Changing Geopolitical Landscape of the 20th Century
Since the first humans organized themselves into communities, there have been struggles for influence over others. Communities formed cities, and cities became nations, and nations, empires. But when one nation gains, another must lose, and we find ourselves looking at a world map that is constantly in a state of change.
This landscape of nations is a fluid picture over time. Empires ebb and flow, countries expand and contract and states disappear off the world stage completely. So many factors contribute to the rise and fall of nations that to attempt to explain it all would be difficult, as even the history of events and the influence they have upon the world are debatable.
But what forces have worked to shape the modern world as we know it today? How has the world taken shape over the centuries? What can we do to avoid conflicts of the past and not allow history to repeat itself? What could you do now?
Given the cyclical nature of the human history, how long do you think America can last? How long do we have, and who/what will replace us?
Why did the Soviet Union fall?
The collapse of the price of oil, the war in Afghanistan and political reform brought about the end to communist rule and subsequently, the Soviet Union.
Did the sun truly never set on the British Empire?
Great Britain had colonies and territories all over the world so at one point in history, the sun was always shining upon some part of the Empire. The events surrounding WWI and WWII propelled many British colonies to declare their independence from the Empire.
Is China really such an ancient country?
China and its culture have existed for thousands of years. In that time, the nation has been broken up into smaller states, each controlled by its own ruler. At other times, the nation has been united under one emperor. China is now unified by the rule of its communist party and its Chairman.
When was Israel formed?
Israel was created in 1947 by the United Nations in what was then known as Palestine. This caused conflict with the Arabs living there and in the surrounding countries and has been one of the forces driving the conflict in the region.
Was Germany really divided between East and West?
After WWII the Soviet Union took control of half of Germany, which became known as East Germany, and the NATO allies controlled the western half of the country. This area became of cold war battleground of sorts, with each side staring at the other across concrete walls and barbed wire fences. With the collapse of the Soviet Union, Germany was able to reunite and fully join the international community.
How has Africa changed since the slave trade?
With the general world-wide condemnation of slavery and the failure of colonial powers to secure their holdings, African nations were finding themselves free to determine their own destiny. Many declared their independence and formed governments of their own. These political upheavals have caused periods of severe conflict, some of which continue to this day.
