Political Globalization: Part 1

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following countries transitioned to a democratic form of governance after the fall of communism?

Vietnam

North Korea

Romania (correct)

Cuba

What was the primary purpose of NATO during the Cold War?

To carry out peacekeeping missions globally.

To provide defense against attacks from the communist bloc. (correct)

To regulate arms development among member nations.

To promote trade between member countries.

What significant change occurred in China post-Cold War?

China restricted all foreign investments.

China adopted a multi-party political system.

China allowed foreign capitalist companies to operate. (correct)

Communism was completely abolished.

Which statement accurately describes socialism in the post-Cold War era?

It features a single political party with limited rights for the citizens. Signup and view all the answers

Which two major instances did the United Nations deploy peacekeeping forces during the Cold War?

Korean War and Congo. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the 'people power revolution' in East Germany in 1989?

The Berlin Wall was destroyed marking the end of communism in East Germany. Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable consequence of the USSR's disintegration?

14 Soviet republics gained independence. Signup and view all the answers

Which countries are currently recognized as 'pure communist'?

North Korea and Cuba Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the political systems of East and West Germany after World War II?

West Germany was democratic, while East Germany was communist. Signup and view all the answers

From where did the East Germans reportedly get the idea for their revolution?

The EDSA People Power Revolution of 1986. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary enemy identified in the contemporary context for the 1st World?

Terrorism Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the United Nations' main role regarding member states?

Recognizing state sovereignty Signup and view all the answers

What significant action did the US and its allies take in countries harboring extremist groups?

Establishing democratic governments Signup and view all the answers

What does globalization signify in the contemporary world?

The breaking down of historical barriers Signup and view all the answers

In what respect has the UN grown over time?

It has increased in size as an organization. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of Karl Marx's main ideas regarding society?

The establishment of a class-less society Signup and view all the answers

Which revolution marked the first application of communism?

The Russian Revolution Signup and view all the answers

Who led the Russian Revolution and established a communist government?

Vladimir Lenin Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the significant actions taken by Lenin after the revolution?

Confiscated wealth and redistributed it among the people Signup and view all the answers

Which country followed the Russian model of communism in 1950?

China Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a member of the Axis Powers during World War II?

Italy Signup and view all the answers

After World War II, which countries were recognized as 'the Big Four'?

US, Britain, France, USSR Signup and view all the answers

What organization was formed after World War I as a response to the need for international cooperation?

The League of Nations Signup and view all the answers

What significant change occurred when people learned agriculture?

Clans settled beside rivers and established permanent communities. Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the governance of ancient city-states?

Governance by a powerful leader recognized by the people. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following marked the transition from city-states to kingdoms?

Formation of social classes and inherited monarchy. Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary motivation during the Age of Mercantilism?

The quest for gold and spices. Signup and view all the answers

What event significantly influenced the rise of democracy in Europe?

The French Revolution. Signup and view all the answers

What was one outcome of the Industrial Revolution?

Creation of a clearly defined capitalist and worker class. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following empires was NOT established during the Age of Mercantilism?

Mongol Empire Signup and view all the answers

What was a common issue faced by the working class during the Industrial Revolution?

Exploitation and poor labor practices. Signup and view all the answers

How did monarchs primarily hold power during ancient times?

Through inherited leadership and nobility. Signup and view all the answers

Which historical phenomenon was Karl Marx responding to with his ideas?

The exploitation of workers during the Industrial Revolution. Signup and view all the answers

What was a defining feature of the empires established during the Age of Mercantilism?

Colonial control over territories across multiple continents. Signup and view all the answers

What major social classes emerged during the Industrial Revolution in Europe?

Capitalists and the masses. Signup and view all the answers

The political order during the Age of Mercantilism was primarily characterized by:

Monarchical rule and expansion of empires. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

From Patriarchy to Monarchy

Nomadic societies consisted of families making decisions led by clan heads under a patriarchal system.
The Agricultural Revolution brought about settled life with domestication of animals and crop cultivation near rivers like the Nile and Indus.
Rise of city-states emerged, where powerful leaders governed, offering protection from external threats.
City-states evolved into kingdoms, establishing social classes with nobility from the leader’s clan, leading to monarchies and taxation.
Empires formed as kingdoms invaded each other, with emperors ruling multiple kingdoms supported by vassal kings.
Notable ancient empires include Babylonian, Persian, Greek, Roman, Mongol, Maya, Inca, Khmer, and Srivijaya.

Age of Mercantilism

Mercantilism centered around the quest for gold and spices, leading to European overseas exploration.
Western European powers (Spanish, Portuguese, British, Dutch, French, Belgian) established empires and maintained monarchies.
European monarchs ruled their territories and colonies, while the power dynamic placed Europe at the center of global influence.

Rise of Democracy and Communism

The absolute powers of monarchs led to revolutions, notably the French Revolution, which dismantled the monarchy and established parliamentary governance.
Other European nations followed, leading to increased liberties and the notion of equality among citizens.
The Industrial Revolution spurred economic growth, mechanized farming, and significant environmental impact, leading to a clear divide between capitalists and the working class (bourgeoisie vs. proletariat).
Karl Marx, observing the exploitation of workers, proposed communism as a solution, advocating for a classless society through his works "Das Kapital" and "The Communist Manifesto."
The Russian Revolution in 1917 marked the first successful application of Marxist ideas under Vladimir Lenin, leading to the establishment of the Soviet Union (USSR) through the distribution of wealth among the populace.

The Great Rivalry: Democracy vs Communism

World Wars I and II polarized nations into two blocs: Axis (fascist and monarchic) vs. Allied (democratic and communist).
The Big Four (USA, France, GB - democratic; USSR - communist) emerged as world powers post-World War II.
The League of Nations and the United Nations were established for global governance and conflict resolution post-World War I.
The Cold War ensued, characterized by tension between democratic and communist states, with NATO formed for mutual defense against the USSR.
The Cold War saw a divided Germany, with East Germany under communist influence and West Germany embracing democracy, culminating in the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

The Post-Cold War World

Post-Cold War, Germany unified as a democratic nation; many former communist countries also transitioned to democracy.
The USSR dissolved, granting independence to its republics, and parliaments emerged in previously communist territories.
China adopted a mixed economy allowing foreign capital while retaining communist governance, influencing Vietnam to follow suit.
Presently, only Cuba and North Korea remain as "pure" communist states, with indications of reform in both countries.
The world is increasingly leaning towards capitalism and democracy, highlighting globalization's role in breaking barriers.

Postlude: War on Terror

Contemporary global focus shifted to combating terrorism, with Islamic extremist groups posing threats to Western nations.
The United States responded with invasions of countries harboring such groups, aiming to establish democratic governments.
The United Nations continues to play a crucial role in maintaining international peace, recognizing state sovereignty, and providing humanitarian aid.

Synthesis

Human society evolved from nomadic groups to complex political entities through wars, ideologies, and changing economic systems.
Modern globalization unfolds as traditional barriers—physical, ideological, and political—begin to collapse, leading towards a more unified world.

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Description

Explore the evolution from nomadic societies to city-states, kingdoms, and empires in this first part of the Political Globalization series. Understand the foundational changes in governance and social structures that led to the formation of monarchies. This segment sets the stage for the subsequent discussions on democracy and communism.