Europe & North America

Europe & North America The Western World – an overview The Western European Democracies North American Prosperity The Soviet Union: Rise and Fall of a Superpower A New Era In Eastern Europe

The Western World: An Overview • Europe: The Cold War and After – for 40 years, Europe was divided into 2 parts – East & West • The Berlin Wall – Berlin was split between East & West • Brain Drain • 1961 – East Germany built a wall around West Berlin • This ugly symbol of the Cold War split up families and a nation • Communism had to force its citizens to stay rather than keep people from coming • The Nuclear Threat • Nuclear Arms Race – both sides felt they had to try to keep ahead of the other • Balance of Terror – MAD (mutually assured destruction) • Both sides spent billions on arms rather than their people • Disarmament and Détente • To lessen the threat of nuclear destruction, both sides met to talk disarmament • Distrust made the process VERY long and hard, but agreements were made • Nuclear Test Ban Treaty of 1963 • SALT (Strategic Arms Limitation Talks – 1970’s) • Détente – a relaxation of tensions • Both sides agreed to several actions between the two countries to lessen tensions

The Western World: An Overview • End of the Cold War • 1990’s – USSR will relax grip on satellite nations • One by one, communist governments collapsed • USSR will break apart into several independent nations • Germany will be reunited (fall of the Berlin Wall) • NATO will be redefined, Warsaw Pact will disband • Troublesome Issues • Russia & former satellite nations turned to west for loans and tried to build capitalist economic systems • Disarmament talks continued as nations tried to disarm some weapons • NATO’s New Role • New ethnic problems arose as the Soviet influence decreased • NATO becomes the European “peacekeeper”

Economic & Political Trends • The Welfare State • Western Europe thrived economically after WW2, politically leaned towards socialism • Socialism is where the government provides for the social needs of its people (health care, education, jobs, energy, transportation, etc) • Later on, as costs rose, governments had to cut services to many • The Oil Shock • 1973 – OPEC cut oil production and dramatically raised prices • Caused world wide INFLATION • 1979 – OPEC again raised priced • Caused world wide RECESSION • Economic Shifts • The Western World will face economic challenges from Asia (China, India) • Many manufacturing jobs leave the west for regions with lower pay/costs • Shift to “SERVICE INDUSTRY” meant science and technology become big

Toward European Unity • The Common Market • 1957 – European Common Market was created – 6 countries agree • Working together, their power economically increased • Free trade between nations • Other nations will join in later • European Union (EU) • 1990’s – Further expansion created the European Union • Promoted regional prosperity, peace and security • Greater economic and political unity • European passports • Euro – common monetary system • 20% of world trade – able to compete with the economic superpowers (US, Japan, China)

Social Trends • Ethnic Diversity • Many immigrants from all over the world have come to Europe for jobs • “guest workers” • New cultural influences came – new discrimination & segregation • Rise in ultranationalism (attacks on foreign workers) • Women • Women have made advances in legal and economic equality • Women in the workforce often face the “glass ceiling” • Things have improved, but issues still exist • As women earn more, the family standard of living increases • Family Life • Families having fewer children • Children stay in school longer to get needed skills • Families dependant on one earner (divorce, children out of wedlock) have increased the number living in poverty

Section Review • Read Section One (p. 526-531) • Do Questions # 1, 3-6

The Western Democracies • Britain: Changing Policies • Labour & Conservative Governments • After WW2, British government became a “welfare state” in which the government expanded benefits (unemployment insurance, old age benefits) and nationalized major industries. They built housing for the poor and provided health care (free or low cost) • In 1979, voters turned to the Conservative Party which said the “welfare state” was too costly and inefficient. Individual Responsibility stressed. Industries returned to private ownership • Economy was revived under 15+ years of Conservative control • Labour Party returned to power in 1997 with promises to find middle ground • A New World Peace • Britain gave up role as superpower to US after WW2, strong ally • Britain took leadership role in the affairs of Europe, now close allies • Northern Ireland • Violence in 1960-70’s over control of Northern Ireland (controlled by Britain) • Irish Republican Army (IRA) led violent insurgency, Britain sent troops to keep order • Presence of British troops only made it worse • 1998 – Peace Accord finally signed – self rule

