World History-Advanced Placement:Modern_(U7,U8,U9) (copy)

WHAP Vocabulary Terms 1900-Present Unit(7,8,9) Made for: L.E. Elkins High School Exam date: March 5th 2024

Imperialism

The act of extending the rule or authority over foreign countries - A policy in which a strong nation seeks to dominate other countries politically, socially, and economically.

Sino-Japanese War

Japan's imperialistic war against China to gain control of natural resources and markets for their goods. It ended with the Treaty of Portsmouth which granted Japan Chinese port city trading rights, control of Manchuria, the annexation of the island of Sakhalin, and Korea became its protectorate.

White Man's Burden

Based off of a poem by Rudyard Kipling, the idea of the "duty" to on Europeans to "help" civilize "savages" or primitive people as they were incapable of self-government

Nationalism

idea of devotion to one's country - believing its interests are superior to others

Dutch East India Company

A chartered company established in 1602, when the States General of the Netherlands granted it a 21-year monopoly to carry out trade activities in Asia.

Scramble for Africa

"Rush" to claim lands in Africa

Berlin Conference

A meeting from 1884-1885 at which representatives of European nations agreed on rules colonization of Africa

Phrenology

Psuedoscience that believed the study of the size and shape of the skull was indicative of mental faculties, intelligence and character.

Colonies of Great Britain

India, Egypt, Sudan, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Canada

Colonies of France

West Africa (including Algeria) and Southeast Asia (including Vietnam & Laos)

Manifest Desiny

the belief that defended American expansion to the Pacific Ocean saying that it was necessary and destined.

Diplomacy

The practice of conducting negotiations between countries

Indian Rebellion of 1857

Sepoys (Indian soldiers) rebelled when learning of rumors that the end of ammunition cartridges were greased using either pork or cow fat, led to an uprising by the soldiers, effect was direct control from the British government rather than the British East India Company

Cattle Killing Movement

Movement in South Africa led by a Xhosa prophetess who believed if they killed their livestock that their ancestors would return to drive out the European settlers. Unfortunately, the Xhosa lost to the British and then suffered from massive starvation.

Settler Colony

A form of colonization where families move into a region and an imperial political power oversees the immigration of these settlers. (New Zealand was an example of this)

Boer Wars

a conflict, lasting from 1899 to 1902, in which the Dutch and the British fought for control of territory in South Africa. British pushed Afrikaners (Dutch decedents) inland and Africans from their lands.

King Leopold II

King of Belgium who became the brutal and oppressive ruler over the Congo Free State. Owned the colony personally and had a ruthless system of economic exploitation over the Congolese for harvesting rubber

Spheres of Influence

Areas in which countries have some political and economic control but do not govern directly (ex. Europe and U.S. in China)

Taiping Rebellion

a mid-19th century rebellion against the Qing Dynasty in China, led by Hong Xiuquan over the corruption of the Qing and starvation of peasants. With French & British intervention, Qing prevailed.

Boxer Rebellion

1899 rebellion in Beijing, China started by a secret society of Chinese who opposed the "foreign devils". The rebellion was ended by British troops.

Tupac Amaru II

Member of Inca aristocracy who led a rebellion against Spanish authorities in Peru in 1780-1781. He was captured and executed with his wife and other members of his family.

Railroads

Networks of iron or steel rails on which steam locomotives pulled long trains at high speeds. The first were built in England in the 1830s. Spread throughout the world during this era.

Steamships

Invention that allowed for merchants to advance up rivers to points that sailboats could not reach because of inconvenient twists, turns, or winds.

Telegraph

A device for rapid, long-distance transmission of information over an electric wire. It was introduced in England and North America in the 1830s and 1840s.

Cash Crops

crops, such as tobacco, sugar, and cotton, raised in large quantities in order to be sold for profit

Rubber

Natively found in the Amazon and Central Africa - used for tires on automobiles and bicycles during this era.

Monocultures

the cultivation of a single crop in a given area - lack of plant diversity often happened in developing countries where cash crops were grown

Economic Imperialism

Control of a country's economy by the businesses and economic interests of another nation

Opium Wars

Wars between Britain and the Qing Empire (mind 1800s), caused by the Qing government's refusal to let Britain import Opium. China lost and Britain and most other European powers were able to develop a strong trade presence throughout China against their wishes.

