AP World unit 7/8 readings

What was the cold war?

The Cold War was a rivalry between the USSR and the USA that played out globally. It was characterized as a standoff and political competition rather than a direct military conflict.

Why did the Soviets build the Berlin Wall in 1961?

The Soviets built the Berlin Wall to prevent East Germans from defecting to West Berlin. They wished to cut off West Berlin from the influence of Western capitalism.

What was the purpose of the U.S. policy of containment and in what ways was it used to slow the spread of communism?

The purpose of the U.S. policy of containment was to prevent the expansion of communism beyond its existing borders. It involved various strategies, including military alliances, economic aid, and support for anti-communist governments.

What was the MAD policy and why did both the USA and USSR agree to it.

The MAD policy, or Mutually Assured Destruction, was a doctrine of military strategy stating that both the USA and USSR would face catastrophic consequences in the event of a nuclear war. This understanding deterred both sides from engaging in direct military conflict, as it guaranteed total annihilation.

Identify and describe one “hot” proxy war fought during the Cold War?

One example is the Vietnam War, where the U.S. supported South Vietnam against the communist North, which was backed by the USSR and China. This conflict exemplified the Cold War tension between the superpowers, highlighting their ideological struggle through indirect military engagement.

The Cold War led to the division of the planet into three worlds. Identify and briefly describe each of these worlds.

The division includes the First World, consisting of capitalist countries aligned with the USA; the Second World, comprising communist states led by the USSR; and the Third World, which includes developing nations that remained non-aligned or sought independence from both superpowers.

What nation eventually won the Cold War? Why did the Cold War end when it did?

Victory for the United States and its capitalist allies. Factors contributing to the end include economic decline in the USSR and the failure of Communism.

What individual is most responsible for bringing an end to the Cold War?

Mikhail Gorbachev, the last leader of the Soviet Union, introduced reforms like Glasnost and Perestroika that eased tensions and ultimately led to the dissolution of the USSR.

what nations were formed out of the old British Colony of India when the British left in 1947? What were the consequences of the partition in India

The nations formed were India and Pakistan, with Pakistan eventually splitting into East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). The partition led to widespread violence, mass migrations, and significant loss of life as communal tensions flared between Hindus and Muslims.

Indonesia

After WW1 the ions until Indonesia Dutch tried to hold on to their colonies with police actions until Indonesia finally won its Independence in 1950.

Cambodia

The end of colonization led to upheaval during the 1970s under the Khmer Rouge regime, which led to widespread genocide and the deaths of millions.

Vietnam

Vietnam experienced significant conflict during the mid-20th century, leading to the Vietnam War. This war resulted in the reunification of Vietnam under Communist control in 1975.

Egypt

Egypt experienced British colonization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, leading to a nationalist movement for independence led by Abdul Nasser , which was achieved in 1952.

Red Scare

No, the Palmer raids were not valid as majority of the time they would arrest innocent people with little proof of being communist. The Palmer raids failed to achieve its purpose and caused distress in the U.S.

Creation of Pakistan

I believe Muhammed Ali Jinnah’s argument to be the most compelling because of his reasoning. The Muslim and Hindu culture was vastly different and separating them was a wise decision to prevent conflict.

Can Hitler be trusted

I believe Winston Churchill made the stronger argument as making peace with Hitler isn’t a victory. Making an agreement with people that hold Nazi and imperialistic ideals is almost impossible and extremely risky.

Creation of Israel

The main conflict over the partitioning of Palestine is religious significance. The Jews feel that Palestine serves as the home of the Jews and is an important landmark. However Husseini argues that Palestine also serves the same purpose for other religions.

How did the Flu Affect women.

Allowed Woman to participate more in the workforce leading to social and financial independence.

Japanese Experience Main Points

The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki had devastating effects on the Japanese population, resulting in immense loss of life, long-term health issues from radiation exposure, and profound psychological trauma. These events marked a pivotal moment in World War II and shaped Japan's post-war outlook on warfare and peace.

american experience main points

For Americans the bombings were a signal of triumph, marking the end of a terrible conflict. many believe the bombings were necessary to prevent an invasion from Japanese and without it Japan wouldn’t have surrendered.