The Western Democracies • France: Revival & Prosperity • Colonial wars after WW2 weakened France (Vietnam, Algeria) • Unrest within country caused France to eventually leave both colonial holds • DeGaulle – hero of WW2, strong leader elected to lead France • French constitution gave DeGaulle huge power • DeGaulle worked to restore prestige and power of France • Created strong ties with West Germany, ended decades of troubles • Developed French nuclear force and challenged US dominance in Europe. He opposed US Cold War stance and opened talks with China and Cuba • Resigned in 1968, during young uprising. Disliked by both sides by the end • Economic Revival • After war, nationalized several industries and created a “welfare state” • Unlike in Britain, partnership between business and government worked, brought prosperity to France • 1980’s – new leader, Francois Mitterand tried to nationalize more – deepened crisis • 1995 – next leader, Jacques Chirac, took more conservative line. Government spending cut, “welfare state” programs cut or eliminated (despite huge protests) • France now 4th largest economy in world

The Western Democracies • Germany: Division & Reunification • Years after WW2 were desperate in Germany • Germany Divided – 1949 – East and West Germany • For 40 years, the 2 Germany’s were the example of Cold War tensions between US & USSR • West Germany’s “Economic Miracle” – Marshall Plan helped W. Germany rebuild • Chancellor Konrad Adenauer (1949-1963) oversaw rebuilding of economy • Despite high taxes, W. Germany built booming economy • Worked closely with France and US • Played key role in NATO, became key player in all European matters • Under Socialist party leadership, Germany set up a “welfare state” • East Germany Under Construction • Under communist rule, economy stagnated. USSR exploited E. German workers for own benefit. BUT, unemployment low, workers had basic benefits • Lured by freedom in the West, a mass exodus led to the building of the Berlin Wall in 1961

The Western Democracies • Reunification • 1969 – first attempts to ease tensions between E and W Germany • Chancellor Brandt kept close ties with west but also signed treaties with USSR & Poland • Economic ties were created and linked W Germany with neighbors to the east • Long term goal was to reunify Germany • 1989 – the fall of USSR meant E Germany no longer had powerful backing • Communist leaders in E. Germany were removed and Berlin Wall taken down • Chancellor Helmut Kohl promised united Germany posed no threat to peace for E or W • 1990 – voters approved reunification and Germany was whole again • Economic Problems • Economic and Social problems followed • Prosperous West had to pay higher taxes to rebuild the East (angering many) • Driven by racism and anger, immigrants and easterners were attacked • A vast majority of Germans condemned these actions and moved to stop • Germans sought solutions to the economic problems • Government tried to control costs of “welfare state” • High unemployment and gov’t taxes led many companies to leave Germany • By early 2000’s – Germany’s economy was most powerful in Europe

The Western Democracies • Other Democratic Nations • Scandinavian countries created extensive welfare programs • Rising costs created a need to balance high taxes with programs offered • Italy (urban v. rural interests divide) • Political divisions led to instability (no one party could gain control) • Coalition governments came and went • Corruption and financial scandals added to instability • Mafia defied government attempts to end its power (especially in South) • Despite all this, Italy showed strong economic gains • Spain, Portugal & Greece • After WW2, these countries were underdeveloped economically and dictators staying in power for decades • 1970’s – Spain & Portugal - finally dictators will lose power. Countries adopted democratic governments and joined NATO and the EU • Economies grew rapidly • Greece needed US help after war to keep communism out • Crisis’ with Cyprus and Turkey in 70’s led to more problems • Finally, democratic government set up and Greece began to stabilize • Recent problems in Greece – “welfare state” had bankrupted the government and cuts to program (to ensure loans) have caused protests

Book Review • Read Section 2 (p. 532-536) • Do questions # 3-5 on p. 536

North American Prosperity • The US: A Global Superpower • 1945 – The US becomes THE/A world power using its economic and military resources to protect & secure a free (non-communist) world • Global Commitments • Bases all around the globe, Mutual Defense treaties/organizations • Provided economic aid to any nation pledged to democracy • Later – human rights added to that pledge for aid • Korea & Vietnam • 1950’s – US gets involved in 2 areas, trying to keep communism from spreading • KOREA – N.K. forces invaded S.K. – American troops sent to help S.K. • Anti-Communist fears are rampant in the US/the West • VIETNAM – US forces sent in to “advise” S.V. Army • Economic and Military aid send • The Only Superpower • When the USSR (Russia) collapsed, the US remained the ONLY SUPERPOWER • As conflicts arose, the world looked to the only superpower to fix things • 1991 – Kuwait (US) • 1991 – Kosovo (UN & US) • 2001 – World Trade Center attacks

