Questions of Periodization

Questions of Periodization The 20th Century World (1900-Present)

I. Introduction • Problems in describing the 20th century: • Objectivity • End • Not a new problem • Two Impulses Affect Study of 20th Century • Emphasize Continuities • Ex: Nationalism

Partner Discussion Question • Where did you see the continuity of Nationalism occur during this time period? What were some other major continuities from the previous eras that you still witnessed during the period from 1900 to the present? Give examples of each.

I. Introduction Nationalism forms Italy and Germany in Previous Era Nationalism Breaks Apart Yugoslavia in This Era

I. Introduction • Emphasize Changes • 3rd Revolution • Unprecedented Environmental Changes

Partner Discussion Question • Give some specific examples of major technological and environmental changes that took place during this new period from 1900 to the present.

I. Introduction Technological Innovations

I. Introduction

I. Introduction • Key Question • Did the 20th century begin a new era or did it only modify the basic patterns of the previous era? • New eras have met 3 criteria: • Geographic rebalancing • Increase in contact • Parallel patterns in civilizations • 20th century met all three of these criteria

Group Discussion • During the previous era, the Western nations became dominant over other regions of the world. Has the West continued that same degree of dominance? If so, how? If not, why not? What areas of the world weakened Western dominance?

II. Repositioning of the West • The West Declines… WHY???

II. Repositioning of the West • Western population percentage decreases rapidly… HOW??? • Birth Control Practices • Rapid populationgrowth • Immigration

II. Repositioning of the West • Decline of Western Empires • Colonial Territory • No longer the ONLY world power

Colonies in 1945

Partner Discussion • What are possible causes of the West’s decline? Come up with at least TWO reasons why you think the West’s status in the world decreased.

II. Repositioning of the West • Why do they lose their dominance? • Lose technological and weaponry monopoly • Guerilla warfare tactics • No longer unchallenged manufacturing leader • World economic structure remains similar – exploitation of raw materials • New competition WHERE??? • Independence Movements and New Countries • New Leaders

Group Discussion • It is often said that “the world has grown smaller.” What do you think is the basis for this common belief? What evidence can you provide to support this assertion?

III. International Contacts • International • Multinational Corporations

III. International Contacts • Researchers and scientists shared knowledge

III. International Contacts • Diplomatic and cultural contacts

III. International Contacts • International Relations • International Agencies • Actually began in last era (Ex. Olympics, Red Cross)

Partner Discussion • Compare the era in world history in which you currently live to the era between 1750 and 1900. What political changes have occurred? What social changes have also occurred? Has anything stayed the same in politics or society from 1750-1900 to today?

IV. International Challenges in Politics and Culture • Most governments change • Monarchies replaced • New government roles • Changes in belief systems • 1850 – Major belief systems • 1950 – Replaced • Secular (non-religious) belief systems

IV. International Challenges in Politics and Culture • Displacement of rigid social inequalities • Began in last period (when???) and was continued • Ideas of inequality attacked • Communism in Russia and China • Nationalism in Asia and Africa • Caste systems and aristocracies end • Inequality

V. The 20th Century as a New Period in World History • Period split into 3 phases • 1900-1945 • Two World Wars and International Depression • Political upheaval • 1945-1980’s • Decolonization • New social mobility and gender relations • Military buildups • Cold War ***WHY is it called the “Cold War?”

V. The 20th Century as a New Period in World History • 1990’s- • Regional conflicts • Pressure for global changes • Information technology • Worldwide manufacturing • 21st century • 2001 – start of a new era???

Questions of Periodization