111th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide: Analyzing the Societal Impact of Total War and Nationalism
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The global commemoration of the 1915 Armenian Genocide serves as a critical case study for UPSC aspirants on the devastating consequences of World War I and the rise of exclusionary nationalism. It highlights the shift toward 'total war' where civilian populations became primary targets during the disintegration of empires.
The global commemoration of the Armenian Genocide on April 24 marks 111 years since the start of a systematic campaign that resulted in the deaths of approximately 1.5 million Armenians. For UPSC aspirants, this event is not merely a historical footnote but a profound case study in the 'consequences of World War I' and the 'societal implications of total war.'
The genocide occurred during the terminal decline of the Ottoman Empire. As the empire faced existential threats during WWI, the ruling Committee of Union and Progress (CUP) pivoted from Ottomanism to a virulent form of Turkish nationalism. This ideological shift transformed the Armenian minority from subjects into perceived 'internal enemies.' This illustrates a recurring theme in world history: the danger of exclusionary nationalism during periods of state fragility.
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This article was curated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical facts from official sources.