Treaty of Nanjing

"Unequal treaty" that marked the end of the Opium War in which China had to accept British terms for peace

Banana Republics

Politically unstable states in Latin American that were friendly to the U.S.; given these name as a term for their exported tropical products.

Indentured Servants

Labor system where another would pay a migrant their passage, and in exchange, the laborer would serve that person for a set length of time (usually seven years) and then would be free.

Diaspora communities

Unknown

A dispersion of people from their homeland

Ethnic Enclave

A place with a high concentration of an ethnic group that is distinct from those in the surrounding area

Great Famine

A terrible famine in 1315-1322 that hit much of Europe after a period of climate change, most notably that impacted the Irish due to potato blight.

Bolsheviks

Radical socialist group led by Vladimir Lenin that seized power in the 1917 Russian Revolution. They aimed to establish a communist state and implemented policies like land redistribution and nationalization of industry. The Bolsheviks later became the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.

Communists

Advocates for a classless society where resources are shared equally. Believes in collective ownership of means of production and distribution.

Young Turks

Group of reformist Ottoman intellectuals who sought to modernize the empire in the early 20th century. Advocated for constitutional government, secularism, and equality. Led the Young Turk Revolution in 1908, establishing a constitutional monarchy. Played a significant role in shaping the Turkish Republic.

Mexican Revolution

Armed conflict in Mexico from 1910 to 1920, characterized by social, political, and economic upheaval. It resulted in the overthrow of the long-standing dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz, and the establishment of a more democratic government. The revolution aimed to address issues of land, labor, and social inequality, and led to significant political and cultural changes in Mexico.

Sun Yat-sen

Leader of the Chinese revolution in 1911. Founded the Republic of China and served as its first president. Advocated for modernization, democracy, and nationalism. Played a crucial role in overthrowing the Qing dynasty. Known as the "Father of Modern China."

Porfirio Diaz

• Ruled Mexico from 1876-1911

• Implemented policies of modernization and industrialization

• Promoted foreign investment and economic growth

• Centralized power and limited political freedoms

• Led to growing social inequality and widespread unrest

• Overthrown in the Mexican Revolution of 1910

Francisco Madero

Flashcard: Francisco Madero

• Role: Mexican politician and revolutionary leader

• Significance: Led the Mexican Revolution against Porfirio Díaz's dictatorship

• Accomplishments: Elected President in 1911, implemented land reforms and labor laws

• Legacy: Considered a key figure in Mexico's transition to democracy and social justice

• Impact: Inspired future generations of Mexican leaders and political movements

Emiliano Zapata

Flashcard: Emiliano Zapata

• Leader of the Mexican Revolution

• Championed agrarian reform and land redistribution

• Fought for the rights of peasants and indigenous communities

• Founded the Liberation Army of the South

• Demanded "Tierra y Libertad" (Land and Liberty) for the people

Archduke Franz Ferdinand

Assassination sparked WWI, heir to Austro-Hungarian throne, killed in Sarajevo by Gavrilo Princip on June 28, 1914, led to a chain reaction of events.

Triple Entente

Alliance formed in 1907 between France, Russia, and Britain. Aimed to counter the threat of the Triple Alliance.

Triple Alliance

Triple Alliance: A military agreement formed in 1882 between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. It aimed to maintain peace and provide mutual support in case of attack. However, Italy later switched sides during World War I, weakening the alliance's effectiveness.

Central Powers

Flashcard: Central Powers

• Alliance formed during World War I

• Led by Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire

• Opposed the Allied Powers (France, Britain, Russia)

• Fought for territorial gains and power in Europe

• Eventually defeated in 1918, leading to the end of the war.

Militarism

Flashcard: A belief in the strong influence and importance of the military in a country's affairs, often leading to an increase in military spending and the glorification of war.

Propaganda

A method of spreading biased information to manipulate public opinion and shape beliefs. Often used in advertising, politics, and war to influence attitudes and behaviors.

