Roskill Lecture 2018: Margaret MacMillan — Reflecting on the Great War Today

Churchill College, University of Cambridge

7 Feb 201874:17

EducationalLearning

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TLDRThe 17th Steven Ross Gill Memorial Lecture, introduced by Alan Packwood, Director of the Archive Center, featured Professor Margaret Macmillan discussing the First World War's legacy. Macmillan, a renowned historian, explored the war's impact on society, politics, and the global balance of power. She examined the rise of Bolshevism and nationalism, the empowerment of women, and the disillusionment with Western civilization. The lecture also touched on the peace settlements' consequences and the interwar period's challenges, drawing parallels to contemporary issues like populism and international tensions.

Takeaways

📚 The lecture commemorates the 17th Steven Ross Gill Memorial Lecture and highlights the importance of historical research and remembrance.
🎖 Rear Admiral Dr. Chris Perry, an accomplished writer and former naval officer, introduces the lecture, emphasizing the connection between his own naval career and that of Steven Ross Gill.
🏛️ Alan Packwood, director of the archive Center, discusses the significance of Cambridge University as a hub for naval officers and scholars, including Sir Herbert Richmond and Stephen Ross Gill.
📖 The contributions of Stephen Ross Gill to the field of naval history are celebrated, particularly his official history of the Royal Navy in World War II and his leadership in the establishment of the archive center.
🤔 The lecture delves into the complexities of historical memory, particularly how perceptions of World War I have evolved from viewing it as heroic to considering it futile and wasteful.
🌍 Professor Margaret MacMillan discusses the global impact of World War I, noting how it affected not only European powers but also involved empires and non-European nations.
🔍 The lecture examines the causes of World War I, including the role of alliances, great powers backing smaller powers, and the acceptance of war as potentially beneficial for society.
💥 The First World War's consequences for Europe are highlighted, such as the rise of Bolshevism, the redrawing of political borders, and the disillusionment with Western civilization.
👥 The empowerment of women and the working class during the post-war period is noted, showing a shift in societal structures and the emergence of new political forces.
⚔️ The potential for violence to be accepted as a means to settle disputes is discussed, with the war leading to a brutalization of European society and politics.
🕊️ The lecture concludes with a reflection on the importance of understanding history to prevent complacency and the repetition of past mistakes, drawing parallels to contemporary issues.

Q & A

Who was the speaker of the 17th Steven Ross Gill Memorial Lecture?
-The speaker was Professor Margaret Macmillan, a historian and professor at the University of Toronto.
What was the main theme of Professor Macmillan's lecture?
-The main theme of her lecture was reflecting on the Great War, its impact on Europe and the world, and the changes it brought about in society and politics.
What significant event in Admiral Dr. Chris Perry's career was mentioned in the introduction?
-Admiral Dr. Chris Perry was mentioned for his role in rescuing stranded SAS soldiers from a glacier in South Georgia and sinking a submarine.
How did Captain Stephen Rosskill contribute to the understanding of the First World War?
-Captain Stephen Rosskill contributed through his official history of the Royal Navy in World War II, 'The War at Sea', and his biographies which served as models of research and scholarship.
What was the role of Sir Herbert Richmond in the First World War?
-Sir Herbert Richmond served as the naval director of operations during the First World War, and his memoranda about the deficiencies in naval strategy drew criticism from high-ranking officials.
How did the First World War change the political landscape of Europe?
-The First World War led to the disappearance of political institutions like the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the rise of new countries based on ethnic nationalism, which redrew the map of Europe.
What was the impact of the First World War on the global balance of power?
-The war changed the balance of power by elevating new countries like Japan and the United States as major powers, while the European empires began to collapse from within.
What was the societal impact of the First World War in terms of women's participation?
-The war led to women participating more in political life, as they took on jobs traditionally held by men and contributed significantly to the war effort, leading to a recognition of their capabilities and rights.
How did the First World War contribute to the rise of Bolshevism?
-The war created conditions that allowed Bolshevism, a splinter movement, to seize control of Russia, and its influence spread through Europe and eventually the world.
What were some of the myths and misconceptions about the First World War that emerged after it ended?
-One of the misconceptions was the 'stab-in-the-back' myth in Germany, where it was believed that they hadn't really lost the war but were betrayed by those at home, including socialists, liberals, and Jews.
How did the peace settlements after the First World War contribute to the conditions that made the Second World War possible?
-The peace settlements left many people unhappy, particularly in Germany where the Treaty of Versailles was seen as vindictive and harsh, fostering resentment and creating conditions that allowed for the rise of extremist ideologies.

