Ap World Unit 7 Review

AP World History Unit 7 Review: An In-Depth Look at the 20th Century

AP World History Unit 7 covers the tumultuous 20th century, a period marked by unprecedented global change, conflict, and interconnectedness. This unit delves into the consequences of World War I, the rise and fall of empires, the Cold War, decolonization, and the beginnings of globalization. Mastering this unit requires a thorough understanding of key events, actors, and overarching themes. This comprehensive review will equip you with the knowledge needed to succeed on the AP World History exam.

I. The Aftermath of World War I and the Interwar Period (1918-1939)

World War I's devastation reshaped the global landscape. The Treaty of Versailles, while intended to ensure lasting peace, instead sowed the seeds of future conflict. Key aspects of this period include:

• The Treaty of Versailles and its consequences: The treaty's harsh terms imposed on Germany, including territorial losses, demilitarization, and crippling reparations, fueled resentment and instability. The failure to address underlying causes of the war, such as nationalism and imperialism, also contributed to future tensions. Understand the impact of the treaty on Germany, its impact on the creation of new nations like Poland and Czechoslovakia, and the emergence of the League of Nations, a largely ineffective precursor to the United Nations.

• The rise of totalitarian regimes: The interwar period witnessed the rise of totalitarian regimes in Italy (Mussolini's Fascism), Germany (Hitler's Nazism), and the Soviet Union (Stalin's Communism). These regimes employed propaganda, repression, and cult of personality to maintain power. Understanding the ideologies, methods, and impact of these regimes is crucial. Compare and contrast their similarities and differences, and analyze how they consolidated and maintained their power. Pay close attention to the role of the state and the relationship between the state and the individual.

• The Great Depression: The global economic crisis of the 1930s significantly impacted global politics and social structures. The Depression led to widespread unemployment, poverty, and social unrest, further destabilizing already fragile governments and contributing to the rise of extremist ideologies. Analyze the causes of the Great Depression, its global impact, and the various responses governments took to address the crisis. Consider the role of international trade and financial institutions.

• Japanese expansionism: Japan's imperial ambitions led to its expansion into Manchuria and other parts of Asia in the 1930s. This expansion was fueled by a desire for resources, regional dominance, and a sense of national pride. Understand Japan’s motivations and the impact of its expansionist policies on its neighbors, particularly China.

II. World War II (1939-1945)

World War II, a global conflict of unprecedented scale and brutality, resulted in the deaths of tens of millions and reshaped the global political order. Key aspects to focus on:

• Causes of World War II: The failure of the League of Nations, the aggressive expansionist policies of Germany, Italy, and Japan, and the appeasement policies of Western powers all contributed to the outbreak of the war. Analyze the various factors that led to the outbreak of World War II, emphasizing the role of nationalism, fascism, and unresolved issues from World War I.

• Major theaters of war: Understand the key battles and turning points in the European and Pacific theaters of war. This includes the Battle of Britain, the Battle of Stalingrad, the D-Day invasion, and the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Analyze the strategic significance of these battles and their impact on the course of the war.

• The Holocaust and other wartime atrocities: The systematic persecution and murder of six million Jews and millions of others by the Nazi regime remains one of history’s darkest chapters. Understand the Holocaust's context within Nazi ideology, the methods used to implement it, and its lasting impact on the world. Additionally, explore other atrocities committed during the war, such as the Rape of Nanking.

• The Allied victory and the establishment of the United Nations: The Allied victory, achieved through the combined efforts of the United States, Great Britain, the Soviet Union, and China, brought an end to World War II. The formation of the United Nations aimed to prevent future conflicts through international cooperation. Analyze the reasons for the Allied victory and the creation of the United Nations and its role in post-war global governance.

III. The Cold War (1947-1991)

The Cold War, a period of geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union, dominated global affairs for much of the second half of the 20th century.

