Europe & North America

Europe & North AmericaThe Western World an overviewThe Western European DemocraciesNorth American ProsperityThe Soviet Union: Rise and Fall of a SuperpowerA New Era In Eastern EuropeThe Western World: An OverviewEurope: The Cold War and After for 40 years, Europe was divided into 2 parts East & WestThe Berlin Wall Berlin was split between East & WestBrain Drain1961 East Germany built a wall around West Berlin This ugly symbol of the Cold War split up families and a nationCommunism had to force its citizens to stay rather than keep people from comingThe Nuclear ThreatNuclear Arms Race both sides felt they had to try to keep ahead of the otherBalance of Terror MAD (mutually assured destruction)Both sides spent billions on arms rather than their peopleDisarmament and DtenteTo lessen the threat of nuclear destruction, both sides met to talk disarmamentDistrust made the process VERY long and hard, but agreements were madeNuclear Test Ban Treaty of 1963SALT (Strategic Arms Limitation Talks 1970s)Dtente a relaxation of tensions Both sides agreed to several actions between the two countries to lessen tensionsThe Western World: An OverviewEnd of the Cold War1990s USSR will relax grip on satellite nationsOne by one, communist governments collapsedUSSR will break apart into several independent nationsGermany will be reunited (fall of the Berlin Wall)NATO will be redefined, Warsaw Pact will disbandTroublesome IssuesRussia & former satellite nations turned to west for loans and tried to build capitalist economic systemsDisarmament talks continued as nations tried to disarm some weaponsNATOs New RoleNew ethnic problems arose as the Soviet influence decreasedNATO becomes the European peacekeeper

Economic & Political TrendsThe Welfare StateWestern Europe thrived economically after WW2, politically leaned towards socialismSocialism 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 manyThe Oil Shock1973 OPEC cut oil production and dramatically raised pricesCaused world wide INFLATION1979 OPEC again raised pricedCaused world wide RECESSIONEconomic ShiftsThe Western World will face economic challenges from Asia (China, India)Many manufacturing jobs leave the west for regions with lower pay/costsShift to SERVICE INDUSTRY meant science and technology become bigToward European UnityThe Common Market1957 European Common Market was created 6 countries agreeWorking together, their power economically increasedFree trade between nationsOther nations will join in laterEuropean Union (EU)1990s Further expansion created the European UnionPromoted regional prosperity, peace and securityGreater economic and political unityEuropean passportsEuro common monetary system20% of world trade able to compete with the economic superpowers (US, Japan, China)Social TrendsEthnic DiversityMany immigrants from all over the world have come to Europe for jobsguest workersNew cultural influences came new discrimination & segregationRise in ultranationalism (attacks on foreign workers)WomenWomen have made advances in legal and economic equalityWomen in the workforce often face the glass ceilingThings have improved, but issues still existAs women earn more, the family standard of living increasesFamily LifeFamilies having fewer childrenChildren stay in school longer to get needed skillsFamilies dependant on one earner (divorce, children out of wedlock) have increased the number living in povertySection ReviewRead Section One (p. 526-531)Do Questions # 1, 3-6The Western DemocraciesBritain: Changing PoliciesLabour & Conservative GovernmentsAfter 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 ownershipEconomy was revived under 15+ years of Conservative controlLabour Party returned to power in 1997 with promises to find middle groundA New World PeaceBritain gave up role as superpower to US after WW2, strong allyBritain took leadership role in the affairs of Europe, now close alliesNorthern IrelandViolence in 1960-70s over control of Northern Ireland (controlled by Britain)Irish Republican Army (IRA) led violent insurgency, Britain sent troops to keep orderPresence of British troops only made it worse1998 Peace Accord finally signed self ruleThe Western DemocraciesFrance: Revival & ProsperityColonial wars after WW2 weakened France (Vietnam, Algeria)Unrest within country caused France to eventually leave both colonial holdsDeGaulle hero of WW2, strong leader elected to lead FranceFrench constitution gave DeGaulle huge powerDeGaulle worked to restore prestige and power of FranceCreated strong ties with West Germany, ended decades of troublesDeveloped