World in 20th Century by Hannah Erickson

Setting the Stage for the Cold War and Decolonization 8.1

hannaherickson — 2024-05-02 14:46:02 UTC

1945- United States and Soviet Union became superpowers after WWII. The U.S. had a strong economy, military, and were at the forefront of innovation. (think nuclear power, space explorations, computer technology) The Soviet Union had large military control over Eastern Europe and possession of nuclear weapons.

After WWII, relationships between parent countries and colonies shifted. Nationalist movements rose and colonies demanded independence and autonomy, leading to the dissolution of many European empires.

The Cold War 8.2

vidhiraiyani123 — 2024-05-02 14:49:04 UTC

Beginning in 1947 and ending in 1991, the Cold War was a political and military tension between the United States and Russia. The build-up of tension was due to several stark differences between the government systems of the two countries. The economic system of the United States was based on capitalism while Russia’s economy was based on communism. The political systems were different too, with the United States being a federal presidential constitutional republic while on the other hand, Russia was a federal socialist state. Along with the US-Russia conflict, many Non-Aligned Movement leaders fought for unity, economic development and an end to colonialism in their own respective countries.

8.3 Effects of the Cold War

kealeykerrigan — 2024-05-02 14:49:25 UTC

The Korean War, Vietnam War, and the Contra War were against the United States and in the same regions. The Test-Ban Treaty was used to ban nuclear weapon test in the atmosphere. The treaty was signed in 1963. The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty prevented the spread of nuclear weapons.

Spread of Communism After 1900 8.4

hannaherickson — 2024-05-02 14:53:07 UTC

The spread of Communism can be attributed to many factors, including economic inequality, political corruption, and foreign imperialism. For example, the weak and corrupt government of the Nationalist Party in China failed to address the social and economic problems facing the country, allowing Japan to occupy China. The communist gained support due to their military resistance against the Japanese. (Late 1940s) There are many examples, but all of them start with a country in a weakened state and someone suggesting communism as a solution to all the problems.

8.6 Newly Independent States

kealeykerrigan — 2024-05-02 17:25:10 UTC

The Balfour Declaration in 1917 supported a Jewish national home in Palestine. In 1948, the UN divided Palestine, leading to conflict between Arabs and Jews. The Cold War added tension, and in 1967, the Six-Day War saw Israel victorious, gaining territories. In 1956, Israel, Britain, and France invaded Sinai to reopen shipping lanes.

Decolonization After 1900 8.5

2024-05-07 13:48:02 UTC

Several nations gained their independence from their parent countries through either negotiation or armed struggle. In 1922, Egypt, separated from Britain; in 1947, India gained its independence from Britain and the Gold Coast was freed from Britain in 1957. Then throughout the years of 1954-1962, the colonies of Vietnam, French West Africa and Algeria all gained their independence from France.

9.3 Technological Advances: Debates about the Environment After 1900

kealeykerrigan — 2024-05-07 14:04:09 UTC

Environmental problems such as deforestation, desertification, poor air quality, strained water supply, and rising global temperatures after the 1900s are caused by factors like urbanization, agriculture expansion, industrialization, and burning of fossil fuels. These issues lead to loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, water scarcity, health problems, and economic impacts on local communities.

End of Cold War 8.8

2024-05-07 14:08:49 UTC

The Cold War ended in 1991 with the collapse of the Soviet Union, triggered by economic struggles and reforms led by Mikhail Gorbachev. These reforms, including "glasnost" and "perestroika," weakened the Communist Party's control and led to political and economic crises. The fall of Soviet-backed governments in Eastern Europe, symbolized by the Berlin Wall's collapse in 1989, marked the Cold War's end. The failed Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, coupled with internal discontent and Gorbachev's reforms, contributed to the USSR's dissolution, leading to the emergence of Russia as a federation under Boris Yeltsin's presidency.

8.7 Global Resistance to Established Power Structures After 1900

hannaherickson — 2024-05-07 14:24:42 UTC

After 1900, strong power structures began to develop. As a result, there was naturally some resistance from citizens on issues and needs to reform. There are two types: Non-Violent and Violent. An example of a non-violent resistance was Mohandas Gandhi who led campaigns against British rule, which ultimately led to India's independence. An example of violent protest was the Irish Republican Army which led numerous conflicts against British forces, with a goal of achieving independence from the United Kingdom.

Technological Advances and Limitations After 1900: Disease 9.2

2024-05-07 14:30:50 UTC

Diseases are categorized into contagious and chronic types, with contagious diseases being transmissible and chronic diseases typically associated with aging and immunity. In more developed countries (MDCs), chronic diseases like heart disease dominate causes of death due to longer life expectancies, while in less developed countries (LDCs), contagious diseases prevail due to lower life expectancies. HIV-AIDS revealed its transmission through blood, leading to preventive measures like PrEP. Places like Sub-Saharan Africa face a higher risk of HIV-AIDS due to cultural and access barriers to contraception, while diseases like Alzheimer's and conditions related to obesity have become more prevalent globally due to aging populations and lifestyle changes.

