AP WORLD UNIT 9

Non-Alignment Movement

A group of states that chose not to align with either the Western or Eastern blocs during the Cold War, promoting a policy of neutrality and cooperation among developing nations. This movement was lead by leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru of India and Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt and aimed to reduce colonialism and promote economic development.

Kwame Nkrumah in Ghana

was a prominent leader in the decolonization movement, advocating for Pan Africanism and independence from colonial rule. As the first Prime Minister and President of Ghana, he played a key role in the establishment of the Organization of African Unity in 1963. However, 3 years later, a military coup overthrew Nkrumah’s government and expelled many foreigners from the country.

NATO

was formed in to provide defense against the Soviet threat in Europe. After World War II, Western European countries were concerned about the expansion of communism under Soviet influence. The alliance aimed to protect its member states by committing to mutual defense, ensuring that an attack on one would be seen as an attack on all.

Warsaw Pact

a military alliance between the Soviet Union and its Eastern European satellite states during the Cold War. It was created in as a response to NATO, a military alliance formed by the United States and Western European countries. The Warsaw Pact helped the Soviet Union maintain control over Eastern Europe and increased tensions between communist and democratic nations during the Cold War.

Containment Theory

a United States policy during the Cold War that aimed to stop the spread of communism to other countries. After World War II, the U.S. feared that the Soviet Union would continue spreading communist influence across Europe and Asia. This policy led the U.S. to support countries resisting communism through economic aid, military alliances like NATO, and involvement in conflicts such as the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

Marshall Plan

a U.S. program that gave billions of dollars in economic aid to help rebuild Western European countries after World War II. The plan aimed to restore economies, reduce poverty, and prevent the spread of communism in Europe. It strengthened ties between the United States and Western Europe and became an important part of the Cold War policy of containment.

Truman Doctrine

a U.S. policy that promised support to countries threatened by communism. It focused on helping nations like Greece and Turkey resist Soviet influence through economic and military aid. The doctrine marked the beginning of the United States’ policy of Containment and increased tensions during the Cold War.

Domino Theory

the belief that if one country became communist, nearby countries would also fall to communism like a row of dominoes. During the Cold War, the United States used this idea to justify helping countries resist communist movements. The theory strongly influenced U.S. involvement in conflicts such as the Vietnam War because leaders feared the spread of communism throughout Asia.

Proxy Wars: Vietnam

a conflict between communist North Vietnam and anti-communist South Vietnam during the Cold War. The United States supported South Vietnam because it feared the spread of communism under the Domino Theory. The war became long and costly, caused millions of deaths, and ended in 1975 when North Vietnam won and Vietnam became a communist country.

Proxy Wars: Korea

fought between communist North Korea and anti-communist South Korea during the Cold War. North Korea was supported by the Soviet Union and China, while South Korea was supported by the United States and the United Nations. The war ended with a ceasefire, but Korea remained divided at the 38th parallel.

Great Leap Forward

a program started by Mao Zedong in 1958 to quickly industrialize and modernize China. Farmers were forced into large communes, and people were encouraged to increase steel and food production. The plan failed badly, causing economic problems and a massive famine that led to millions of deaths.

Cultural Revolution

a movement started by Mao Zedong to strengthen communism and remove ideas he believed were not truly communist. Young people called the Red Guards attacked teachers, intellectuals, and traditional culture, causing violence and chaos across China. The movement disrupted education, damaged cultural sites, and led to the suffering and deaths of millions before ending after Mao’s death in 1976.

Indian National Congress and Satyagraha

a political group that led much of India’s fight for independence from United Kingdom. Leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi used peaceful protests and civil disobedience to challenge British rule. One important method was Satyagraha, which encouraged people to resist injustice through nonviolence, protests, and refusing to cooperate with unfair laws.

Decolonization

the process in which colonies gained independence from European imperial powers after World War II. Many countries in Africa and Asia fought politically or militarily to end foreign rule and create independent nations. Decolonization changed global politics by weakening European empires and increasing the number of newly independent countries during the Cold War.

SALT Talks

meetings between the United States and the Soviet Union to limit the number of nuclear weapons each side could build. The talks began during the Cold War because both countries feared the dangers of a nuclear arms race. Agreements like SALT I helped reduce tensions and were part of a period of improved relations called détente.

Muslim League

was a political group formed in 1906 to represent the interests of Muslims in British India. Led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the League eventually pushed for the creation of a separate Muslim nation. Its efforts helped lead to the partition of India in 1947 and the creation of Pakistan.