French nuclear force and challenged US dominance in Europe. He opposed US Cold War stance and opened talks with China and CubaResigned in 1968, during young uprising. Disliked by both sides by the endEconomic RevivalAfter war, nationalized several industries and created a welfare stateUnlike in Britain, partnership between business and government worked, brought prosperity to France1980s new leader, Francois Mitterand tried to nationalize more deepened crisis1995 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 worldThe Western DemocraciesGermany: Division & ReunificationYears after WW2 were desperate in GermanyGermany Divided 1949 East and West GermanyFor 40 years, the 2 Germanys were the example of Cold War tensions between US & USSRWest Germanys Economic Miracle Marshall Plan helped W. Germany rebuildChancellor Konrad Adenauer (1949-1963) oversaw rebuilding of economyDespite high taxes, W. Germany built booming economyWorked closely with France and USPlayed key role in NATO, became key player in all European mattersUnder Socialist party leadership, Germany set up a welfare stateEast Germany Under ConstructionUnder communist rule, economy stagnated. USSR exploited E. German workers for own benefit. BUT, unemployment low, workers had basic benefitsLured by freedom in the West, a mass exodus led to the building of the Berlin Wall in 1961The Western DemocraciesReunification1969 first attempts to ease tensions between E and W GermanyChancellor Brandt kept close ties with west but also signed treaties with USSR & PolandEconomic ties were created and linked W Germany with neighbors to the eastLong term goal was to reunify Germany1989 the fall of USSR meant E Germany no longer had powerful backingCommunist leaders in E. Germany were removed and Berlin Wall taken downChancellor Helmut Kohl promised united Germany posed no threat to peace for E or W1990 voters approved reunification and Germany was whole againEconomic ProblemsEconomic and Social problems followedProsperous West had to pay higher taxes to rebuild the East (angering many)Driven by racism and anger, immigrants and easterners were attackedA vast majority of Germans condemned these actions and moved to stopGermans sought solutions to the economic problemsGovernment tried to control costs of welfare stateHigh unemployment and govt taxes led many companies to leave GermanyBy early 2000s Germanys economy was most powerful in Europe

The Western DemocraciesOther Democratic NationsScandinavian countries created extensive welfare programsRising costs created a need to balance high taxes with programs offeredItaly (urban v. rural interests divide)Political divisions led to instability (no one party could gain control)Coalition governments came and wentCorruption and financial scandals added to instabilityMafia defied government attempts to end its power (especially in South)Despite all this, Italy showed strong economic gainsSpain, Portugal & GreeceAfter WW2, these countries were underdeveloped economically and dictators staying in power for decades1970s Spain & Portugal - finally dictators will lose power. Countries adopted democratic governments and joined NATO and the EUEconomies grew rapidlyGreece needed US help after war to keep communism outCrisis with Cyprus and Turkey in 70s led to more problemsFinally, democratic government set up and Greece began to stabilizeRecent problems in Greece welfare state had bankrupted the government and cuts to program (to ensure loans) have caused protestsBook ReviewRead Section 2 (p. 532-536)Do questions # 3-5 on p. 536North American ProsperityThe US: A Global Superpower1945 The US becomes THE/A world power using its economic and military resources to protect & secure a free (non-communist) worldGlobal CommitmentsBases all around the globe, Mutual Defense treaties/organizationsProvided economic aid to any nation pledged to democracyLater human rights added to that pledge for aidKorea & Vietnam1950s US gets involved in 2 areas, trying to keep communism from spreadingKOREA N.K. forces invaded S.K. American troops sent to help S.K.Anti-Communist fears are rampant in the US/the WestVIETNAM US forces sent in to advise S.V. ArmyEconomic and Military aid sendThe Only SuperpowerWhen the USSR (Russia) collapsed, the US remained the ONLY SUPERPOWERAs conflicts arose, the world looked to the only superpower to fix things1991 Kuwait (US)1991 Kosovo (UN & US)2001 World Trade Center attacksNorth American ProsperityEconomy & Government1950s saw world economy boom (US even more than others)The US & the Global EconomyUS expanded into world markets