned expectations.
c) Follow the “Midterm Exam Marking Guide” in the “Examinations” folder on Blackboard.
The Guide contains detailed evaluation criteria
d) The extra points earned for the bonus assignments Module I will be counted toward your
midterm mark.
Length and Format Requirements:
a) 1500 – 1700 words (not including the title page and bibliography) b) Word count on the Title page (do not exceed the length)
c) Double-space and numbered pages
d) Indented paragraphs and complete sentences
e) Page margins 2.54cm
f) Font size 12, Times New Roman
g) Footnotes at the bottom of the page (single-space; font size 10, Times New Roman) h) Use the Chicago Manual of Style for your footnotes and bibliography, available at
https://www(dot)utica(dot)edu/academic/library/Chicago.pdf
i) The Title Page (in the top right corner):
 Your Name
 Course Number
 Institution
 Professor’s Name
 Title
 Dates the Assignment is Due/Submitted
 Word Count
 Check if you followed all requirements properly before handing in your midterm exam. There is a penalty of 10% per day for late submission. If your midterm is not submitted within five calendar days (not business days), the grade “F” and the numerical value of “0” (zero) will be assigned. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions concerning your midterm exam.
Describe the European alliance systems before World War I. Explain what led to the outbreak of the so-called “Great War” and what its main consequences were.
Good Luck!
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