Partition of India (Causes and Effects)

the division of British India into the independent countries of India and Pakistan. The partition happened because of growing religious tensions between Hindus and Muslims and demands from the Muslim League for a separate Muslim state. The event caused massive migration, violence, and the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people as millions moved across the new borders.

Gandhi

a major leader in India’s fight for independence from British rule during the early 1900s. He promoted nonviolent resistance, including protests, boycotts, and the philosophy of Satyagraha, to challenge unfair laws peacefully. Gandhi’s leadership inspired independence movements around the world and helped India gain independence

Algerian Independence in France

a conflict in which Algeria fought to gain independence from France. The nationalist group National Liberation Front used guerrilla warfare against French forces, leading to years of violence and political tension. Algeria gained independence in 1962, making the war an important example of Decolonization after World War II.

Vietnamese Independence from France

The struggle for Vietnam’s independence from France began after World War II, when Vietnamese nationalists wanted to end French colonial rule. The communist-led group called the Viet Minh, led by Ho Chi Minh, fought French forces in the First Indochina War. Vietnam defeated France at the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, leading France to withdraw and Vietnam to be temporarily divided into North and South Vietnam.

Balfour Declaration

a statement issued by United Kingdom, supporting the creation of a national home for the Jewish people in Palestine. Written by Arthur Balfour during World War I, the declaration encouraged Jewish migration to Palestine while also stating that the rights of non-Jewish communities should be protected. The declaration increased tensions between Jewish and Arab populations and became an important cause of later conflict in the Middle East.

Creation of Israel

The creation of the state of Israel occurred in 1948, following years of conflict and international debate over the future of Palestine. It was strongly influenced by Zionist movement efforts, the aftermath of World War II, and the legacy of the Balfour Declaration. After the United Nations proposed partitioning the region, Israel declared independence, which led immediately to war with neighboring Arab states.

Games Abdel Nasser in Egypt

the president of Egypt and a strong advocate of Arab nationalism. In 1956, he nationalized the Suez Canal, which had previously been controlled by British and French companies. This action led to the Suez Crisis, where United Kingdom, France, and Israel attacked Egypt to regain control of the canal. The crisis ended with international pressure forcing the invading countries to withdraw, strengthening Nasser’s reputation and marking a decline in European colonial influence.

African National Congress

a political organization in South Africa that fought against apartheid, a system of racial segregation and discrimination. It was formed in 1912 to protect the rights of Black South Africans under white minority rule. Leaders like Nelson Mandela helped the ANC lead protests, strikes, and international campaigns that eventually contributed to the end of apartheid in the early 1990s.

Nelson Mandela

a key leader in the fight against apartheid in South Africa, a system of racial segregation and discrimination enforced by the white minority government. He was a member of the African National Congress and helped organize resistance against apartheid policies through protests and political activism. Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years for his role in opposing the government, but after his release he helped negotiate the end of apartheid.

Apartheid

a system of laws and policies in South Africa that enforced racial segregation and discrimination against non-white populations. It began in 1948 under the white minority government, which separated people by race in housing, education, and political rights. The system was strongly opposed by groups like the African National Congress and leaders such as Nelson Mandela. Apartheid ended in the early 1990s, leading to democratic elections and majority rule.

Mutually Assured Destruction

a Cold War strategy based on the idea that if the United States and the Soviet Union used nuclear weapons against each other, both sides would be completely destroyed. This created a balance of fear that discouraged either side from launching a first strike during the Cold War. MAD helped prevent direct nuclear war, but it also led to a dangerous arms race and constant global tension.

MLK’s use of nonviolence

used nonviolence as a central strategy in the struggle for civil rights in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s. He believed that peaceful protests, inspired by the philosophy of Satyagraha, were the most powerful way to achieve social change without causing harm. Through marches, boycotts, and speeches, he helped lead the Civil Rights Movement, including events like the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington. His nonviolent approach played a major role in ending legal segregation and advancing equal rights.

Glastnost

a policy introduced in the 1980s by Mikhail Gorbachev in the Soviet Union. It encouraged greater openness in government, freedom of speech, and more transparency about political and social problems. Glasnost was part of broader reforms during the late Cold War and helped reduce censorship and criticism of the Soviet system. It also contributed to political change that eventually led to the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Perestroika

a policy introduced in the 1980s by Mikhail Gorbachev in the Soviet Union. It aimed to restructure the Soviet economy by allowing more decentralized decision-making and introducing limited free market-style reforms. Perestroika was part of broader changes during the late Cold War alongside Glasnost. These reforms ultimately weakened central control and contributed to the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Tiananmen Square Incident

student-led demonstrations in China calling for political reform, freedom of speech, and an end to government corruption. The protests took place in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square and were inspired by broader demands for change during a period of reform in the late Cold War era. The Chinese government declared martial law and used military force to suppress the movement, resulting in many deaths and arrests.