Outlines

00:00

👋 Welcome to the Lecture

Alan Packwood, the director of the archive center, welcomes attendees to the 17th Steven Ross Gill Memorial Lecture. He introduces Rear Admiral Dr. Chris Perry, who shares a brief history of his distinguished naval career and his ongoing research using Steven Ross Gill's papers.

05:00

📚 Academic and Naval Histories

Dr. Chris Perry draws parallels between Steven Ross Gill and Sir Herbert Richmond, emphasizing their contributions to naval history and strategy. He discusses Ross Gill's notable works, including his official history of the Royal Navy during World War II, and highlights the establishment of the Ross Gill lecture series.

10:00

🌍 Reflecting on World War I

Professor Margaret Macmillan is introduced as the speaker, recognized for her extensive historical research and publications. Her lecture focuses on the lasting impacts of World War I, drawing on personal anecdotes and the significant contributions of historical figures like Steven Ross Gill and Winston Churchill.

15:02

🛡️ Perspectives on War Commemorations

Macmillan reflects on how different countries commemorate World War I, noting the varying intensities and focuses. She discusses the changing perceptions of the war over time and the differing national narratives, particularly contrasting Western perspectives with those of Russia and Germany.

20:04

🌏 Global Impact of World War I

The lecture highlights the far-reaching consequences of World War I, including the changes in political landscapes and national boundaries in Europe. Macmillan addresses the rise of ethnic nationalism, the collapse of empires, and the emergence of new political ideologies like Bolshevism.

25:06

⚔️ War's Toll on Europe

Macmillan discusses the profound social and economic impacts of World War I on Europe, including the loss of life, the physical and psychological wounds, and the lasting changes in European societies. She examines the brutalization of politics and society, and the long-term effects of the war's devastation.

30:06

👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 The Human Cost and Transformation

The lecture emphasizes the human cost of World War I, with millions of soldiers and civilians affected. Macmillan explores the war's global reach, involving soldiers and laborers from various colonies, and the resulting shifts in international power dynamics and societal changes, particularly for women and the working classes.

35:08

🏛️ Shifting Political Landscapes

Macmillan examines the political upheavals following World War I, including the fall of empires and the rise of new states in Europe. She discusses the challenges of ethnic nationalism and class struggles, as well as the broader impacts on global politics and the rise of movements like Bolshevism.

40:09

🔫 Violence and Political Instability

The lecture explores the increase in political violence and instability in post-war Europe, with examples of political assassinations and street violence. Macmillan highlights the dangerous rhetoric and dehumanization of enemies, which contributed to the social and political unrest of the period.

45:12

📜 The Treaty of Versailles and its Aftermath

Macmillan discusses the controversial Treaty of Versailles and its role in shaping post-war Europe. She addresses the criticisms of the treaty, its impact on Germany, and the broader geopolitical consequences. The lecture examines the challenges faced by the peacemakers and the legacy of the treaty.

50:13

🌐 Global Shifts Post-War

The lecture addresses the broader global changes resulting from World War I, including the decline of European dominance and the rise of new powers like the United States and Japan. Macmillan explores the impact on colonial empires and the rise of nationalist movements in colonies.

55:14

🤔 Lessons from History

Macmillan reflects on the lessons of World War I for contemporary society, warning against complacency and the dangers of ignoring historical parallels. She highlights the importance of understanding the causes and consequences of the war to prevent future conflicts.

00:14

📢 Audience Q&A

The session opens for audience questions, covering topics like the persistence of imperialism after World War I, the parallels between pre-World War I and contemporary politics, and the impact of the war on the middle classes. Macmillan provides thoughtful responses, drawing connections between historical and current events.

05:15

🎓 Reflections on the Role of Women

A question from the audience prompts Macmillan to discuss the impact of World War I on women in various countries. She highlights the changes in women's roles and the long-term effects on gender equality, acknowledging the complexities and uneven progress across different societies.

10:18

🍷 Closing Remarks and Thanks

The lecture concludes with closing remarks and a vote of thanks from the event organizers. Attendees are invited to continue the discussion over drinks and to explore the archival materials on display, celebrating the legacy of Steven Ross Gill and the contributions of the lecture's speaker, Professor Margaret Macmillan.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡First World War

The First World War, lasting from 1914 to 1918, was a global conflict primarily centered in Europe but involving many nations worldwide. It marked a significant turning point in history, leading to widespread change in political landscapes, societal structures, and the nature of warfare. In the script, the war's impact on European society, politics, and the world order is a central theme, with discussions on how it led to the rise of new nations and ideologies, such as Bolshevism, and how it affected the perception of civilization and leadership.