North American Prosperity • Economy & Government • 1950’s saw world economy boom (US even more than others) • The US & the Global Economy • US expanded into world markets after WW2 (INTERDEPENDENCE) • Interdependence also brought problems • 1970’s - OPEC & World Banks • Wider Role for Government • Western world saw government’s role in the economy GROW • Government became a source of benefits for many (Social Programs) • 1960’s – The Great Society – Government used to battle poverty, discrimination, elderly • The Conservative Response • 1980’s – conservatives challenged growth of government and costly social programs • Reagan called for cutting government spending on social programs while increasing spending on military (DEFICIT) • Conservatives tried to deal with deficit by cutting social programs even more • The New Century • 1990’s – by end of decade, government SURPLUS meant more social programs • The Century ended with Americans feeling peace and prosperity, but troubles ahead • Costs of health care & Social Security were rising fast • A decline in the Stock Market (business), 911, and huge increases in DEFICITS meant the next decade would not be as nice

SEGREGATION IN AMERICA

North American Prosperity • Civil Rights & Society • Segregation & Discrimination – post Civil War America racial biased • SEGREGATION (Plessey v. Ferguson) became the way of things in the US • After WW2, President Truman desegregated the Armed Forces • 1954 – Brown v. Board of Education – desegregated Public Schools • Progress & Problems • 1954 – Rosa Parks & Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. began the Montgomery Bus Boycott • Inspired by Gandhi, King lead the Civil Rights Movement, pressed for equal rights • Protests and “I Have a Dream” speech inspired millions from all races to stand for freedom • Congress will finally pass laws ENFORCING equality and civil rights for all • Other groups (Latino, Women, Asian, Native American) will follow • Immigration • US has always been and will always be a magnet for immigration (HOPE FOR BETTER) • Over the years, the US has become tougher and tougher to get into • Many risk illegal entry for the opportunities they see in America • Most bring valuable skills that are put to use in the US labor market • Government has yet to create a comprehensive immigration policy to allow workers in and maybe create a path towards citizenship

North American Prosperity • Canada • Upon independence, Canada set its own course, but kept close ties with Great Britain, the US and NATO • Economic Growth – a major economic power due to oil and gas • 1959 – US/Canada completed St. Lawrence Seaway which opened the Great Lakes to trade • Canada had encouraged immigration (Canada’s pop 1/10th that of the US) • Canada now a very diverse population • Quebec Separatism – french speaking population sees self as distinct • To protect their culture, Quebec demanded more autonomy from Canada • Other provinces resisted efforts to give Quebec special consideration • 1995 – vote to separate failed • Still a heated debate in Canada • United States Influence – Canada tries hard not to be overshadowed by the US • Close ties with the US, both economically & culturally is seen as both good and bad • Competition has led to tariffs on trade • NAFTA passed to create a free trade zone • Countries continue to work together to try to solve issues that arise

The Soviet Union: Rise and Fall of a Superpower • Soviet Government – became a superpower after WW2 • Soviet Influence grows over many nations • Victories abroad bring little benefit to the people of Russia • Stalin’s Successors • Khrushchev publically denounced Stalin shortly after his death (shocking most) • “De-Stalinization” policy freed many prisoners and eased up on censorship • He sought a ‘thaw’ in the Cold War calling for peaceful coexistence with the West • He crushed opposition at home and abroad (Hungary 1956) • Brezhnev actively suppressed “DISSIDENTS” who spoke out against Soviet Rule • Some Successes • After WW2, rebuilt shattered nation by using factories/equipment stripped from Germany • Government poured resources into science, technology & weapons • 1957 – SPUTNIK launched (scientific & technological superiority) • Citizens enjoyed low rent, free health care, daycare for children • Wages low – but unemployment virtually unheard of • Failure of the Command Economy – plagued by problems • Agriculture unable to feed its own peoples • Command economy could not keep up with capitalism (no incentive to produce) • Soviet products inferior (low quality) and scarce (waited in lines for basic products) • Inefficiency and bureaucracy meant shortages on everything

The Soviet Union: Rise and Fall of a Superpower • Foreign Policy Issues • The Developing World – both US and USSR sought allies among developing nations • One way to win an ally was through economic and military aid • At times – this competition led to military conflict (Korea & Vietnam) • Rivalry With the US • Berlin Wall – to show strength • Cuban Missile Crisis – tried to arm Cuba, backed down to US threats • Brezhnev Doctrine – USSR had right to intervene in any WARSAW PACT country • Détente & Disarmament – attempt to ease tensions • Afghanistan Invasion – tensions back up, will drain Soviet economy and be a big loss

