Tag: political science

Austria-Hungary made first declaration of war against Serbia because of assassination of the Austrian Prince Francis Ferdinand and his wife Sophia on June 28, 1914. The Archduke Ferdinand along with his wife Sophia were assassinated by a student of the ‘Black hand’, a revolutionary-organization, at Sarajevo, the Capital of Serbia. Austria served an ultimatum on Serbia on July 23 making eleven demands. Serbia accepted most of them except those which would have led to the loss of her sovereignty. Austria declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914.

The main terms of the Treaty of Versailles were:

• The Treaty declared Germany guilty of aggression.
• Germany was required to pay for the loss and damages suffered by the Allies during the war.
• Germany lost Alsace Lorraine to France
• Germany lost all her colonies to the victorious Allies.
• The Treaty affirmed the complete independence of Belgium, Poland, Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia.
• The Covenant of the League of Nations was added to the Treaty of Versailles.

The Hundred Years War was fought between France and England during the late Middle Ages. It lasted 116 years from 1337 to 1453. The war started because Charles IV of France died in 1328 without a son. Edward III of England then believed he had the right to become the new king of France through his mother.

Historical estimates for casualties in the First World War vary, but 10 million is the commonly cited figure for military deaths. Total casualties, including civilian deaths, are often estimated much higher, but 10 million is the standard textbook answer for deaths.

Blitzkrieg is a German term meaning lightning war. It refers to a military tactic designed to create disorganization among enemy forces through the use of mobile forces and locally concentrated firepower.

India is the largest democracy in the world and its constitution grants to its people a wide number of rights. In India, elections are held under the direct control of the Election Commission of India which is an autonomous Constitutional body and the right to vote is based on the principle of Universal Adult Franchise. The success of election is based upon the active participation of people in maximum numbers, however, voting cannot be compelled and this right is exercised by the citizens as per their discretion. Hence, saying that India has the largest number of voters in the world does not quantify the stronghold of Indian elections to be democratic.

Earlier women were not allowed to participate in elections. They were kept deprived of exercising this civil right. Women have always been considered inferior to man and they were confined to household chores. It was during world wars when women contributed equally to that of men. The potential of women was internationally respected and recognized. The argument that is given against women's suffrage is that it will hinder them in taking care of their family and children if they cast votes and come into power to hold government posts.

An election is a decision making process by which people get to choose their representative. It is a test to evaluate the functioning of government and indicates the policies, representatives would undertake. But elections cannot evaluate the performance of judiciary.