Continuity and Change in a Globalized World for AP World History

Feb 23

8 min read

This is the last topic in the AP World History curriculum! This section reviews the big ideas from all of Unit 9. Read the Google Slides to learn about continuity and change in a globalized world.

How Technology Has Changed the World

Over the past century, technology has revolutionized the world in profound ways, reshaping how we communicate, travel, and interact on a global scale. One of the most significant advancements has been in communication technology. From the invention of radio communication in the early 20th century to the widespread adoption of cellular communication and the internet in recent decades, these innovations have fundamentally altered the way information is transmitted and accessed. The ability to communicate instantaneously across vast distances has accelerated the pace of globalization, enabling people to connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas regardless of geographic boundaries. Moreover, advancements in transportation technology, such as air travel and shipping containers, have further facilitated global connectivity by drastically reducing the time and cost associated with moving goods and people. These developments have not only spurred economic growth and cultural exchange but have also fostered greater interdependence among nations, ushering in an era of unprecedented interconnectedness and opportunity.

Energy Technologies

Energy technologies have undergone significant transformations since the turn of the 20th century, profoundly impacting global productivity and the production of material goods. The widespread adoption of petroleum-based energy sources, such as oil and natural gas, has fueled industrialization and economic growth on an unprecedented scale. Petroleum revolutionized transportation, enabling the mass production of automobiles, airplanes, and ships, which facilitated trade and travel across continents. Additionally, petroleum-derived products became essential in the manufacturing of plastics, chemicals, and other materials, revolutionizing industries and expanding consumer markets. Furthermore, the development of nuclear power in the mid-20th century introduced a new era of energy production, offering a reliable and efficient source of electricity generation. Nuclear power plants provided a clean alternative to fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating environmental impacts. While energy technologies have undoubtedly increased productivity and material wealth, they have also raised concerns about sustainability, environmental degradation, and dependence on finite resources. As we move forward into the 21st century, the challenge lies in developing renewable and sustainable energy sources to meet the world’s growing energy demands while preserving the health of the planet for future generations.

Birth Control

Advances in birth control have had a profound impact on societies worldwide, revolutionizing reproductive practices and fundamentally altering the dynamics of family planning. More effective forms of birth control, including oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and hormonal implants, have provided women with greater control over their fertility and reproductive choices. This newfound autonomy has empowered women to pursue education, careers, and personal aspirations without the fear of unintended pregnancies, leading to greater gender equality and economic independence. Furthermore, access to contraception has enabled couples to plan the timing and spacing of their children, resulting in smaller family sizes and declining rates of fertility in many parts of the world. By reducing the number of unplanned pregnancies, birth control has also contributed to improvements in maternal and child health outcomes, including lower maternal mortality rates and reduced infant mortality. Overall, advances in birth control have played a pivotal role in shaping demographic trends, promoting reproductive rights, and fostering social and economic development globally.

The Green Revolution

The Green Revolution, which emerged in the mid-20th century, marked a transformative period in agricultural practices, significantly impacting global food production and sustaining the Earth’s growing population. This agricultural revolution was characterized by the widespread adoption of new technologies, including chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and high-yield crop varieties, coupled with modern farming techniques and irrigation systems. These innovations dramatically increased agricultural productivity, allowing farmers to produce more food on the same amount of land. As a result, the Green Revolution helped alleviate hunger and malnutrition in many parts of the world and supported the exponential growth of the global population. However, the spread of chemically and genetically modified forms of agriculture also raised concerns about environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and the long-term sustainability of food production systems. While the Green Revolution undoubtedly played a crucial role in meeting the food demands of a rapidly expanding population, its legacy continues to provoke debates about the trade-offs between increased yields and the environmental and social impacts of industrialized agriculture. As we confront the challenges of feeding a growing population while preserving the health of our planet, the lessons learned from the Green Revolution serve as a reminder of the need for sustainable and resilient agricultural practices that prioritize both productivity and environmental stewardship.

Medical Advancements

Medical advancements have transformed the world in profound ways since the beginning of the 20th century, revolutionizing healthcare and improving human longevity. Key innovations such as vaccines and antibiotics have played a monumental role in preventing and treating infectious diseases, significantly reducing mortality rates and enhancing overall well-being. Vaccines, pioneered in the early 20th century, have virtually eradicated once-deadly diseases such as smallpox and polio, while also curbing the spread of others like measles, mumps, and rubella. Similarly, the discovery and widespread use of antibiotics, starting with penicillin in the 1940s, revolutionized medicine by effectively treating bacterial infections and saving countless lives. These medical breakthroughs have not only increased the ability of individuals to survive acute illnesses but have also contributed to longer life expectancies and improved quality of life for millions worldwide. Moreover, advancements in medical technology, diagnostic techniques, and treatments have continued to accelerate over the decades, further enhancing healthcare outcomes and pushing the boundaries of human longevity. As we look to the future, ongoing medical research and innovation hold the promise of addressing new health challenges and improving the health and well-being of future generations.

