mcq unit 8

Cold War

A period of political tension between the USA and Soviet Union from 1947 to 1991.

Capitalism

An economic system where private businesses own and operate the means of production.

Communism

A political and economic ideology where the government owns all property and means of production.

Proxy Wars

Conflicts where two opposing countries support combatants that serve their interests instead of fighting each other directly.

NATO

North Atlantic Treaty Organization; a military alliance formed in 1949 to counter Soviet expansion.

Sputnik

The first artificial satellite launched by the Soviet Union in 1957.

Perestroika

A policy initiated by Mikhail Gorbachev in the 1980s that aimed at restructuring the Soviet economy by incorporating some capitalist principles.

Glasnost

A policy of openness and transparency initiated by Mikhail Gorbachev in the 1980s aimed at increasing freedom of speech.

Marshall Plan

A U.S. program providing aid to Western Europe for reconstruction after WWII.

Truman Doctrine

U.S. policy to support countries resisting communism, beginning with Greece and Turkey.

Prague Spring

A period of political liberalization in Czechoslovakia in 1968 that was suppressed by Soviet intervention.

Helsinki Accords

An agreement signed in 1975 aimed at improving relations between the Communist bloc and the West.

Decolonization

The process by which colonies gained independence from colonial powers after WWII.

Apartheid

A policy and system of institutionalized racial segregation in South Africa until the early 1990s.

Nelson Mandela

The first Black president of South Africa, known for his role in ending apartheid.

Islamic Revolution (Iran)

The 1979 overthrow of the Shah of Iran, resulting in the establishment of a theocratic government.

Taliban

A fundamentalist Islamic group that ruled Afghanistan and imposed strict Islamic laws.

Mikhail Gorbachev

The last leader of the Soviet Union, known for his reform policies of glasnost and perestroika.

Deng Xiaoping

The Chinese leader who introduced significant economic reforms and allowed for capitalism in China.

East Pakistan

The region that later became Bangladesh after gaining independence from Pakistan.

Fossil Fuel Use

The combustion of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas, contributing to climate change.

Khmer Rouge

The regime in Cambodia responsible for the genocide and atrocities under Pol Pot.

Cultural Revolution

A sociopolitical movement in China from 1966 to 1976 aimed at preserving Chinese communism by purging remnants of capitalist and traditional elements.

Great Leap Forward

A campaign initiated by Mao Zedong aiming to rapidly transform China from an agrarian society to a socialist society through rapid industrialization and collectivization.

Korean War

Conflict between North Korea (supported by China and the USSR) and South Korea (supported by the USA) from 1950 to 1953.

Vietnam War

Conflict in which North Vietnam (communist) fought against South Vietnam (U.S.-backed capitalism) from 1955 until 1975.

Ethnic Conflicts

Wars or tensions arising from ethnic differences, particularly the result of arbitrary borders established during colonization.

Berlin Conference

A meeting during the 1880s where European powers divided Africa into colonies without considering indigenous cultures.

China's Economic Rise

The rapid economic growth of China after the introduction of capitalist elements by Deng Xiaoping.

Middle East Conflicts

Struggles involving national, religious, and territorial disputes in the Middle East, often exacerbated by post-colonial legacies.

Suez Canal Crisis

A 1956 invasion of Egypt by Israel, followed by the UK and France, to regain control of the canal after its nationalization.

Macro-economic policies

Government policies aimed at improving economic performance and reducing national unemployment.

Nationalism

A political ideology that emphasizes the interests and culture of a particular nation, often in opposition to colonial or global interests.

Collectivization

An economic policy aimed at consolidating individual land and labor into collective farms.

Famine in Ukraine

A severe food shortage in the early 1930s in Ukraine orchestrated by Stalin's policies, leading to millions of deaths.

Independence Movements

Campaigns aimed at achieving political independence from colonial rule.

Religious Extremism

The belief in and promotion of radical religious ideologies that often lead to violence or terrorism.

Cold War Tensions

The geopolitical tensions between the United States and Soviet Union during the Cold War, marked by ideological conflict.

Nuclear Arms Race

The competition between the USA and USSR to build up stockpiles of nuclear weapons.

U.S.-Saudi Relations

The diplomatic relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia, particularly in military and economic cooperation.

Human Rights Violations

Abuses against individuals or groups due to their identity or beliefs.