Iron Curtain

a term used to describe the political and ideological division of Europe after World War II. It separated Western Europe, which was largely democratic and aligned with the United States, from Eastern Europe, which was controlled by the Soviet Union and followed communist systems. The phrase was famously used by Winston Churchill in 1946 to describe this growing divide during the Cold War.

Nikita Khrushchev and Cuban Missile Crisis

the Premier of the Soviet Union during the Cold War and played a major role in the Cuban Missile Crisis. In 1962, the Soviet Union secretly placed nuclear missiles in Cuba, just 90 miles from the United States. This led to a major crisis with U.S. President John F. Kennedy, as both superpowers came close to nuclear war. The crisis ended when Khrushchev agreed to remove the missiles in exchange for the U.S. promising not to invade Cuba and secretly removing missiles from Turkey.

QUIT India

a mass protest launched by the Indian National Congress in 1942 demanding an immediate end to British rule in India. Led by Mahatma Gandhi, the movement called for nonviolent resistance and urged the British to “quit India” during World War II. The British responded by arresting many leaders and suppressing protests, but the movement increased pressure for India’s independence, which was eventually achieved in 1947.

Pan Arabism

a political ideology that promotes the unity of Arab people and countries based on shared language, culture, and history. It became especially important in the mid-20th century during decolonization and the decline of European control in the Middle East and North Africa. Leaders like Gamal Abdel Nasser supported Pan-Arabism as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation among Arab nations and resist foreign influence.

Pan Africanism

a political and social movement that encourages unity among people of African descent around the world. It developed in the late 19th and 20th centuries as a response to colonialism, slavery, and racial discrimination in places like Africa and the African diaspora. Leaders such as Kwame Nkrumah promoted Pan-Africanism to support independence movements and cooperation between newly independent African nations.

Sharpeville Massacre

a tragic event in South Africa where police opened fire on peaceful protesters who were demonstrating against apartheid pass laws. The protest was organized by anti-apartheid groups, including the African National Congress and the Pan Africanist Congress. On March 21, 1960, dozens of unarmed people were killed, and many more were injured. The massacre drew international attention and increased global opposition to Apartheid.

Islamophobia

fear, prejudice, or discrimination against Islam or people who follow the religion of Islam. It often involves stereotypes, harassment, or unfair treatment of Muslim individuals in areas such as employment, education, and public life. Islamophobia has increased in some regions during periods of political tension and conflict in the Middle East and after events like the attacks on September 11, 2001.

Globalization

the process by which countries, economies, and cultures become more connected through trade, communication, and technology. It grew rapidly in the late 20th century after the end of the Cold War, when new technologies like the internet and faster transportation made global interaction easier. Globalization allows goods, ideas, and people to move more quickly around the world.

KMT

a political party in China that played a major role in 20th-century Chinese history. It was led by figures like Chiang Kai-shek and originally fought to unify China and resist warlords after the fall of the Qing dynasty. During the Chinese Civil War, the KMT fought against the Communist Party of China but eventually lost control of mainland China in 1949 and retreated to Taiwan.

Urbanization and Deforestation

the process where more people move from rural areas into cities, leading to the expansion of urban spaces. This often increases demand for land, housing, and resources. Deforestation is the clearing of forests, often to make space for farming, cities, or industry. During the late 20th century and into the era of Globalization, both urbanization and deforestation increased rapidly as populations grew and economies expanded.

Free Market Economics

an economic system where prices, production, and distribution of goods are determined mainly by supply and demand rather than government planning. Businesses and individuals are free to compete, invest, and make profit decisions with limited state interference. This system became especially influential during the late 20th century, particularly after the decline of the Cold War, when many countries moved away from communist or heavily planned economies.

Free Trade Policies

economic policies that reduce or remove barriers like tariffs, quotas, and restrictions on trade between countries. These policies aim to allow goods and services to move more easily across borders, encouraging competition and economic growth. Free trade became especially important during the era of Globalization in the late 20th century. Organizations like the World Trade Organization promote free trade agreements between nations.

WTO

an international organization that regulates trade between countries. It was created in 1995 to promote Free trade by reducing tariffs and settling trade disputes. The WTO grew out of earlier post-World War II efforts to create stable global economic systems.