after WW2 (INTERDEPENDENCE)Interdependence also brought problems1970s - OPEC & World BanksWider Role for GovernmentWestern world saw governments role in the economy GROWGovernment became a source of benefits for many (Social Programs)1960s The Great Society Government used to battle poverty, discrimination, elderlyThe Conservative Response1980s conservatives challenged growth of government and costly social programsReagan 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 moreThe New Century1990s by end of decade, government SURPLUS meant more social programsThe Century ended with Americans feeling peace and prosperity, but troubles aheadCosts of health care & Social Security were rising fastA decline in the Stock Market (business), 911, and huge increases in DEFICITS meant the next decade would not be as nice

SEGREGATION IN AMERICA

16North American ProsperityCivil Rights & SocietySegregation & Discrimination post Civil War America racial biasedSEGREGATION (Plessey v. Ferguson) became the way of things in the USAfter WW2, President Truman desegregated the Armed Forces1954 Brown v. Board of Education desegregated Public SchoolsProgress & Problems1954 Rosa Parks & Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. began the Montgomery Bus BoycottInspired by Gandhi, King lead the Civil Rights Movement, pressed for equal rightsProtests and I Have a Dream speech inspired millions from all races to stand for freedomCongress will finally pass laws ENFORCING equality and civil rights for allOther groups (Latino, Women, Asian, Native American) will followImmigrationUS 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 intoMany risk illegal entry for the opportunities they see in AmericaMost bring valuable skills that are put to use in the US labor marketGovernment has yet to create a comprehensive immigration policy to allow workers in and maybe create a path towards citizenshipNorth American ProsperityCanadaUpon independence, Canada set its own course, but kept close ties with Great Britain, the US and NATOEconomic Growth a major economic power due to oil and gas1959 US/Canada completed St. Lawrence Seaway which opened the Great Lakes to tradeCanada had encouraged immigration (Canadas pop 1/10th that of the US)Canada now a very diverse populationQuebec Separatism french speaking population sees self as distinctTo protect their culture, Quebec demanded more autonomy from CanadaOther provinces resisted efforts to give Quebec special consideration1995 vote to separate failedStill a heated debate in CanadaUnited States Influence Canada tries hard not to be overshadowed by the USClose ties with the US, both economically & culturally is seen as both good and badCompetition has led to tariffs on tradeNAFTA passed to create a free trade zoneCountries continue to work together to try to solve issues that ariseThe Soviet Union: Rise and Fall of a SuperpowerSoviet Government became a superpower after WW2Soviet Influence grows over many nationsVictories abroad bring little benefit to the people of RussiaStalins SuccessorsKhrushchev publically denounced Stalin shortly after his death (shocking most)De-Stalinization policy freed many prisoners and eased up on censorshipHe sought a thaw in the Cold War calling for peaceful coexistence with the WestHe crushed opposition at home and abroad (Hungary 1956)Brezhnev actively suppressed DISSIDENTS who spoke out against Soviet RuleSome SuccessesAfter WW2, rebuilt shattered nation by using factories/equipment stripped from GermanyGovernment poured resources into science, technology & weapons1957 SPUTNIK launched (scientific & technological superiority)Citizens enjoyed low rent, free health care, daycare for childrenWages low but unemployment virtually unheard ofFailure of the Command Economy plagued by problemsAgriculture unable to feed its own peoplesCommand 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 everythingThe Soviet Union: Rise and Fall of a SuperpowerForeign Policy IssuesThe Developing World both US and USSR sought allies among developing nationsOne way to win an ally was through economic and military aidAt times this competition led to military conflict (Korea & Vietnam)Rivalry With the USBerlin Wall to show strengthCuban Missile Crisis tried to arm Cuba, backed down to US threatsBrezhnev Doctrine USSR had right to intervene in any WARSAW PACT countryDtente & Disarmament attempt to ease tensionsAfghanistan Invasion tensions back up, will drain Soviet economy and be a big lossThe Soviet Union: Rise and Fall of a SuperpowerCollapse of the Soviet Union new leader GorbachevThe Gorbachev