• Origins of the Cold War: Examine the ideological differences between the United States and the Soviet Union, the differing visions for post-war Europe, and the growing mistrust and arms race that characterized the early years of the Cold War. Analyze the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, and the formation of NATO and the Warsaw Pact.

• Proxy wars and decolonization: The Cold War played out not only in direct confrontation but also through proxy wars in Korea, Vietnam, and Afghanistan. Simultaneously, the collapse of European empires led to the decolonization of Africa and Asia, often resulting in new states struggling with internal conflicts and Cold War rivalries. Analyze the impact of the Cold War on decolonization processes and the emergence of newly independent nations. Explore examples of proxy wars and their significance.

• The Space Race: The competition between the United States and the Soviet Union extended to space exploration, symbolizing the broader ideological and technological rivalry. Understand the significance of Sputnik and the Apollo moon landing.

• The end of the Cold War: The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked the end of the Cold War. Analyze the factors that contributed to the Soviet Union's collapse, including economic stagnation, internal political struggles, and the growing pressure from the West.

IV. Decolonization and the Post-Colonial World

The mid-20th century saw the dismantling of European colonial empires, leading to the emergence of numerous independent nations.

• The process of decolonization: Understand the various factors that contributed to the decline of colonialism, including nationalist movements, the weakening of European powers after World War II, and the changing global political landscape. Analyze different strategies used by nationalist movements to achieve independence, including peaceful resistance and armed struggle.

• Challenges faced by newly independent nations: Newly independent nations often faced significant challenges, including political instability, economic underdevelopment, and ethnic and religious conflicts. Analyze these challenges and how they impacted the development of post-colonial societies. Consider the role of neocolonialism.

• The rise of non-aligned movement: Many newly independent nations chose to remain neutral in the Cold War, forming the Non-Aligned Movement. Analyze the goals and impact of the Non-Aligned Movement.

V. Globalization and its Impacts

The late 20th century witnessed the beginnings of increased global interconnectedness, driven by technological advancements, economic liberalization, and cultural exchange.

• Economic globalization: The rise of multinational corporations, international trade agreements, and global financial institutions led to increased economic interdependence. Analyze the benefits and drawbacks of economic globalization.

• Cultural globalization: The spread of ideas, information, and cultural products across borders contributed to a more interconnected world. Analyze the impact of globalization on cultural diversity and identity.

• Environmental concerns: Globalization also brought increased awareness of environmental issues and the need for international cooperation to address them. Consider the impact of globalization on the environment.

VI. Key Concepts and Themes

Throughout Unit 7, several overarching themes and concepts repeatedly emerge. Understanding these will help you synthesize information and make connections between different events and historical actors. These include:

• Nationalism: The rise of nationalism played a significant role in the events of the 20th century, leading to both unification and conflict.

• Imperialism: The legacy of imperialism continued to shape the political and economic landscape of the 20th century.

• Ideology: Competing ideologies, such as communism, fascism, and democracy, shaped the political landscape and fueled conflict.

• Totalitarianism: Understand the characteristics of totalitarian regimes and their impact on society.

• Globalization: The increasing interconnectedness of the world through economic, political, and cultural exchanges.

• Cold War: The ideological and geopolitical struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union and its global consequences.

VII. Preparing for the AP Exam

To succeed on the AP World History exam, you should:

• Practice multiple-choice questions: Use practice exams to familiarize yourself with the format and style of the questions.

• Write practice essays: Develop your essay-writing skills by practicing with various essay prompts. Focus on constructing clear, well-supported arguments.

• Create timelines and maps: Visual aids can help you understand the chronological order of events and their geographical context.

• Utilize primary and secondary sources: Familiarize yourself with diverse historical sources and their interpretations.

• Understand different perspectives: Analyze events from multiple perspectives, considering the experiences of various groups and actors.

This in-depth review of AP World History Unit 7 provides a strong foundation for your exam preparation. Remember to consult your textbook and class materials for further detail and specific examples. Good luck!