The Soviet Union: Rise and Fall of a Superpower • Collapse of the Soviet Union – new leader Gorbachev • The Gorbachev Revolution • Sought end to EXPENSIVE Cold War, denounced Brezhnev Doctrine, signed arms deal with US and pulled Soviet Army out of Afghanistan • GLASTNOST – “openness” ended censorship and encouraged Soviet people to openly discuss the country’s problems • PERESTROIKA – Restructuring government and economy (some free market ideas) • Unexpected Results • Gorbachev’s reforms brought turmoil – shortages, soaring prices, high unemployment • Hard-line Communists denounced Gorbachev’s reforms • Reformers (Yeltsin) pushed for even more reforms • Several ‘satellite’ nations pushed for independence (Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, etc) • Hard-liners tried to overthrow Gorbachev and failed, but weakened him • As more nations declared independence, Gorbachev resigned and the Soviet Union ceased to exist - 1991

The Soviet Union: Rise and Fall of a Superpower • The Russian Republic – Yeltsin elected to lead Russia • Economic Problems – many industries privatized (painful transition) • Without government control, prices soared • Countries that had been supported by USSR cut off • Despite this, Russia’s economy began to grow (often controlled by Russian Mafia) • Economic crisis of Russian Banks shook economy, people lost savings • Yeltsin faced with rebellion from within (Chechnya), will resign • Putin in Charge • Putin brought Russia back to power, through stronger government involvement (projecting toughness/power that appealed to Russians) • Many feared Putin (ties to KGB) and his autocratic rule • Despite those fears, Russia grew economically and politically • A World Power • Large military force and nuclear arsenal meant Russia was still a power, if not a superpower. They still had influence on the world stage • At times, Russia was a willing participant in dealings with Europe. But eastern European nations feared a Russia led by Putin – might reassert Russian control

The Soviet Union: Rise and Fall of a Superpower • Other Republics • Newly independent ex-Soviet republics also wanted to strengthen their economies • Faced corruption, unrest, and political problems • Some countries continued with authoritarian leaders, others elected more democratic governments • Border disputes arose between these nations and with Russia • Georgia had a bloody uprising over control of the nation • Hard times were faced in most of these nations as they charted a new course • Some gave up their nuclear weapons in exchange for financial investments or loads

A New Era in Eastern Europe • Under Soviet Domination • 1945 – Soviet armies occupied most of Eastern Europe • By the end of the 1940’s, most of these countries ruled by communist party under Soviet control • Unrest • In the 1950’s, the USSR tightened its control over these countries • Forced them to buy Soviet goods (at prices set by Soviets) and to provide troops and money to the Warsaw Pact • Soviet troops were stationed in each of these countries to maintain control • Resistance & Repression • Hungary’s leader, Nagy, ended one party rule and withdrew Hungary from Warsaw Pact • Khrushchev responded with force • Freedom Fighters resisted and called on the West for help, none came • 1000’s died and Nagy was executed • Czechoslovakia’s leader, Dubcek, called for reforms. Once again met with force • Dubcek removed, communist rule was restored (Khrushchev Doctrine) • Yugoslavia’s Independent Path • Soviet control did not extend to Yugoslavia • General Tito set up a communist government on his own, but remained independent of the Soviet Union • He refused to join the Warsaw Pact and Yugoslavia remained neutral in the Cold War

A New Era in Eastern Europe • Poland’s Road to Democracy (most troublesome satellite) • Like Hungary and Czechoslovakia, Poles wanted more freedoms • Stalin clamped down hard, especially on the Catholic Church, it backfired • Solidarity (1980) – economic hardships caused strikes in Poland • Workers united “SOLIDARITY” under the lead of Lech Walesa • Millions of workers demanded reforms – political and economic • Leaders arrested by command of the Soviets – Unrest continued • New Pope John Paul II visited, met with leaders (endorsing protests) • Peaceful Transition • By end of Fall of Communist Governments • New Challenges • Ethnic Tensions

A New Era in Eastern Europe • War in Yugoslavia • Breakup • Fighting in Bosnia • Fighting in Kosovo • Looking Ahead

Section 1 The Western World: An Overview • Europe: The Cold War • Economic & Political Trends • Towards European Unity • Social Trends • Section 2 The Western European Democracy • Britain: Changing Policies • France: Revival & Prosperity • Germany: Division & Reunification • Other Democratic Nations • Section 3 North American Prosperity • A Global Superpower • Economy & Government • Civil Rights & Society • Canada • Section 4 The Soviet Union • Soviet Gov’t & Economy • Foreign Policy • Collapse of Soviet Empire • The Russian Republic • Section 5 Eastern Europe • Soviet Domination • Poland’s Road to Democracy • Fall of Communism • Yugoslovia

Europe & North America