Shifting Power After 1900 for AP World History

Feb 1

6 min read

Up until the 1900s, the modern world was ruled by empires, such as the Ottoman or British Empires. Nationalism started to spread in the 1800s, but most rebellions did not succeed. This changed with World War I and World War II. Read the Google Slides to learn about the shifting power after 1900.

The End of Empires

The 20th century witnessed the gradual unraveling of several longstanding empires, marking a transformative period in global history. Beginning in the early 1900s, the decline and eventual dissolution of empires such as the Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, Russian, and Qing dynasties reshaped the geopolitical landscape of Europe, Asia, and beyond. World War I proved to be a catalyst for the collapse of many empires, as the conflict led to economic strain, social unrest, and nationalist movements within imperial territories. The Treaty of Versailles in 1919 marked the formal end of World War I and resulted in the dismantling of several empires, with territories being redistributed among emerging nation-states and colonial powers. The end of empires continued into the interwar period and culminated with the aftermath of World War II, which saw the dismantling of colonial empires in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Decolonization movements and struggles for independence led to the emergence of new nation-states and the end of centuries of imperial rule. The decline and dissolution of empires throughout the 20th century signaled a shift towards self-determination, sovereignty, and the establishment of new political entities, reshaping the global order and laying the groundwork for the modern era.

New Countries

The 1900s witnessed the emergence of numerous new countries as a result of decolonization, the dissolution of empires, and nationalist movements. The collapse of European colonial powers following World War II and the global wave of decolonization led to the establishment of independent nations across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. In Africa, the dismantling of colonial rule resulted in the emergence of numerous newly independent states, such as Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, marking the end of centuries of European domination. Similarly, in Asia, countries like India, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Vietnam gained independence from colonial powers, reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the region. Additionally, the breakup of multi-ethnic empires, such as the Ottoman Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, led to the emergence of new nation-states in the Balkans and Eastern Europe. These newly independent countries faced significant challenges in nation-building, including establishing governance structures, defining national identities, and managing ethnic and religious diversity. Nonetheless, the emergence of new countries during the 1900s marked a significant shift in global power dynamics and represented the aspirations of peoples around the world for self-determination and sovereignty.

The End of the Ottoman Empire

The end of the Ottoman Empire marked a significant turning point in world history, signaling the demise of one of the longest-lasting and most influential empires in history. After centuries of decline and internal strife, the Ottoman Empire faced its final unraveling in the aftermath of World War I. The empire, which had once spanned vast territories across Europe, Asia, and Africa, found itself weakened by territorial losses, economic instability, and nationalist movements within its diverse population. The Treaty of Sèvres in 1920 signaled the formal dismemberment of the Ottoman Empire, with its territories in the Middle East and North Africa being partitioned among the victorious Allied powers. However, the Turkish War of Independence led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk resulted in the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, marking the end of the Ottoman dynasty and the birth of a new nation-state. The dissolution of the Ottoman Empire led to the emergence of several successor states in the Middle East, including Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, each grappling with the challenges of state-building and national identity in the aftermath of imperial collapse. The end of the Ottoman Empire fundamentally reshaped the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and paved the way for the emergence of new political entities in the region.

The End of the Russian Empire

The end of the Russian Empire in 1917 marked a seismic shift in global geopolitics and the culmination of centuries of autocratic rule. The empire, ruled by the Romanov dynasty, faced mounting discontent and internal strife fueled by economic hardship, social inequality, and political repression. The outbreak of World War I further strained the empire’s resources and eroded public confidence in the government. In February 1917, mass protests and strikes erupted in Petrograd (modern-day St. Petersburg), leading to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II and the establishment of a provisional government. However, the provisional government’s inability to address the country’s pressing issues, coupled with the rise of revolutionary fervor led by the Bolsheviks under Vladimir Lenin, culminated in the October Revolution later that year. The Bolsheviks seized power, establishing a communist regime and ultimately overthrowing the centuries-old monarchy. The dissolution of the Russian Empire led to the establishment of the Soviet Union, the world’s first socialist state, which profoundly shaped the course of the 20th century. The end of the Russian Empire heralded a new era of communist ideology, international conflict, and geopolitical realignment, with far-reaching implications for global politics and society.

