Fall of the Soviet Union in 1991
Officially ended the cold war, capitalist democracies were established in eastern europe, and germany was reunited.
Results of U.S. influence
Gorbachev allows for free speech
Korean war
After Japan was defeated, their former colony Korea was divided into north and south. In 1950, the north invaded the south, and the USSR US each backed opposing sides.
Proxy wars
Although the US and USSR never directly fought, the cold war did turn hot in a couple of proxy wars across the globe.
Indian decolonization
India used non-violent civil disobedience to negotiate with the exhausted british for independence.
Economic miracle
The marshall plan led to an incredible economic recovery. West Germany's GDP was 15-20% higher than in the pre-war years, and west germany was only 1 half of Germany!
Common market (later the european union)
They decided to expand the european coal and steel community to include other industries. Eventually integrated their economies into one larger european economy with its own currency.
European union
Polish elections of 1989
European coal and steel community
Agreement between 6 countries to integrate their coal and steel operations. Was quickly profitable for member nations and the idea was that if nations were tied together economically, they wouldn't go to war with one another.
Perestroika
Hungarian revolution (1956)
Demanded Hungary have free and fair elections in Hungary. The soviets freaked out and sent hundreds of troops, and tanks to crush the revolution
Women's rights
A major push for women's suffrage and other rights after women's contributions to WWI and WWII
Cold war
A conflict between the United States and soviet union where neither engaged in direct warfare with the other.
After WWII, Europe lay in ruins. The U.S. hoped strong democratic economies would not easily fall to communism. Western European countries gladly accepted the money, while Soviet satellite states did not.
Chechen nationalist movement
Chechen muslims had profound anti-russian sentiments that stretch back centuries. When the USSR collapsed, they declared independence. They ruled themselves for 3 years until Russia decided to reassert its influence through a series of conflicts that ended in 2017.
Prevented east berliners from fleeing to the economically prosperous west.
Unified dominance. Ex: the soviet union's dominance over eastern europe.
Decolonization
It was Wilson's insistence that nations be granted the right of national self-determination that led to calls for independence throughout the world. (14 points)
2nd wave of feminism
Whereas the main push during the first wave was to secure the right to vote, the second wave focused on societal issues and inequalities women faced including education, marriage laws, and professional careers.
Algerian decolonization
National liberation front fought with france until Algeria was independent.
Growth of social welfare
Division of germany
