The Origins of the Cold War

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Questions and Answers

According to the author, the Cold War was primarily a result of:

The rapid economic, social, and technological transformations of the late 19th century (correct)

The rivalry between socialist and capitalist ideologies

The outcome of two World Wars

The rise of the United States as a global hegemon

What is a possible understanding of the Cold War, according to the author?

A phase of intense international rivalries (correct)

A conflict solely between the United States and the Soviet Union

A war fought solely in Asia, Africa, and Latin America

A conflict that began and ended with the fall of the Berlin Wall

What does the author argue in a previous book?

The Cold War was a result of the rise of socialist ideology

The United States was the sole victor of the Cold War

The Cold War began with the Russian Revolution

The transformations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America were a consequence of the Cold War (correct)

According to the author, what happened to the global economy between the 1890s and 1990s?

It underwent rapid creation and destruction of markets Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to recognize the intensity of economic, social, and technological transformations during the Cold War?

To appreciate the significance of the Cold War in shaping our times Signup and view all the answers

What is an alternative way to conceive of the Cold War, according to the author?

As a stage in the rise of the United States to global hegemony Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of the Cold War, according to the author?

The transformations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America Signup and view all the answers

When did the Cold War begin and end, according to the author?

Between the 1890s and 1990s Signup and view all the answers

What were some of the technological advancements that were made in the last century?

The creation of nuclear weapons Signup and view all the answers

How did the rapid changes in the world affect political thought?

It influenced both left and right political thought Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main reasons for the longevity of the Cold War?

The development of technology Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the accumulation of nuclear arsenals during the Cold War?

To guarantee the future of the world Signup and view all the answers

What was unique about nuclear weapons compared to traditional arms?

They were capable of destroying entire cities Signup and view all the answers

Which two nations possessed sufficient nuclear arsenals to threaten the world with total annihilation?

United States and the Soviet Union Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the use of nuclear weapons in Japan during World War II?

The destruction of entire cities Signup and view all the answers

Who referred to nuclear weapons as 'an armament of a new type'?

Joseph Stalin Signup and view all the answers

What was the 19th century characterized by in terms of technology, production, and military power?

Culmination of European advantage Signup and view all the answers

What fueled the confidence in European values during the 19th century?

The preponderance of European power Signup and view all the answers

Which regions were colonized by Europe during the 19th century?

Africa and Southeast Asia Signup and view all the answers

What was the goal of local elites in non-European countries during the 19th century?

To establish their own industrial civilizations Signup and view all the answers

What was a key factor in the modern transformation of non-European countries?

The primacy of human will over nature Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a characteristic of European values?

The value of tradition Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the state in the modern transformation of non-European countries?

Massive participation in the sector public Signup and view all the answers

Which countries were among those that aspired to create their own industrial civilizations?

China, Japan, and Brazil Signup and view all the answers

What is the title of the book written by O.A. Westad?

La Guerra Fría: Una historia mundial Signup and view all the answers

What is the ISBN of the book written by O.A. Westad?

978-84-17088-13-2 Signup and view all the answers

What is the publisher of the book written by O.A. Westad?

Galaxia Signup and view all the answers

What is the number of pages in the book written by O.A. Westad?

732 Signup and view all the answers

What is the year of publication of the book written by O.A. Westad?

2017 Signup and view all the answers

What is the format of the book written by O.A. Westad?

PDF Signup and view all the answers

What is the introduction titled in the book written by O.A. Westad?

Un mundo por hacer Signup and view all the answers

What is the page range of the introduction in the book written by O.A. Westad?

7-26 Signup and view all the answers

How many independent states were there in the world in 1900?

Less than fifty Signup and view all the answers

What was the approximate defense budget of the United States in 1900?

10 thousand million dollars Signup and view all the answers

What was the percentage of the United States' GDP in the global total in 1870?

9% Signup and view all the answers

What was the approximate percentage of the United States' GDP in the global total during the peak of the Cold War?

28% Signup and view all the answers

What is the current approximate percentage of the United States' GDP in the global total?

22% Signup and view all the answers

What contributed to the growth of the United States' defense budget in 1900?

The Spanish-American War and operations against insurgency in the Philippines and Cuba Signup and view all the answers

What has been a dominant force in the development of the Cold War?

Nationalism Signup and view all the answers

What was a characteristics of many states during the Cold War era?

They had similar forms of government and administration Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Cold War in a Global Context

The Cold War was born out of global transformations at the end of the 19th century and lasted for a century, until the 1990s.
To understand the Cold War, it is essential to recognize the intense economic, social, and technological transformations that took place during this period.

The Rise of the United States as a Global Power

In 1900, there were less than 50 independent states in the world, with approximately half of them located in Latin America.
By the end of the Cold War, there were nearly 200 states, most of them resembling each other in terms of government and administration.
The United States emerged as the dominant world power, with its defense budget increasing from approximately $10 billion in 1900 to over $1 trillion today.
The US GDP grew from 9% of the global total in 1870 to around 28% during the peak of the Cold War and currently stands at around 22%.

The Impact of Nationalism and Ideology

The Cold War developed in an era where nationalism was a significant force, with many countries seeking to assert their national identities.
Despite the rise of socialism and capitalism as ideologies, nationalism often trumped plans for human progress.
The 19th century was an era of European dominance, with European powers projecting their ideas and values onto other parts of the world.

The Global Spread of Modernity

During the era of European dominance, modernity took on different forms in various parts of the world.
Local elites in countries such as China, Japan, Iran, and Brazil sought to create their own industrial civilizations, emulating the key factors of modern transformation, including the primacy of human will over nature, mechanization of production, and the creation of a strong state.

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Description

Explore the historical context of the Cold War, tracing its roots to the late 19th century global transformations. Understand the conflict as an ideological clash and a system of international relations shaped by economic, social, and political changes.