Multinational Corporations

large businesses that produce or sell goods and services in more than one country. They expanded rapidly during the era of Globalization because advances in transportation and communication made it easier to operate internationally. These corporations often move factories or services to different countries to reduce costs and increase profits. While they can create jobs and boost economies, they are also criticized for exploiting cheap labor and influencing local economies and governments. Ex. Nestle

Shipping Container Ships

large, standardized metal boxes used to transport goods across and peple ships, trains, and trucks. They revolutionized global trade by making it easier to load, move, and unload products without handling individual items. This innovation greatly increased efficiency and lowered costs, which helped accelerate Globalization.

Green Belt Movement

an environmental organization founded in 1977 in Kenya. It was started by Wangari Maathai to combat deforestation, soil erosion, and environmental degradation. The movement encouraged communities, especially women, to plant trees and restore damaged ecosystems. became an important example of combining environmental protection with social and political activism.

Silent Spring

a book written by Rachel Carson that warned about the dangers of pesticides, especially DDT, on the environment. It showed how chemicals used in agriculture were harming birds, wildlife, and human health by spreading through ecosystems. Published in 1962, it is often credited with launching the modern environmental movement in the United States.

Kyoto Protocols

Global Culture

the spread of ideas, values, media, and lifestyles across countries, making cultures more similar through contact and communication. It developed rapidly during the era of Globalization, as technology like the internet, television, and travel allowed people to share culture instantly. Examples include global music, fast food chains, and social media trends that appear in many different countries.

Earth Day

annual event celebrated on April 22 to raise awareness about environmental protection. It began in 1970 in the United States during a growing environmental movement inspired by concerns like pollution and works such as Silent Spring. Earth Day encourages people around the world to take action on issues like climate change, pollution, and conservation.

Iranian Revolution

a major political and social uprising that overthrew the monarchy of Iran and replaced it with an Islamic Republic. It was led by Ayatollah Khomeini, who opposed the rule of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi due to corruption, Western influence, and authoritarian policies. The revolution in 1979 dramatically changed Iran’s government, laws, and relationship with other countries, especially the United States, which had supported the Shah.

New modes of communication

Examples include the internet, radio, tv set, and cellphone, which allow people to communicate across long distances in real time. These changes expanded rapidly during the era of Globalization, connecting individuals, businesses, and governments worldwide.

New modes of transportation

Examples include airplanes, high-speed trains, and large container ships, which dramatically reduced travel time and transportation costs. These innovations expanded significantly during the era of Globalization, making it easier for trade and migration.

New energy technologies

Examples include fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum, and natural gases which are nonrenewable resources. These fuels supported industrial output and helped to increase productivity. However, other energy technologies continued to be develop to combat the emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases such as wind and solar power.

Impact of Birth Control

Improved access to contraception gave many women greater control over family size and reproductive choices, which contributed to higher rates of education and participation in the workforce. Birth control also also decreased fertility rates, transformed sexual practices, and played a part in reshaping gender roles.

Green Revolution (Causes and Effects)

a period of major agricultural improvement that began in the mid-20th century. It was caused by concerns about hunger and rapid population growth, which led to the development of new varieties of wheat, rice, and other grains, through crossbreeding and genetic engineering, that had higher yields and greater resistance to pesticides and droughts. It also led to the development of pesticides, fertilizers, and new irrigation systems. However, it also had negative effects, including environmental damage from chemical use, increased water consumption, and economic inequality because wealthier farmers benefited more than poorer farmers.

Medical Innovations

During the 20th and 21st centuries, innovations such as antibiotics, vaccines, organ transplants, and medical imaging greatly increased life expectancy and improved global health. These developments helped reduce deaths from infectious diseases and made surgery and emergency care more effective. However, unequal access to healthcare and new technologies has also created differences in health outcomes between countries and social groups.

Impact of Diseases (20th century)

Epidemics and pandemics such as HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 have caused millions of deaths, strained healthcare systems, and disrupted economies around the world. Diseases can reduce population growth, create labor shortages, and increase poverty, especially in developing countries. At the same time, outbreaks often lead to advances in medicine, public health systems, and international cooperation to control the spread of illness.

Diseases Associated with Poverty

illnesses that spread more easily in areas with poor sanitation, limited healthcare, malnutrition, and overcrowding. Examples include Malaria, Tuberculosis, and cholera, which often affect poorer communities more severely. Poverty can make it difficult for people to access clean water, medicine, vaccines, and medical treatment, increasing the spread and impact of disease.