9.1 Advances in Technology & Exchange after 1900

hannaherickson — 2024-05-07 14:52:59 UTC

During this time there was an increase in globalization. Communication technology like the radio and telephones enabled faster and wider communication as they developed. New energy technology such as petroleum, natural gas, and nuclear power helped to increase productivity; nuclear power was an alternative to fossil fuels but accidents proved them dangerous. Transportation technologies such as commercial airplanes, cargo ships, and shipping containers allowed people and goods to move around the world quickly and in large numbers. Agriculture improvements like cross-breeding and genetic engineering increased production, expanded crop varieties, and led to the specialization of crops in certain countries. Lastly, antibiotics, vaccines, and birth control saved lives, limited the spread of dangerous diseases, and reduced fertility rates.

Calls for Reform and Responses after 1900 9.5

2024-05-07 14:53:33 UTC

The Caste Reservation System in India, established in 1950 with the Constitution, aimed to uplift historically disadvantaged castes and tribes through affirmative action, later expanding to include other marginalized groups. The Tiananmen Square Protest in 1989 was a pro-democracy movement in Beijing, China, met with violent suppression on June 4th, fueled by calls for political freedom and an end to corruption, resulting in casualties and arrests. The Green Belt Movement, founded in Kenya in 1977 by Wangari Maathai, sought to empower rural women through tree planting and sustainable land practices, advocating for democratic governance and human rights. Nelson Mandela's 1994 election as President of South Africa marked the end of apartheid, symbolizing reconciliation and paving the way for a more inclusive and democratic society.

9.6 Globalized Culture After 1900

kealeykerrigan — 2024-05-07 14:54:17 UTC

Since the 20th century, globalization has changed culture a lot. Think about how Jazz and Cubism spread everywhere, or how everyone watches the Olympics. Social media and missionary work also help spread ideas globally. Plus, big companies now sell stuff worldwide. It's all about how connected we are and what that means for keeping our cultural identity.

Institutions Development in a Globalizing World 9.8

2024-05-07 15:02:15 UTC

The United Nations (UN), established after World War II, serves as a supranational organization aimed at promoting global cooperation and peace through various bodies like the General Assembly and the Security Council. Peacekeeping efforts involve diplomatic interventions and deploying forces to conflict zones, although challenges like response time persist. Economic institutions such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the World Bank facilitate international trade and provide financial assistance to developing countries. Regional economic organizations like the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) promote economic integration and cooperation among member states, often through free trade agreements (FTAs) negotiated with the involvement of the WTO.

9.4 Economics in the Global Age

hannaherickson — 2024-05-07 15:19:52 UTC

Economic reforms took place around the world because of the idea of neoliberalism. Leaders aimed to reduce government intervention in the economy and create a free market. Some leaders include Ronald Reagan (U.S.), Margaret Thatcher (UK), Augusto Pinochet (Chile), and Deng Xiaping (China). They each carried out different free-market oriented reforms in their own ways. As the globalization of trade increased, trade agreements were created. One example of this is World Trade Organization which aims to promote and regulate global trade by providing a forum for member countries to negotiate and implement tread agreements, resolve disputes, and set rules and standards for trade.

9.9 Continuity and Change in a Globalized World

kealeykerrigan — 2024-05-07 15:25:56 UTC

In the 20th century, technological advancements shaped globalization. Innovations in transportation, such as steamships, airplanes, and trains, drastically reduced the time and cost required to transport goods and people across long distances, while communication technologies like the telegraph, telephone, and internet revolutionized global connectivity by facilitating instant communication and information exchange. These advancements not only fueled international trade but also fostered cultural exchange and cooperation on a global scale. Concurrently, movements for rights and equality, such as the Civil Rights Movement in the United States and the Feminist Movement, challenged systemic injustices and fought for equal rights under the law, leading to legislative reforms and greater social awareness of issues related to race, gender, and equality. Together, technology and social movements reshaped the global landscape, fostering interconnectedness and promoting greater inclusivity and equity.

9.7 Resistance to Globalization After 1900

hannaherickson — 2024-05-07 15:26:13 UTC

Some countries do not appreciate aspects of increased interconnectedness and globalization. (Think WTO) For example, British voters voted to leave the E.U. in a move nicknamed Brexit in 2016. Britain left the E.U. because of factors that included sovereignty, immigration, the economy and anti-establishment politics, amongst various other influences. It led to trade disruptions and changes to immigration policy.