Total war

Total war is a military strategy that involves the complete mobilization of a nation's resources and population towards the war effort. It emerged during World War I and was characterized by the involvement of civilians in the war, the targeting of civilian infrastructure, and the use of propaganda to rally support for the war. It often leads to significant social, economic, and political changes in the countries involved.

Woodrow Wilson

Woodrow Wilson was the 28th President of the United States, serving from 1913 to 1921. He is known for his leadership during World War I and his efforts to establish the League of Nations. Wilson's presidency also saw the passage of significant domestic reforms, including the Federal Reserve Act and the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote.

League of Nations

The League of Nations was an international organization founded in 1920 after World War I. Its main goal was to maintain peace and prevent future conflicts. However, it faced challenges and ultimately failed to prevent World War II.

Treaty of Versailles

The Treaty of Versailles was a peace treaty signed in 1919 that officially ended World War I. It was negotiated and signed by the "Big Four" countries: the United States, Great Britain, France, and Italy. The treaty imposed harsh terms on Germany, including territorial losses, disarmament, and reparations. It also established the League of Nations, an international organization aimed at preventing future conflicts. The Treaty of Versailles is often criticized for its role in contributing to the rise of Adolf Hitler and World War II.

Trench warfare

Trench warfare was a military strategy used during World War I, characterized by soldiers digging deep trenches for protection. It involved a stalemate where opposing forces would engage in intense fighting from their respective trenches. This strategy aimed to provide cover from enemy fire and create a defensive position. Trenches were often connected by a network of communication trenches. This type of warfare resulted in high casualties and a prolonged conflict. It was a defining feature of World War I and had a significant impact on the tactics and strategies used in subsequent wars.

Collectivize

1. organize (something) on the basis of ownership by the people or the state, abolishing private ownership or involvement:

Great Depression

The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from 1929 to the late 1930s. It was triggered by the stock market crash of 1929 and resulted in widespread unemployment, poverty, and a decline in industrial production. The effects of the Great Depression were felt globally, with many countries experiencing economic hardships. The crisis led to significant changes in economic policies and regulations to prevent future economic collapses.

New Deal

The New Deal was a series of programs and policies implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the United States during the 1930s in response to the Great Depression. It aimed to provide relief, recovery, and reform to the American economy and society. The New Deal included initiatives such as the creation of the Social Security system, the Works Progress Administration, and the Tennessee Valley Authority. It had a significant impact on the country's infrastructure, employment, and social welfare programs.

Five-Year Plan

The Five-Year Plan refers to a centralized planning system implemented by the government of the Soviet Union. It aimed to set economic goals and targets for a period of five years, with the purpose of achieving rapid industrialization and economic growth. The plans were designed to allocate resources, determine production targets, and guide the development of various sectors of the economy. The first Five-Year Plan was introduced in 1928, and subsequent plans were implemented until the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Russian Civil War

The Russian Civil War was a conflict that took place in Russia from 1918 to 1922. It was fought between the Red Army, led by the Bolsheviks, and various anti-Bolshevik forces known as the White Army. The war resulted from political and social unrest following the Russian Revolution of 1917. The Red Army emerged victorious, establishing the Soviet Union as a socialist state.

Spanish Civil War

The Spanish Civil War was a conflict that took place in Spain from 1936 to 1939. It was fought between the Republicans, who were loyal to the Spanish Republic, and the Nationalists, led by General Francisco Franco. The war was a result of political and social tensions in Spain, with the Republicans being supported by left-wing groups and the Nationalists being backed by fascist regimes such as Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. The war ended with the victory of the Nationalists, leading to Franco's dictatorship that lasted until his death in 1975.

Fascism

Fascism is a far-right political ideology characterized by dictatorial power, strong nationalism, suppression of political dissent, and the belief in the superiority of one's own race or nation. It emerged in the early 20th century and was associated with leaders such as Benito Mussolini in Italy and Adolf Hitler in Germany. Fascist regimes often implemented authoritarian policies, curtailed civil liberties, and pursued aggressive expansionist agendas. The ideology has been widely condemned for its disregard for human rights and its role in promoting violence and discrimination.

