Great wars of the 20th Century

The major wars that happened in 20th century are:

1. World War I

The WWI involved many countries and caused great destructions. It spread from western Europe to Middle East and the war lasted for 4 years( 1914 – 1918). The war took the lives of nearly ten million soldiers. The war was fought between two European powers the Central power( Germany, Australia and Hungary) later Turkey joined, and the Allies (Britain, France and Russia) Italy also joined. On June 28th 1914, the Prince of Austria – Hungary , Franz Ferdinand was gunned down at Sarajevo by Serbian nationalist. Austria- Hungary declared war on Serbia. Germany declared war on Russia and France, and invaded Belgium. Britain entered war in support of Serbia, Belgium and France. The Central Powers surrendered in November 1918. The treaty of Versailles imposed on Germany. The Treaty created a condition which led to the outbreak of World War II.

The Russian Revolution

The Russian revolution of 1917 ended the long regime of or autocratic Tsars in Russia and culminated in the creation of the first communist state the Soviet Union. In February, revolution in which the Tsar Nicholas II was abdicated his throne and the Provisional government took power. In October revolution the provisional government was overthrown by Bolsheviks led by V.I. Lenin.

Food shortages provoked riots to which Tsar reacted very harshly. Hundreds of unarmed demonstrators were shot dead by troops in St. Petersburg in 1905. The provisional government failed to improve the situation. The Tsar and family we’re massacred in 1918.

World War II

The World War II lasted for six years (1939 – 1945) and the war killed more than 17 million soldiers and great numbers of civilians. It was fought between the Axis (Germany, Italy and Japan) and the Allies (Britain, the USSR, China and thr U.S). The war began on September 1, 1939 when Germany under Adolf Hitler invaded Poland. It annexed Australia, Denmark, Norway, Netherlands,France, Belgium. Germany defeated by USSR, Germany surrendered and the war continued in Eastern front the Japanese cities Hiroshima and Nagasaki were bombed by the U.S on August 6th and 9th, Japan also surrendered. 

Korean War

Korea was under Japan occupation until 1945, Japan was defeated in WWII. The nation was divided into two and northern half under control of USSR and southern half under control of U.S. The war began on 1950 North Korea invaded South Korea. The UN forces send to assist Soth Korea against North assisted by China and the USSR. North was beaten and south was recaptured. The fighting stopped in 1953. Korea remained divided as before. 

Iran – Iraq war

It was one of the longest , bloodiest and costliest Third world armed conflicts in the 20th century the rivalry between Arabs and Persians. The war began in September 1980 and ended in August 1988, it cost more than 1 million lives on both sides. On 1980, Saddam Hussein launched military attack on Iran. Iraq captured Iranian border towns and Iran’s largest oil refinery. In 1982, Iran drew the Iraqis out and carried the war back. Both bombed each other’s cities and attacked the oil tankers in the Gulf. The war ended in August 1988 when Iran reluctantly accepted UN call for truce which Iraq accepted. 

 Tourism in Rajasthan

The places to visit in Rajasthan are :

Jaipur known as the Pink city has massive forts, magnificent palaces and exquisite temples, marvelous gardens. Hawa Mahal, the City palace and the museum, the Chandra mahal, the Central museum in the Ram Niwas Gardens, Jal Mahal palace, Sheeshmahal palace, Jaigarh and Nahargarh forts are other places interesting to visit. It is also home for handicrafts, beautiful textile prints, delicate jewelry, precious gems and stones. Amber was the capital of Jaipur for six centuries the fortress palace built here in 1592 combines Mughal and Hindu styles of architecture.

Alwar – Alwar is between a cluster of small hills of Aravalli range. It has natural heritage with beautiful lakes and thickly wooded picturesque valleys. The government museum in the city palace complex has series of paintings based on music ragas. It also reflect the elegance of former rulers lifestyles. Other attractions are Bala Quila, Purjan vihar, Kankwari hill fort, Siliserh, Sariska Tiger Reserve and National Park.

Ajmer and Pushkar – Ajmer is a popular pilgrimage center for both Hindus and Muslims. The Dargah Sharif, the tomb of Sufi Saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti with a mosque inside. The Ana sagar lake created in the 12th century has two parks – Daulat bagh and Subash bagh on its banks. Shajahan’s mosque, Akbar’s palace housing the government museum, the Nasiyan temple etc. Pushkar separated from Ajmer by Naag Pahar( snake mountain).It is sacred place for Hindus. Famous are Brahma temple, Savitri temple, the Papmochani temple. It is also famous for the camel fair held every year.

Jaisalmer – Jaisalmer, the Golden city in the Thar desert was founded by Rawal Jaisal, a Bhati Rajput in 1156 AD. The Fort, Gadi Sagar lake, Manak Chowk, Lakshminath temple, Salim Singh ki Haveli, wood fossil park, Sam sand dunes and the Desert National Park are the attractions.

Jodhpur – Jodhpur at the edge of the Thar Desert was the capital of old Marwar State. The great attractions are Meherangarh fort and museum, Umaid gardens, Sadar museum, Balsamand lake and garden,Kailana lake, Rohet fort, Luni fort, Umaid Bhavan palace etc.

Mount Abu – Rajasthan” s only hill station, Mount Abu at 1220 m on the Aravalli hills is a place of scenic beauty. Toad rock, wildlife sanctuary, Dilwara group of Jain temples, Gaumukh, Achalgarh fort, the Guru Shikhar peak are important attractions. 

Ranthambore – Rathambore National Park is home to tigers, sambhar, wild boar, leopard, jackal, hyena etc. Other attractions are Rathambore fort, Jogi mahal the Sunehri Kothi – a monument with rich interior.