The World of the 20th Century

The World of the 20th Century

Note to the reader: this chapter is set up differently than the previous chapters.  Instead of a first reading that gives a global perspective on all the events of the century, this chapter highlights important global events that impacted many regions of the world.  By reading each individual section, the reader will come to better understand the important events of the 20th century and their significance in creating the world in which we live today.

Chapter Outcomes

Questions to Guide your Reading

1. What caused World War I? How did the end of World War I impact future events in the 20th century?
2. Who were main leaders of the Russian Revolution? How did the 1917 Russian Revolution influence future events in the 20th century?
3. What were the main events of World War II? How did these events influence future events in the 20th century?
4. What is the Holocaust and why it happen in Germany?
5. What nations became independent in the 20th century? What unique challenges did they face?  In what ways were their responses to these challenges similar and how were they different?
6. What was the Cold War? Who were the main actors?  What were the main events of the War?  How do these events illustrate the nature of geo-political relations in the second half of the 20th century?
7. Who was Chairman Mao and what is Maoism?
8. What was the Cultural Revolution? What were its main goals?  What were its consequences?
9. How has China developed after the death of Chairman Mao? Who were the most important leaders and how did they influence both Chinese and world history in the 20th century?
10. How did Europe change after World War II? What kind of societies were established in Europe?  How are those societies similar to and different from the society established in the United States?