Totalitarian state

A totalitarian state is a form of government where the ruling party or leader has complete control over all aspects of public and private life. It is characterized by the suppression of individual freedoms, strict censorship, and the absence of political opposition. Examples of totalitarian states include Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler and the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin.

Soviet Union/Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (U.S.S.R)

The Soviet Union, also known as the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (U.S.S.R), was a socialist state that existed from 1922 to 1991. It was formed after the Russian Revolution and was led by the Communist Party. The Soviet Union was a major world power and played a significant role in World War II and the Cold War. It dissolved in 1991, leading to the formation of independent states.

Decolonization

the process by which colonies gain independence from their colonial rulers. It involves the political, social, and economic transformation of a colony into an independent nation. This process often includes the end of colonial rule, the establishment of self-governance, and the reclaiming of cultural identity. Occurred throughout the 20th century as many countries in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean gained independence from European colonial powers. It is a complex and multifaceted process that varies in its outcomes and impacts across different regions and countries.

Mandate system

The mandate system was a system of governance imposed by the League of Nations after World War I. It involved assigning territories previously controlled by the defeated Central Powers to the victorious Allied powers as mandates. The purpose was to prepare these territories for self-governance and eventual independence. The mandates were supposed to be administered in a way that would benefit the local population and promote their development. However, the system was criticized for perpetuating colonialism and not fully achieving its intended goals.

Civil disobedience

a form of protest where individuals intentionally violate laws or regulations as a means of expressing their opposition to an unjust government or policy. It is a nonviolent method of resistance that aims to bring attention to social or political issues and provoke change. Some notable examples of civil disobedience include Mahatma Gandhi's Salt March in India and the Civil Rights Movement led by Martin Luther King Jr. in the United States.

Big Three

The "Big Three" refers to the three major Allied leaders during World War II: Winston Churchill of Britain, Franklin D. Roosevelt of the United States, and Joseph Stalin of the Soviet Union. They played a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the war and the post-war world.

Mohandas Gandhi

a prominent leader in India's independence movement against British rule. He advocated for nonviolent civil disobedience and played a crucial role in achieving India's independence in 1947. _____'s philosophy of Satyagraha, or truth-force, inspired many other civil rights movements around the world. He is remembered as a symbol of peace, justice, and equality.

Muhammad Ali Jinnah

Muhammad Ali Jinnah was a prominent political leader in British India and the founder of Pakistan. He played a crucial role in the creation of Pakistan as a separate nation for Muslims in 1947. Jinnah served as the leader of the All India Muslim League and advocated for the rights and interests of Muslims in India. He is often referred to as "Quaid-e-Azam," meaning "Great Leader," and is considered the founding father of Pakistan. Jinnah's vision and leadership were instrumental in the decolonization process and the establishment of an independent Pakistan.

Mao Zedong

Mao Zedong was a Chinese communist revolutionary and the founding father of the People's Republic of China. He led the Communist Party of China to victory in the Chinese Civil War and established a socialist state in 1949. Mao's policies, including the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, had significant social, economic, and political impacts on China. He is considered a controversial figure, with both supporters and critics of his leadership and policies.

Indian National Congress

The Indian National Congress (INC) is a political party in India. It was founded in 1885 and played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement against British rule. The INC advocated for self-rule and represented various sections of Indian society. It organized mass movements, protests, and civil disobedience campaigns to challenge British colonial rule. After India gained independence in 1947, the INC became the dominant political party and has since played a significant role in shaping Indian politics.

satyagraha (devotion-to-truth) movement

The satyagraha movement was a nonviolent resistance movement led by Mahatma Gandhi in India. It aimed to achieve political and social change through peaceful means, emphasizing the power of truth and moral force. Satyagraha was based on principles such as nonviolence, civil disobedience, and self-suffering. It played a significant role in India's struggle for independence from British colonial rule.

Salt March

The Salt March, also known as the Salt Satyagraha, was a nonviolent protest led by Mahatma Gandhi in India in 1930. It was a significant event in the Indian independence movement against British rule. Gandhi and his followers marched for 240 miles to the Arabian Sea to produce salt from seawater, defying the British salt monopoly. The march aimed to challenge the unjust salt tax imposed by the British and to promote civil disobedience as a means of resistance. The Salt March played a crucial role in mobilizing the Indian population and drawing international attention to the Indian independence movement.