RevolutionSought end to EXPENSIVE Cold War, denounced Brezhnev Doctrine, signed arms deal with US and pulled Soviet Army out of AfghanistanGLASTNOST openness ended censorship and encouraged Soviet people to openly discuss the countrys problemsPERESTROIKA Restructuring government and economy (some free market ideas)Unexpected ResultsGorbachevs reforms brought turmoil shortages, soaring prices, high unemploymentHard-line Communists denounced Gorbachevs reformsReformers (Yeltsin) pushed for even more reformsSeveral satellite nations pushed for independence (Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, etc)Hard-liners tried to overthrow Gorbachev and failed, but weakened himAs more nations declared independence, Gorbachev resigned and the Soviet Union ceased to exist - 1991The Soviet Union: Rise and Fall of a SuperpowerThe Russian Republic Yeltsin elected to lead RussiaEconomic Problems many industries privatized (painful transition)Without government control, prices soaredCountries that had been supported by USSR cut offDespite this, Russias economy began to grow (often controlled by Russian Mafia)Economic crisis of Russian Banks shook economy, people lost savingsYeltsin faced with rebellion from within (Chechnya), will resignPutin in ChargePutin 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 ruleDespite those fears, Russia grew economically and politicallyA World PowerLarge military force and nuclear arsenal meant Russia was still a power, if not a superpower. They still had influence on the world stageAt times, Russia was a willing participant in dealings with Europe. But eastern European nations feared a Russia led by Putin might reassert Russian controlThe Soviet Union: Rise and Fall of a SuperpowerOther RepublicsNewly independent ex-Soviet republics also wanted to strengthen their economiesFaced corruption, unrest, and political problemsSome countries continued with authoritarian leaders, others elected more democratic governmentsBorder disputes arose between these nations and with RussiaGeorgia had a bloody uprising over control of the nationHard times were faced in most of these nations as they charted a new courseSome gave up their nuclear weapons in exchange for financial investments or loadsA New Era in Eastern EuropeUnder Soviet Domination1945 Soviet armies occupied most of Eastern EuropeBy the end of the 1940s, most of these countries ruled by communist party under Soviet controlUnrestIn the 1950s, the USSR tightened its control over these countriesForced them to buy Soviet goods (at prices set by Soviets) and to provide troops and money to the Warsaw PactSoviet troops were stationed in each of these countries to maintain controlResistance & RepressionHungarys leader, Nagy, ended one party rule and withdrew Hungary from Warsaw PactKhrushchev responded with forceFreedom Fighters resisted and called on the West for help, none came1000s died and Nagy was executedCzechoslovakias leader, Dubcek, called for reforms. Once again met with forceDubcek removed, communist rule was restored (Khrushchev Doctrine)Yugoslavias Independent PathSoviet control did not extend to YugoslaviaGeneral Tito set up a communist government on his own, but remained independent of the Soviet UnionHe refused to join the Warsaw Pact and Yugoslavia remained neutral in the Cold WarA New Era in Eastern EuropePolands Road to Democracy (most troublesome satellite)Like Hungary and Czechoslovakia, Poles wanted more freedomsStalin clamped down hard, especially on the Catholic Church, it backfiredSolidarity (1980) economic hardships caused strikes in PolandWorkers united SOLIDARITY under the lead of Lech WalesaMillions of workers demanded reforms political and economicLeaders arrested by command of the Soviets Unrest continuedNew Pope John Paul II visited, met with leaders (endorsing protests)Peaceful TransitionBy end ofFall of Communist GovernmentsNew ChallengesEthnic TensionsA New Era in Eastern EuropeWar in YugoslaviaBreakupFighting in BosniaFighting in KosovoLooking AheadSection 1 The Western World: An OverviewEurope: The Cold WarEconomic & Political TrendsTowards European UnitySocial TrendsSection 2 The Western European DemocracyBritain: Changing PoliciesFrance: Revival & ProsperityGermany: Division & ReunificationOther Democratic NationsSection 3 North American ProsperityA Global SuperpowerEconomy & GovernmentCivil Rights & SocietyCanadaSection 4 The Soviet UnionSoviet Govt & EconomyForeign PolicyCollapse of Soviet EmpireThe Russian RepublicSection 5 Eastern EuropeSoviet DominationPolands Road to DemocracyFall of CommunismYugoslovia