3.3 Changing patterns of power

What is a multi-polar world?

A world where there are several centres of power, as opposed to a uni-polar world where there is only one

At what point did a bi-polar world emerge?

Rapid American industrialisation meant that it overtook the UK economically in the 1880s. Industrialisation in Russia meant that it overtook the UK in 1941

What was the ‘iron curtain’?

A heavily defended border between East and West Germany. Its most extreme point was the Berlin wall, which split Berlin in two

What was the Cold War?

A period of balanced power between the USA and USSR, where there was conflict but no traditional military action

How did the USA extend its economic influence?

Many countries in Western Europe suffered damage from WW2, so the USA offered financial aid to them in what was known as the ‘Marshall Plan’

How did the USA exert cultural influence?

Hollywood made films, such as ‘The Red Menace’, to generate suspicion of communists and portraying the USA in a moral, freedom-fighting light.

Briefly, what are the reasons why China may become the next global superpower?

• Rapid economic growth

• Investment in African countries

• Military expansion

Briefly, what are China’s limitations to becoming the next global superpower?

• Its government censors the Internet and limits personal freedoms, which is increasingly facing opposition