UNIT 10: THE WORLD DIVIDES

STUDENT ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

Unit Overview

Points of focus in this unit include the struggle between capitalism and communism for political and economic power, nationalistic movements that lead to decolonization and the development of new nations, an increase in global economic interdependence, which can lead to social change and crisis.

Students will develop an understanding of:

· Rise of Capitalism: After WWII, a new balance of power forms with the capitalist ideas of the West as it expanded its global dominance.

· Rise of Communism: Focus on Asia: Faced with economic and political crisis, political and economic reform may result (Mao Zedong vs. Chiang Kai-Shek). This reform may result in the adoption of political and economic ideas that may conflict with other dominant political and economic ideas. The result can lead to new conflict.

· Cold War: Conflicting global political and economic ideas lead to war, with each side seeking to extinguish the power of the other in the global arena. This leads to the development of rival foreign policy and international crisis and instability.

· Decolonization/Independence: Nationalistic movements form as frustrations over colonial rule escalate. As a result of WWII, economically weakened European imperialistic powers take a step back from their colonial rule. Doors open for independence movements. The struggle for political and economic power in new independent countries leads to chaos, war, and international crisis.

· Combating Reforms: Opponents of changing norms react by forming movements and organizations (often militant).

Essential Questions

1)How did the shift in political power after World War I and World War II lead to the rise of capitalism?

2)What role did economics and politics play in the rise of Mao Zedong as the leader of China?

3)How would the rise of communism in China affect the economic and political development of other nations in Asia?

4)How did the shift in the balance of power after World War II result in a Cold War?

5)What role did foreign policy play in the Cold War?

6)How did the political rivalry between the Soviet Union and the U.S. affect international relationships?

7)How did the economic impact of World War II lead to decolonization?

8)What is the relationship between nationalistic movements and decolonization?

9)As a result of independence, how could new leadership and economic changes lead to acts of Terrorism?

Key Vocabulary (See Next Page)

Key Vocabulary

Question #1 / Question
#2&#3 / Question #4, #5, &#6
Capitalism / Mao-Zedong / Balance of power
interdependence / Chiang Kai-Shek / Cold War
socialism / Unequal distribution of wealth / Superpowers: USSR and USA
communism / industrialization / Manmade and Symbolic barriers
Marshall Plan / collectivization / Winston Churchill’s “Iron Curtain” speech
Truman Doctrine / Nationalist movements / Communist v. non-communist
Eisenhower Doctrines / Berlin Wall
Globalization / Berlin Blockade/Airlift
Consumerism / Korean War
Neo-colonialism / Cuban Missile Crisis
Vietnam War
containment
Domino Theory
Glasnost
Peristroka
Question #7, #8, &#9
Colonial rule
Nationalist Movements: Africa, India, & SE Asia
Mahatma Gandhi
terrorism