State Responses to Economic Challenges

States responded in a variety of ways to the economic challenges of the 20th century, adapting their policies and approaches based on prevailing economic theories, geopolitical considerations, and domestic priorities. In the early 1900s, many countries embraced interventionist policies, including government regulation of industries, labor protections, and social welfare programs, to address the social and economic disparities exacerbated by rapid industrialization. The Great Depression of the 1930s prompted further interventionism, with governments implementing Keynesian economic policies aimed at stimulating demand and reducing unemployment through public works programs and fiscal stimulus. However, the post-World War II era saw a shift towards more market-oriented policies, with the rise of neoliberalism advocating for deregulation, privatization, and free trade as means to spur economic growth and development. The collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War further accelerated the spread of market-based reforms and globalization, as many formerly socialist countries transitioned towards market economies. Nevertheless, economic challenges persist, with states continuing to grapple with issues such as income inequality, financial instability, and environmental degradation. Consequently, states have adopted a range of strategies, from fiscal austerity measures to investment in education and infrastructure, in their efforts to navigate the complexities of the modern global economy and ensure sustainable economic growth and prosperity for their citizens.

Race, Gender, Class, and Religion

Rights-based discourses have significantly challenged old assumptions about race, class, gender, and religion between 1900 and the present day, reshaping societal norms and advocating for greater equality and inclusion. Throughout the 20th century, various social movements emerged to challenge systemic injustices and discrimination based on these factors. The civil rights movement in the United States, for example, fought against racial segregation and inequality, demanding equal rights and opportunities for African Americans. Similarly, the feminist movement challenged patriarchal structures and advocated for women’s rights, including the right to vote, access to education, and reproductive autonomy. Additionally, movements for LGBTQ+ rights have challenged traditional norms and prejudices surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity, advocating for equal treatment and recognition under the law. Moreover, rights-based discourses have addressed issues of religious discrimination and intolerance, advocating for religious freedom and the protection of minority religions. These movements have not only transformed laws and policies but have also sparked broader cultural shifts, challenging ingrained prejudices and promoting greater respect for diversity and human dignity. As we continue into the 21st century, rights-based discourses remain essential tools in the ongoing struggle for social justice and equality, inspiring individuals and communities to work towards a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

Increased Inclusivity

The increased inclusivity in access to education and participation in new political and professional roles between 1900 and now has been driven by various factors and has had significant effects on societies worldwide. One of the primary causes of this trend has been the advocacy and activism of social movements fighting for equality and civil rights. Movements such as the civil rights movement, feminist movement, LGBTQ+ rights movement, and others have challenged discriminatory practices and advocated for greater inclusivity based on race, class, gender, and religion. Additionally, legal reforms and policy changes aimed at promoting equal opportunities and protecting minority rights have played a crucial role in fostering inclusivity. As a result of these efforts, marginalized groups have gained greater access to education and have been able to participate more fully in political and professional spheres. The effects of increased inclusivity have been far-reaching. In terms of education, greater access has led to higher literacy rates, improved job prospects, and increased social mobility for individuals from historically marginalized backgrounds. In politics, increased inclusivity has resulted in more diverse representation and the amplification of previously marginalized voices in decision-making processes. Similarly, in the professional realm, greater inclusivity has led to more diverse workplaces, fostering innovation, creativity, and productivity. Overall, increased inclusivity has not only enhanced individual opportunities but has also contributed to the advancement of societies as a whole, promoting social cohesion, equity, and justice.

Changing Art

The political and social changes of the 20th century exerted a profound influence on the arts, catalyzing shifts in artistic expression, themes, and movements. Throughout the century, artists responded to the tumultuous events and ideologies that shaped the world, reflecting, critiquing, and sometimes challenging prevailing norms and values. The rise of totalitarian regimes, world wars, social revolutions, and movements for civil rights and gender equality all left indelible marks on artistic movements and styles. For instance, the horrors of war and the existential angst of the post-war era inspired movements such as Dadaism and Surrealism, which sought to break free from conventional artistic conventions and explore the subconscious mind. The upheavals of the 1960s and 1970s gave rise to social realism, pop art, and conceptual art, reflecting the era’s political activism, countercultural movements, and changing social mores. Moreover, advancements in technology and communication, such as photography, film, and the internet, democratized access to art and enabled artists to reach broader audiences with their messages. Overall, the political and social changes of the 20th century provided fertile ground for artistic experimentation, innovation, and diversity, reshaping the landscape of the arts and leaving a lasting legacy on cultural expression.

Popular and Consumer Culture

In the second half of the 20th century, popular and consumer culture underwent a remarkable transformation, becoming increasingly global in scope. Rapid advancements in technology, transportation, and communication facilitated the widespread dissemination of cultural products and trends across borders, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries. The rise of mass media, including television, cinema, and later the internet, played a pivotal role in this globalization of culture, enabling the dissemination of entertainment, music, fashion, and consumer goods to audiences worldwide. The phenomenon of cultural globalization was further fueled by the expansion of multinational corporations and global trade, which facilitated the circulation of branded products and franchises across diverse markets. As a result, popular culture became increasingly homogenized, with iconic symbols, brands, and entertainment franchises gaining recognition and popularity on a global scale. Moreover, the emergence of youth subcultures, such as rock and roll, hip-hop, and gaming, transcended national borders, fostering connections and shared identities among young people across different cultures and continents. While cultural globalization has contributed to greater interconnectedness and cultural exchange, it has also raised concerns about cultural imperialism, loss of cultural diversity, and the commodification of traditional practices. Nevertheless, the globalization of popular and consumer culture in the latter half of the 20th century marked a significant shift in how people around the world consume, experience, and engage with cultural products and trends.

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