Chapter 32: The World Since 1945

Chapter 32:The World Since 1945 Section 1: Changing Political Climate Section 2: Global Economic Trends Section 3: Changing Patterns of Life

Section 1: Changing Political Climate • Summary: • The balance of world power shifted after WWII, with the United States and the Soviet Union emerging as Superpowers

Section 1: Changing Political Climate • Soon after WWII, empires of Europe crumbled as colonies in Africa, Asia and the Middle East called for Self-Rule • At first, Britain, France and others tried to hold on to their colonies • However WWII had used up financial resources • Nearly 100 nations gained freedom during the era known as the “Great Liberation”

Section 1: Changing Political Climate • Cold War tensions increased because both the United States and the Soviet Union wanted to make new countries their allies • Each offered aid to developing nations • In addition, the new nations faced other problems • Some groups wanted free elections • Some leaders wanted one-party rule • People of different ethnic groups quarreled • Countries struggled through civil wars and revolutions

Section 1: Changing Political Climate • Interdependent – mutual dependence of countries on goods, resources and knowledge from other parts of the world

Section 1: Changing Political Climate • New transportation and communication systems have made the world more interdependent • Nations count on each other for goods and information

Section 1: Changing Political Climate • Nations also share troubles • Nuclear weapons are a threat to peace • Terrorism, the deliberate use of violence to achieve political goals, spreads fear throughout the world

Section 1: Changing Political Climate • The United Nations (UN) has expanded to deal with global issues • It must decide if it should step in when human rights are in danger • The UN and other groups do their best to solve global problems

Section 2: Global Economic Trends • Summary: • The Global North includes many wealthy industrial nations • The Global South includes many developing nations

Section 2: Global Economic Trends • The world is made up of rich nations and poorer ones • A land with strong industries is known as a developed nation • Most of its people can read and write • The Birth rate is low • Health services are good • A developed nation has a high standard of living

Section 2: Global Economic Trends • In developing nations, most people are poor • They do not have good schools or roads • Farming is the most common type of work

Section 2: Global Economic Trends • Most developed nations lie in a zone known as the developed North • This zone includes all of Western Europe and North America, as well as Japan and Australia

Section 2: Global Economic Trends • Since most poor nations lie south of the Equator, the developing world is called the Global South • Much of Asia, Africa and Latin America are in this zone

Section 2: Global Economic Trends • Certain problems are common to the Global South • Many developing nations are held back by unfavorable climate, civil war and dense population • They are forced to depend on the help of other countries • All of these problems block progress

Section 2: Global Economic Trends • In both rich and poor nations, economic growth can harm the environment • Industries use up natural resources • Factories pollute water, air and soil • Accidents and errors threaten crops, animals and people • These are Global concerns

Section 3: Changing Patterns of Life • Summary: • Urbanization has changed the lives of people in the developing world

Section 3: Changing Patterns of Life • During this century, much of the world has changed from a rural lifestyle to a urban one • Most people have moved in search of jobs • This migration, or movement, to the cities has changed both where and how people live

Section 3: Changing Patterns of Life • Children learned new values in city schools • Some grew up speaking a new language • Urban families tended to be small • Extended family members lived miles apart

Section 3: Changing Patterns of Life • Most modern societies work to provide equal rights for men and women • Women continue to gain better education, jobs and pay • Yet change does not always bring an easier life • While taking on new roles, many women still have the full responsibility for child care and housework

Section 3: Changing Patterns of Life • Since 1945, technology has improved the standard of living for much of the world • Satellites, computers and fax machines spread ideas rapidly and link nations • People share fashion styles, music, art and foods • Countries not only depend on each other for economic success, they collectively enjoy a new global culture

Section 3: Changing Patterns of Life • However, each breakthrough has its limits • Many developing nations cannot pay for new technologies • For example, those most in need of food cannot afford to buy farm machines

Section 3: Changing Patterns of Life • So, poor countries fall farther behind • In some ways, technology has widened the gulf between the Global North and the Global South

Chapter 32: The World Since 1945