💡Bolshevism

Bolshevism refers to the ideology and practices of the Bolshevik Party, an early 20th-century political group that eventually took power in Russia during the Russian Revolution of 1917. The script mentions Bolshevism as a significant outcome of the First World War, highlighting how the war conditions allowed for its rise to power and the subsequent establishment of the Soviet Union, which had profound and lasting effects on global politics.

💡Ethnic Nationalism

Ethnic nationalism is a form of nationalism where the nation is defined by shared ethnicity, often including common language, culture, history, and traditions. The script discusses how the principle of ethnic nationalism led to the creation of new countries after the First World War, such as Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia, and how this principle contributed to political instability and conflict due to the complex ethnic mosaic of central Europe.

💡Treaty of Versailles

The Treaty of Versailles was the peace treaty signed on June 28, 1919, to formally end World War I between the Allied Powers and Germany. The script refers to the treaty as being seen as vindictive and harsh, particularly by the Germans, who widely loathed it and blamed it for many of the problems that arose in the post-war period, contributing to social and political unrest.

💡League of Nations

The League of Nations was an international organization founded after the First World War as part of the peace negotiations, intended to maintain world peace. The script mentions the League as a new institution that was meant to help deal with any problems arising from the peace settlements, but it ultimately did not fulfill its hopes, partly due to the United States not joining and a lack of will from other nations to make it work effectively.

💡Great Depression

The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression that took place mostly during the 1930s, beginning in the United States. The script refers to the Great Depression as a significant event that exacerbated domestic politics and national rivalries, leading to a rise in extremist ideologies and contributing to the conditions that made the Second World War possible.

💡Middle Class

The middle class refers to a social group that falls between the working class and the upper class in most industrialized nations. In the script, the impact of the First World War and subsequent economic depression on the middle class is discussed, highlighting how these events led to a decline in living standards and a loss of status, which in turn fueled social unrest and political radicalization.

💡Women's Suffrage

Women's suffrage is the right of women to vote and run for office, a right that was not universally recognized until the 20th century. The script discusses how the First World War contributed to the enfranchisement of women in several countries, as their roles during the war led to a recognition of their civic contributions and the need for their participation in political life.

💡Nationalism

Nationalism is a political ideology that involves a strong identification with one's country and the belief in the importance of national sovereignty. The script describes how the First World War and its aftermath led to a rise in nationalism, as soldiers from various colonies who fought in Europe returned with a desire for independence from European rule, contributing to the eventual decolonization movements of the 20th century.

💡International Relations

International relations is the study of the interactions between nations, including diplomacy, conflict, and cooperation. The script touches on the changing nature of international relations in the wake of the First World War, with the emergence of new powers, the decline of European dominance, and the challenges to the established norms and institutions that govern global affairs.

Highlights

Introduction of the 17th Steven Ross Gill Memorial Lecture by Alan Packwood, director of the archive Center.

Coincidence of Rear Admiral Dr. Chris Perry's visiting fellowship with the lecture, highlighting his naval career and writing accomplishments.

Alan Packwood's remarks on the importance of the lecture named for figures like Steven Ross Gill, a man of both words and actions.

Historical context provided on Cambridge's role in producing iconoclastic naval officers and Soviet spies.

Sir Herbert Richmond's influence as a naval director of operations during WWI and his subsequent academic career.

Captain Stephen Ross Gill's distinguished naval career and his significant contributions to history and the archive center.

The establishment of the Raw Skill lecture as a memorial to Ross Gill's life and legacy.

Professor Margaret Macmillan's introduction, detailing her academic background and contributions to history.

Reflections on the Great War's impact on the perception of war as futile, dreadful, and wasteful.

Different commemorative approaches to the First World War across various countries.

The shift in public memory of the First World War from heroism to a sense of loss and futility.

Discussion on the pre-WWI European society's prosperity and the war's role in disrupting that progress.

Analysis of the various factors contributing to the outbreak of the First World War.

The role of social Darwinism and its influence on the acceptance and even promotion of war.

The impact of the war on the global stage, involving non-European powers and shifting the balance of power.

Changes in European political landscape post-WWI, including the rise of ethnic nationalism and Bolshevism.

The 'war to end all wars' and its unforeseen consequences, setting the stage for the Second World War.

Margaret Macmillan's closing thoughts on the lessons we can learn from the First World War and their relevance today.

Transcripts

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Related Tags

World War I Society Impact Politics Nationalism Bolshevism Empire Middle Class Treaty of Versailles Gender Roles Historical Analysis