Capitalism and Culture

In the past century, the economy of the world has transformed in a number of ways. Many factors played part in economics globalization in the second half of the century. Members of the US were unwilling to live the way they did during the Great Depression again. They set up relatively easy trade with other capitalist countries. This new idea of Capitalism linked the people of the world. World Trade skyrocketed between 1947 and 2009. Goods from other countries began to be sold in American stores. While this is good, Capitalism has caused some lines to be more sharply drawn. Oil priced also raised to new highs, which created global instability in continents such as Asia and Latin America. Many businesses faced foreclosure and many suffered. The idea of Capitalism and world Trade changed the world, with many problems and many accomplishments.

Around this time, feminism and women's rights became a topic of discussion. However, the way this was discussed varied in different areas of the world. Many Caucasian women wanted to work outside the home, as they found the home oppressive. Women of color experienced racism outside the home and found staying home to be a safer, more desirable option. In many ways, equal rights for women was a difficult process because the treatment of women in different parts of the world varied so widely.

Religion was also modernized during this time. Many religious people, though, did not want to be modernized. They felt that modernization was attacking their religious views. They did find though that modern technology could better help convey their messages. The Islamic renewal movement took the religious world by storm. Factors such as the fall of the Ottoman Empire and lack of technology set Islamic people's back largely. The movement expressed itself by creating public service institutions dorm Muslim people. It sought to better their nation.

The End of the Empire : The Global South on the Global Stage

It is no secret that multiple countries had to struggle for their right to independence. The demise of Europe's empires in Africa and Asia differed widely from other such cases. Despite being determined to rise into power, they were doubted by many countries. They were not seen as such powerful nations like the others. An onslaught of factors contributed to the demise of colonial empires. Educated elites from Asia and Africa began an anti colonial movement in order to become successful. However, they were faced with obstacles, such as elites attempting to relate to commoners while rallying for these movements. Indeed, gaining independence is no simple task. 

Struggles for freedom occured all over the world. India's freedom movement was a gradual one. At first, they were more gentle and not demanding of Britain, as they were peaceful, Hindu elites. Eventually, Mahatma Gandhi became a part of this fight for peace by holding large campaigns in which he spoke of Hindu values, though the movement was eventually divided because Hindus and Muslims, which made up much of the Indian population, became at odds with one another. African rule in South Africa, on the other hand, was being delayed. This was because most of the goods that South Africa needed to thrive was provided by Europe. Eventually, white domination did shift as peaceful protests began, led by Nelson Mandela. What many continents have in common was the struggle for freedom. 

Revolution, Socialism, and Global Conflict

In the early twentieth century, communism was on the rise. Communism is a form of government that greatly influenced several parts of the world. It began to take rise after World War II and took off in the 1970s. Mostly the Soviet Union and China were influenced by it, but eastern Europe and Mongolia, Laos and Cambodia were also influenced. The Communist Party took shape and held major influence over the opinions of many.

Revolutions that took place led many to switch to communism. However, the Russians and Chinese turned to communism in very different ways than other nations did. They came from organized Marxist governments. Their thought was to exploit peasants in a way of advocating for them. At this time, a group called the Bolsheviks gained power in Russia. Russia was in great turmoil at the time, with a failing economy. They made promises of land for the peasants and an end to war. China was also very interested in Communism. China had a successful government, but those who benefitted were a very small portion of the nation. The rest greatly wanted a change. Many roads led to the rise of communism.

Another form of government that rose to power was Socialism. These changes in regimes led to changes for women. Conferences that educated and empowered women were held. Literacy classes were taught to women and they were taught to work in daycares and clinics. Collection of agriculture began to differ between the Soviet Union and China. Agriculture collectivization in China was rather peaceful. However, in the Soviet Uniom, peasants were forced into labor and led to deaths and famine. In many ways, communism successfully adopted an industrial way of life for many nations, but that created some issues. On one hand, population grew and way of living was improved. However, the Communist Party gained more control and peasants were forced into more labor often. Ultimately, the Communist Party generated much fear among people. Many Communists were accused of questionable behavior, and we're sentenced to either death or imprisonment which led to death. This became known as the Great Terror. Socialism has had many achievements as well as drawbacks.

The rise of communism eventually led to the Cold War. This war was expressed in a variety of ways. The United States became involved and created a horrific war for much of Asia. Eventually, Vietnam was encouraged by the Communist Party and busted the United States. On the subject of the United States, they played a fairly large role after World War II. The United States gained power when the made the decision as to whether government should be strong or imperial. The Communist world was strong in the 1970s, but also had an intensely strong hold on its participants. The war showed a weak side to the Communist Party.

Eventually, the Party did face a downfall. The Communist Party began to decline rapidly. A major part of this decline was economic. Communist economies could not keep up with capitalist economies, and citizens complained of delays in receiving goods. Communism fizzled in both the Soviet Union and China, though like their formation, their devises largely differed. The demise of communism in Russia was far messier, despite a movement for cultural freedom, the late 1980s uncovered shocking discoveries practiced in Russia. Overall, communism shook up the world, with its demise as shocking as its formation.