Chinese communist Party (CCP)

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is the ruling political party in the People's Republic of China. It was founded in 1921 and has been in power since 1949. The CCP follows Marxist-Leninist ideology and is known for its centralized control over the government, economy, and society in China. It has played a significant role in shaping modern Chinese history and continues to be a dominant force in Chinese politics.

Adolf Hitler

(1889-1945) a German politician and leader of the Nazi Party. He rose to power as Chancellor of Germany in 1933 and later became dictator, establishing a totalitarian regime. Hitler's aggressive foreign policies led to the outbreak of World War II. He implemented policies that targeted Jews, resulting in the Holocaust and the deaths of millions. Hitler's reign ended in 1945 when he died by suicide in his bunker in Berlin. His actions and ideology have been widely condemned as one of the darkest periods in history.

Unknown

Nuremberg Laws

*def here

Axis Powers

The Axis Powers were a military alliance formed by Germany, Italy, and Japan during World War II. They sought to expand their territories and exert control over other nations. The alliance was officially established in 1940 with the signing of the Tripartite Pact. The Axis Powers were ultimately defeated by the Allied Powers in 1945.

German-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact

The German-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact, also known as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, was a treaty signed between Germany and the Soviet Union on August 23, 1939. The pact ensured that both countries would not attack each other and included a secret protocol that divided Eastern Europe into spheres of influence. This pact allowed Germany to invade Poland without Soviet interference and ultimately contributed to the outbreak of World War II.

Nazis

*def here

Pearl Harbor

a surprise military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy against the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941. The attack led to the United States' entry into World War II.

Hiroshima

the atomic bombing of the Japanese city of Hiroshima by the United States during World War II. On August 6, 1945, the U.S. dropped an atomic bomb named "Little Boy" on Hiroshima, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 140,000 people. The bombing had a significant impact on Japan's decision to surrender, leading to the end of World War II.

Nagasaki

Nagasaki is a city in Japan that was devastated by an atomic bomb during World War II. The bombing took place on August 9, 1945, three days after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. The attack resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction.

Armenians

The Armenian Genocide was the systematic extermination of the Armenian population by the Ottoman Empire during World War I. It resulted in the deaths of an estimated 1.5 million Armenians and is widely recognized as a genocide.

Cold War

The Cold War was a period of geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union, lasting from the end of World War II in 1945 until the early 1990s. It was characterized by political, economic, and military rivalry, as well as ideological differences between the two superpowers. The conflict was primarily fought through proxy wars, arms races, and propaganda campaigns. The Cold War ended with the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Hydrogen bomb

A hydrogen bomb, also known as a thermonuclear bomb, is a type of nuclear weapon that uses fusion reactions to release a tremendous amount of energy. It is more powerful than an atomic bomb, which relies on fission reactions. The hydrogen bomb utilizes the heat and pressure generated by a fission bomb to trigger a fusion reaction, where isotopes of hydrogen combine to form helium, releasing a massive amount of energy in the process. The destructive power of a hydrogen bomb is measured in terms of its yield, which is typically expressed in kilotons or megatons of TNT equivalent.

United Nations (UN)

The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945. Its main objectives are to maintain international peace and security, promote human rights, foster social and economic development, and provide a platform for international cooperation. The UN consists of 193 member states and operates through various specialized agencies, programs, and bodies. It plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges such as conflict resolution, poverty eradication, climate change, and public health crises. The UN also serves as a forum for diplomatic negotiations and the promotion of international law.

Containment (policy)

Containment was a United States foreign policy during the Cold War aimed at preventing the spread of communism. It was first articulated by George F. Kennan in his "Long Telegram" and later in his article "The Sources of Soviet Conduct." The policy advocated for the use of diplomatic, economic, and military strategies to contain the expansion of Soviet influence. It served as the basis for U.S. actions such as the Truman Doctrine, Marshall Plan, and the formation of NATO. The goal of containment was to prevent the Soviet Union from gaining further control over territories and to ultimately weaken and isolate communism.

