ap world exam vocab: unit 7-9

The World Wars

First half of 20th century, 2 wars among “great powers” of Europe, Asia, and the US. Massive military production through Industrial Revolution and global competition for territories during the Age of Imperialism. Resulted in the decline of Western Europe and the rise of the power of the US and Soviet Union in the 2nd half of the 20th century

The Great Depression

Global economic disaster stuck industrialized nations around the world. The US had the world’s largest economy after WWI, but failed in the late 1920s, affecting much of the rest of the world. Authoritarian governments and WWII resulted from the Great Depression.

Authoritarianism

Based on single-party rule by a strongman with dictatorial powers, sought to be a more efficient system than democracy. Fascism and communism were examples of these authoritarian governments. Military aggression of fascist governments was a cause of WWII. Germany, Italy, Russia, and Japan held authoritarian governments after WWI.

Communism

The state directs the economy and promises to provide services for all. Authoritarianism was often the method of rule in communist systems. Communism was originally proposed by Karl Marx, and put in place by Vladimir Lenin in Russia in early 20th century, and spread across much of the globe in 20th century, competing with capitalist societies.

Decolonization

End of Europe’s colonial empires around the world. Colonies in South Asia, SE Asia, and Africa regained independence (peacefully and violently).

Partition

India partitioned itself along religious lines when it gained independence from Britain in 1947, forming India (Hindu) and Pakistan (Muslim). In 1971, East Pakistan separated from Pakistan and became Bangladesh.

Multinational/transnational corporations

A corporation that does business in more than one country. The British and Dutch East India companies of the 18th century were early examples. After WWII, this business model became more common and there are many prominent multinational corporations like Amazon, ExxonMobil, and General Electric.

Pacific Rim

In 2nd half of 20th century, strong economies developed on both sides of the Pacific. Often refers to China, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Singapore

Chinese Revolutions

Early 20th century, revolution against the emperor led to a limited democracy. After WWII, communists led by Mao Zedong overthrew that government, leading to social, political and economic changes as the government overtook the national economy through the Great Leap Forward in 1958. This caused starvation, execution, torture, forced labor, and suicide. Until the late 20th century, communist China was isolated from global economic involvement, but after Mao’s death, China opened its economic system allowing capitalist development

Apartheid

A political and social policy in South Africa in the mid-20th century separating whites and blacks, granting the white minority rights that the black majority was denied. It was reversed in the late 20th century and majority rule was established.

Feminism

Roots extend to the Enlightenment, but it was largely a 20th century movement dedicated to increasing the social, political, and economic rights of women. It began in western democracies and expanded to include much of the world by the end of the century. There were counterexamples in parts of the Middle East, Africa, and Asia

Globalization

The “shrinking world” that resulted from increased economic and communications connections. The term could be applied to world systems after Columbus or the Age of Imperialism, but it became largely popular in the late 20th century.