The End of the Qing Dynasty

The end of the Qing Dynasty in 1912 marked the conclusion of millennia of imperial rule in China and ushered in a new era of republicanism. The Qing Dynasty, China’s last imperial dynasty, had ruled the vast empire for over two centuries, but by the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it faced mounting challenges from internal rebellion, foreign encroachment, and political instability. The dynasty’s decline was exacerbated by the humiliating defeat in the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895) and the Boxer Rebellion (1899-1901), which exposed the empire’s weaknesses and further eroded public trust in the ruling authorities. In 1911, a widespread uprising known as the Xinhai Revolution erupted, led by nationalist forces seeking to overthrow the Qing monarchy and establish a republican government. The revolution culminated in the abdication of the last Qing emperor, Puyi, in 1912, and the proclamation of the Republic of China under the leadership of Sun Yat-sen. The end of the Qing Dynasty marked the end of imperial rule in China and the beginning of a turbulent period of political transition, characterized by warlordism, civil war, and foreign intervention. The collapse of the Qing Dynasty paved the way for the emergence of modern China, setting the stage for the establishment of the Republic of China and, later, the People’s Republic of China and profoundly reshaping the country’s political, social, and cultural landscape.

Challenges to the Existing Social Order

The 20th century witnessed a tumultuous era of transformative movements and revolutions that challenged entrenched social orders across the globe. From the Mexican Revolution’s uprising against oligarchic rule to the Russian Revolution’s overthrow of Tsarist autocracy and the Chinese Revolution’s dismantling of imperial monarchy, the century was marked by a wave of upheavals seeking to redefine power structures and establish more equitable societies. Concurrently, the Indian independence movement and African nationalist movements fought against colonial oppression, advocating for self-rule and sovereignty. These struggles were not limited to political realms; women’s suffrage movements around the world challenged patriarchal norms and demanded equal rights and opportunities. These diverse movements, characterized by their aspirations for social justice, democracy, and equality, reshaped the course of history, inspiring countless others to challenge existing social orders and envision a more just and inclusive future.

Examples of Challenges to the Existing Social Order

Mexican Revolution (1910 – 1920) The Mexican Revolution represented a fierce struggle against entrenched oligarchic rule and socioeconomic inequality. Sparked by widespread discontent with the autocratic regime of Porfirio Díaz, it saw leaders like Francisco Madero, Emiliano Zapata, and Pancho Villa mobilizing peasants, indigenous groups, and urban workers for land reform and democratic governance. The revolution led to significant social and political changes, including land redistribution and labor rights, inspiring similar movements across Latin America.

Russian Revolution (1917): The Russian Revolution resulted in the overthrow of the Tsarist autocracy and the establishment of the Soviet Union. Led by Bolshevik leaders such as Vladimir Lenin, the revolutionaries sought to dismantle the existing social order and replace it with a socialist system based on the principles of communism.

Chinese Revolution (1911-1949): The Chinese Revolution, spanning several decades, saw the collapse of the Qing Dynasty and the establishment of the Republic of China, followed by the Chinese Civil War and the eventual victory of the Communist Party under Mao Zedong. The revolution aimed to end imperial rule, feudalism, and foreign domination, and create a new social order based on Marxist-Leninist principles.

Indian Independence Movement: The Indian independence movement, led by figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, challenged British colonial rule in India and sought to establish a sovereign and democratic nation-state. Through nonviolent resistance, civil disobedience, and mass mobilization, Indians demanded an end to colonial exploitation and the establishment of self-rule.

African Nationalist Movements: Across Africa, nationalist movements emerged to challenge colonial rule and assert independence. Movements such as the Mau Mau Rebellion in Kenya, the Algerian War of Independence, and the African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa, among others, sought to dismantle colonial regimes and establish sovereign African nations, free from foreign domination and racial discrimination.

Women’s Suffrage Movements: Throughout the 20th century, women’s suffrage movements campaigned for political, social, and economic equality for women. These movements challenged patriarchal social orders and demanded voting rights, reproductive rights, and equal opportunities in education and employment.

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