Truman Doctrine

The Truman Doctrine was a policy introduced by U.S. President Harry S. Truman in 1947. It aimed to contain the spread of communism by providing economic and military aid to countries threatened by communist expansion. The doctrine was a response to the growing influence of the Soviet Union in Eastern Europe and the Greek Civil War. It marked a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy towards a more interventionist approach and set the stage for the Cold War.

Non-Aligned Movement

The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is a group of countries that are not formally aligned with any major power bloc. It was founded in 1961 during the Cold War as a way for countries to maintain their independence and promote peace. The NAM advocates for the principles of non-interference, national sovereignty, and peaceful coexistence. It has played a significant role in global politics, particularly in issues related to decolonization, disarmament, and development.

Mutual assured destruction (M.A.D.)

Mutual Assured Destruction (M.A.D.) is a strategic concept in which two or more nuclear-armed nations deter each other from launching a nuclear attack by ensuring that the consequences would be so devastating that no one would benefit. It is based on the belief that the threat of total annihilation would prevent any rational actor from initiating a nuclear war. This concept played a significant role during the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union.

Marshall Plan

a U.S. initiative to provide economic aid to Western European countries after World War II. It aimed to rebuild war-torn economies, promote economic stability, and prevent the spread of communism. The plan was proposed by U.S. Secretary of State George Marshall in 1947 and provided over $13 billion in aid to 16 European countries between 1948 and 1952. Its main goals were to stimulate economic recovery, foster trade, and strengthen democratic institutions in Europe. The Marshall Plan played a significant role in the post-war reconstruction and the containment of communism in Europe.

Proxy war

A proxy war is a conflict between two or more opposing powers that is fought indirectly through third parties. These third parties are typically smaller nations or non-state actors that are supported and influenced by the major powers involved. The major powers provide military, financial, and logistical support to their proxies, while avoiding direct confrontation with each other. Proxy wars are often used as a means for major powers to exert their influence and pursue their interests without directly engaging in open warfare.

Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall was a barrier constructed by the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) in 1961 to separate East Berlin from West Berlin. It was built to prevent the mass emigration of East Germans to the West. The wall stood until 1989 when it was torn down, symbolizing the end of the Cold War division in Germany.

Korean War

The Korean War was a conflict between North Korea (supported by China and the Soviet Union) and South Korea (supported by the United States and other UN member countries) from 1950 to 1953. It began when North Korea invaded South Korea, aiming to reunify the country under communist rule. The war ended in a stalemate, with the establishment of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) along the 38th parallel. The war had significant geopolitical implications and was considered a proxy war between the United States and the Soviet Union.

Vietnam War

The Vietnam War was a conflict that took place from 1955 to 1975 in Vietnam. It was fought between North Vietnam, supported by the Soviet Union and China, and South Vietnam, supported by the United States and other anti-communist allies. The war resulted in the reunification of Vietnam under communist rule and had a significant impact on global politics and the Cold War.

Domino theory

The Domino Theory was a Cold War foreign policy concept that suggested if one country in a region fell to communism, it would lead to a chain reaction of other countries also falling to communism. This theory was used to justify U.S. intervention in conflicts such as the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

is an intergovernmental military alliance formed in 1949. Its purpose is to promote the collective defense and security of its member countries. operates on the principle of collective defense, meaning that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. It has played a significant role in maintaining peace and stability in the North Atlantic region.

Warsaw Pact

The Warsaw Pact was a military alliance formed in 1955 by the Soviet Union and several Eastern European countries in response to the creation of NATO. Its purpose was to counterbalance the influence of NATO and maintain Soviet control over Eastern Europe during the Cold War.

Communist bloc

The term "Communist bloc" refers to the group of countries that were under communist rule during the Cold War. This included countries such as the Soviet Union, China, Cuba, North Korea, and several Eastern European countries. The Communist bloc was characterized by centralized government control, state ownership of industries, and adherence to Marxist-Leninist ideology.

Great Leap Forward

was a campaign initiated by Mao Zedong in China from 1958 to 1962. Its goal was to rapidly transform China from an agrarian economy to a socialist society through industrialization and collectivization. However, the campaign resulted in widespread famine and economic disaster, causing the deaths of millions of people. It is considered a major failure in Chinese history.