U9 APWH FLASHCARDS

Globalization

The process of increased interconnectedness among countries through trade, communication, and technology. Began accelerating after WWII and has led to economic, cultural, and political changes worldwide.

Economic Globalization

The integration of national economies into a global economy through trade, investment, technology, and labor migration. Increased due to free trade agreements and multinational corporations.

Multinational Corporations (MNCs)

Large businesses that operate in multiple countries. Examples: McDonald's, Apple, Toyota. Play a major role in global trade and economic interdependence.

Economic Liberalization

Reduction of government regulations in the economy to promote free markets and private business. Examples: Thatcherism in the UK, Reaganomics in the US, and Deng Xiaoping’s reforms in China.

Trade Organizations

Global institutions that regulate trade between countries. Examples: World Trade Organization (WTO), North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and European Union (EU).

Green Revolution

Agricultural transformation in the mid-20th century that introduced high-yield crops, synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation techniques to increase food production.

Effects of the Green Revolution

Prevented famines in many developing countries but led to environmental damage, soil degradation, and increased water usage.

Genetic Engineering

Scientific modification of crops and animals to improve yield, disease resistance, and nutritional content. Example: Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).

Medical Innovations in the 20th Century

Included antibiotics, vaccines, and advancements in medical imaging, which led to longer life expectancies and reduced mortality rates.

Antibiotics

Drugs that kill bacterial infections. First widely used during WWII. Revolutionized medicine and dramatically lowered death rates from bacterial diseases.

Vaccines

Preventative medicine that stimulates the immune system to fight diseases. Mass vaccinations eradicated smallpox and reduced cases of polio, measles, and other infectious diseases.

Birth Control Methods

Development of contraceptive pills and intrauterine devices (IUDs) allowed for greater reproductive control, influencing family planning and global population trends.

HIV/AIDS Epidemic

Global health crisis that emerged in the 1980s, particularly affecting sub-Saharan Africa. Led to increased public health campaigns and medical research in antiviral treatments.

Climate Change

Long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns due to human activities like burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrialization.

Effects of Climate Change

Rising global temperatures, more frequent extreme weather events (hurricanes, wildfires), ice cap melting, rising sea levels, and biodiversity loss.

Deforestation

Mass removal of forests for agriculture, logging, or urban expansion. Leads to loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, and contributes to climate change.

Paris Agreement

A 2015 global treaty under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that seeks to limit global temperature rise by reducing carbon emissions.

Decolonization

The process of former European colonies gaining independence, primarily after WWII. Often resulted in political instability, conflicts, and economic challenges.

Indian Independence (1947)

Led by Mahatma Gandhi using nonviolent resistance. Resulted in the Partition of India and the creation of Pakistan, leading to mass migration and violence.

Partition of India

Division of British India into two nations: Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan. Led to mass displacement and religious violence.

Apartheid in South Africa

Legal system of racial segregation from 1948-1994. Overturned after Nelson Mandela’s election as the first Black president in 1994.

Nelson Mandela

Leader of the anti-apartheid movement. Imprisoned for 27 years before becoming South Africa’s first Black president, promoting racial reconciliation.

United Nations (UN)

Founded in 1945 to maintain international peace and security, promote human rights, and facilitate global cooperation.

World Bank

An international financial institution that provides loans and grants to developing countries for infrastructure projects and economic development.

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Organization that stabilizes global economies by providing financial support and policy advice to countries in economic crises.

World Trade Organization (WTO)

Regulates international trade, resolves disputes, and ensures free trade agreements among member nations.

Cold War (1947-1991)

Political, ideological, and economic rivalry between the US (capitalism) and USSR (communism). Defined by proxy wars, nuclear arms race, and espionage.

Nuclear Proliferation

The spread of nuclear weapons technology. The Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) was created to prevent more countries from acquiring nuclear weapons.

9/11 Attacks

Terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, by Al-Qaeda, targeting the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Led to the US War on Terror.

War on Terror

US-led global military campaign against terrorist organizations, leading to wars in Afghanistan (2001) and Iraq (2003).

Arab Spring (2010s)

A series of pro-democracy uprisings across the Middle East and North Africa, resulting in the overthrow of governments in Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia.

Brexit (2016)

The United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union, creating political and economic uncertainty in Europe.

Internet Revolution

Rapid growth of digital communication, e-commerce, and social media, transforming global interactions and economies.

Renewable Energy

Sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power that aim to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and combat climate change.

Space Exploration

Advances in human and robotic space missions. Key events: 1969 Moon landing, 1998 creation of the International Space Station (ISS).

Deng Xiaoping

Leader of China who implemented economic reforms in the late 20th century, transitioning China to a market-based economy.

Mikhail Gorbachev

Last leader of the Soviet Union. Introduced policies of Perestroika (economic restructuring) and Glasnost (political openness), leading to the USSR’s collapse.

Osama bin Laden

Founder of Al-Qaeda and mastermind of the 9/11 attacks. Killed in a US military operation in 2011.