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6. The Contemporary World

The chapter covers significant global events and political developments of the 20th century, particularly focusing on the First and Second World Wars, the establishment of the United Nations, and the emergence of the Non-Aligned Movement. It also explores the dynamics of the Cold War, including the rivalry between the USA and USSR, culminating in the disintegration of the Soviet Union. The effects of these events on international relations and the shift towards a unipolar world dominated by the USA are discussed.

Sections

  • 6

    The Contemporary World

    The Contemporary World addresses critical global events and political changes of the 20th century, including the World Wars, the formation of international organizations, and ideological shifts.

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  • 6.1

    Introduction

    The Contemporary World encompasses significant global events and political developments of the 20th century that transformed world history.

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  • 6.2

    The First World War (1914–1918)

    This section explores the causes and impacts of the First World War, highlighting the significant loss and geopolitical changes that resulted from the conflict.

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  • 6.2.1

    Causes

    The causes of World War I stemmed from militarism, alliances, imperialism, nationalism, and the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

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  • 6.2.2

    Impact

    The section discusses the profound consequences of World War I, including immense loss of life, the collapse of empires, and the rise of new political ideologies.

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  • 6.3

    The Second World War (1939–1945)

    The Second World War was a global conflict that arose from unresolved issues of the First World War and led to immense destruction and geopolitical change.

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  • 6.3.1

    Causes

    This section outlines the primary causes of the Second World War, emphasizing political failures, national ideologies, and militaristic expansions.

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  • 6.3.2

    Consequences

    The consequences of the Second World War included massive destruction, the use of atomic bombs, the formation of the United Nations, and the emergence of superpowers.

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  • 6.4

    The United Nations (Un)

    The United Nations, established after WWII, aims to foster international cooperation and maintain peace.

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  • 6.4.1

    Formation

    The United Nations was established on October 24, 1945, following WWII to promote peace and cooperation among nations.

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  • 6.4.2

    Objectives

    The objectives of the United Nations focus on maintaining peace, promoting human rights, and fostering friendly relations between nations.

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  • 6.4.3

    Principal Organs

    The Principal Organs of the United Nations comprise six key components that enhance international collaboration and governance.

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  • 6.4.4

    Achievements

    The UN has accomplished significant achievements in maintaining peace, conducting missions, and promoting humanitarian efforts globally.

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  • 6.5

    The Non-Aligned Movement (Nam)

    The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) emerged as a coalition of countries that chose not to ally with either the USA or USSR post-World War II, focusing on sovereignty and peaceful coexistence.

    Learning Practice

  • 6.5.1

    Background

    The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) emerged after World War II as countries chose not to align with the dominant global capitalist or communist blocs.

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  • 6.5.2

    Meaning And Objectives

    The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) represents countries that opted not to join either the USA or USSR led blocs during the Cold War, aiming to preserve sovereignty and promote peace.

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  • 6.5.3

    Founding Members

    This section highlights the founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), including India, Yugoslavia, Egypt, Indonesia, and Ghana, and mentions the first summit held in Belgrade in 1961.

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  • 6.5.4

    Role Of India

    India played a pivotal role in the Non-Aligned Movement, championing world peace and anti-colonialism.

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  • 6.6

    Cold War And The Bi-Polar World

    The Cold War was a tense ideological struggle between the USA and USSR characterized by proxy wars, an arms race, and a division into military alliances.

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  • 6.6.1

    Cold War (1947–1991)

    The Cold War was a prolonged ideological and political rivalry between the USA and USSR from 1947 to 1991, characterized by indirect conflicts, espionage, and a nuclear arms race.

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  • 6.6.2

    Characteristics

    The Characteristics of the Cold War emphasized militaristic competition, forming military alliances, and engaging in espionage.

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  • 6.6.3

    End Of Cold War

    The end of the Cold War was marked by the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the disintegration of the USSR in 1991, leading to a unipolar world dominated by the USA.

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  • 6.7

    Disintegration Of The Soviet Union (1991)

    The disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991 was caused by economic stagnation, rising nationalism, and Gorbachev's reforms, leading to the end of the Cold War and the emergence of 15 independent republics.

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  • 6.7.1

    Causes

    The causes of the disintegration of the Soviet Union stemmed from economic stagnation, rising nationalism, and reforms proposed by Mikhail Gorbachev.

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  • 6.7.2

    Consequences

    The consequences of the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991 included the end of the Cold War, the emergence of independent republics, and a shift towards capitalist economies in Eastern Europe.

    Learning Practice

References

h6.pdf

Class Notes

Memorization

What we have learnt

  • The Contemporary World outl...
  • The impacts of the World Wa...
  • The Non-Aligned Movement wa...

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