Diseases associated with longetivity

health conditions that become more common as people live longer lives. Advances in Medical innovation and improved living conditions increased life expectancy during the 20th and 21st centuries, leading to a rise in chronic diseases. Examples include Heart disease, Cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and Type 2 Diabetes. These diseases often require long-term treatment and have increased healthcare costs in many countries.

Causes and effects of environmental changes

caused by factors such as industrialization, Urbanization, Deforestation, pollution, and the burning of fossil fuels during the era of Globalization. Population growth and increased use of natural resources also contribute to problems like climate change, habitat destruction, and loss of biodiversity.

The effects of environmental change include rising global temperatures, stronger natural disasters, water shortages, and damage to ecosystems. These changes can harm agriculture, human health, and economies, especially in vulnerable regions.

Neoliberalism/Economic Liberalization

An economic emphasis on free market policies that included the lowering of trade barriers like tariffs, deregulation of industry, and transfer of public sector to private parties.

US Economic Policies under Reagan

These policies focused on Free-market economics through tax cuts, reduced government regulation, and increased support for private businesses. Reagan believed that lowering taxes on businesses and wealthy individuals would encourage investment, economic growth, and job creation. The policies contributed to economic growth and lower inflation in the United States, but they also increased the national debt and were criticized for widening the gap between rich and poor.

British Economic Policies under Margaret Thatcher

Her government supported Free-market economics by reducing government control of the economy, privatizing state-owned industries, lowering taxes, and weakening the power of labor unions. Thatcher believed these policies would increase competition, efficiency, and economic growth in the United Kingdom. Her policies helped reduce inflation and modernize parts of the British economy, but they also led to unemployment and social unrest in some industrial regions.

Chinese Economic Policies under Deng Xiaoping

After the failures of policies such as the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, Deng introduced reforms that combined communist political control with elements of Free-market economics. He allowed limited private business ownership, encouraged foreign investment, and created Special Economic Zones to increase trade and industrial growth. These reforms led to rapid economic growth, industrialization, and rising living standards in China. However, they also increased economic inequality and maintained strict political control under the Communist Party.

Knowledge Economy

an economy where growth is driven mainly by information, technology, education, and innovation rather than traditional manufacturing or agriculture. In a knowledge economy, jobs often focus on research, computing, finance, communication, and other skill-based industries. This type of economy expanded rapidly during the era of Globalization because computers, the internet, and new modes of communication made information easier to create and share.

Manufacturing Economy

an economy where a large part of wealth and employment comes from producing physical goods in factories and industries. Manufacturing economies grew rapidly during industrialization, with industries such as steel, automobiles, textiles, and electronics becoming major sources of jobs and economic growth. During the late 20th century, many manufacturing industries expanded globally through Globalization as companies moved factories to countries with lower labor costs. (multinational corporations)

NAFTA

a trade agreement created in 1994 between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It reduced tariffs and trade barriers to encourage Free trade and increase economic cooperation among the three countries. NAFTA expanded trade and investment across North America and became an important example of economic integration during the era of Globalization

Global Feminist Movements

efforts around the world to improve women’s political, social, and economic rights. During the 20th and 21st centuries, feminist movements pushed for goals such as voting rights, equal pay, access to education, reproductive rights, and protection from discrimination and violence. These movements expanded through Globalization and new modes of communication, allowing activists in different countries to share ideas and organize internationally. Global feminist movements have helped change laws and social attitudes, though gender inequality still exists in many parts of the world.

IMF (International Monetary Fund)

an international organization created after World War II to promote global economic stability and cooperation. The IMF provides loans and financial assistance to countries facing economic crises or debt problems. It also advises governments on economic policies related to inflation, trade, and development.

Anti-IMF

protests and political movements that criticize the policies of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Critics argue that IMF loan conditions, such as reducing government spending, privatizing industries, and promoting Free-market economics, can increase poverty, unemployment, and inequality in developing countries. These movements became more visible during the late 20th century as globalization expanded and many countries experienced debt crises. Anti-IMF activists often call for fairer economic policies, debt relief, and greater economic independence for poorer nations.

World Bank

an international organization created after World War II to provide loans and financial support for economic development projects around the world. It helps countries fund projects such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and poverty reduction. The World Bank became especially important during the era of Globalization as developing countries sought economic growth and modernization.

United Nations

an international organization created in 1945 after World War II to promote peace, cooperation, and security among countries. It works on issues such as conflict resolution, human rights, humanitarian aid, and economic development. The UN includes major bodies like the General Assembly and the Security Council, where powerful countries help make international decisions. During the Cold War and the era of Globalization, the United Nations became an important forum for international diplomacy and cooperation.