Milestones of the Past Century: A Changing Global Landscape

These flashcards cover significant terms and concepts from the lecture on the major global changes in the 20th century, including the Cold War, decolonization, and the emergence of new political movements.

Tehran Conference

The 1943 meeting where Allies agreed on the Soviets focusing on freeing Eastern Europe, while the U.S. and Britain would focus on the West.

Yalta Conference

1945 meeting focused on Eastern Europe's reconstruction, with discussions about free elections and Soviet influence.

Potsdam Conference

The final meeting of the Big Three in 1945, where Truman insisted on free elections but faced Soviet occupation.

United Nations

International organization formed in 1945 to promote peace and prevent atrocities after WWII.

Iron Curtain

Term coined by Churchill in 1946 symbolizing the division between Eastern (communist) and Western (capitalist) Europe.

Marshall Plan

U.S. initiative launched in 1947 to aid European recovery and prevent the spread of communism.

NATO

North Atlantic Treaty Organization formed in 1949 for mutual support among Western states against conflicts.

Warsaw Pact

Soviet response to NATO, formed in 1955, combining armed forces of Soviet-aligned nations.

Containment

U.S. strategy promoted by George Kennan to prevent the spread of communism.

Vietnam War

Conflict in which the U.S. intervened to prevent the spread of communism in South Vietnam.

Decolonization

The struggle for independence from imperial powers, significantly occurring throughout the 20th century.

Indian National Congress

Political party in India that played a key role in the independence movement led by Gandhi and others.

Muslim League

Political organization in India advocating for a separate nation for Muslims, leading to the creation of Pakistan.

Arab Spring

Series of uprisings in 2011 in Arab countries advocating for democracy and challenging autocratic rulers.

Belt and Road Initiative

China's global development strategy announced in 2013, aimed at enhancing trade and economic connectivity.

Iranian Revolution

1979 uprising that replaced the Shah with a theocratic government, opposing Western influence.