Traditions and Encounters, 4th Edition (Bentley)

Chapter 38: THE BIPOLAR WORLD

Interactive Map Quiz

1

Map A. The Cold War


The Cold War was the conflict between the United States and the U.S.S.R. that dominated foreign policy and relations from the end of World War II to the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991. This rivalry was based on the ideological differences between the two countries, with each one attempting to spread its influence across the rest of the world through economic and military action. Some of the various wars and conflicts that were a result of this situation are the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the invasion of Afghanistan. While these wars and incidents affected both countries, the real casualties of the conflict were the developing nations where most of these wars were carried out. By the 1980s, relations between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. thawed because of increased cooperation between Mikhail Gorbachev and Ronald Reagan. The demolition of the Berlin Wall in 1989 foreshadowed the collapse of the Soviet Bloc in Eastern Europe, and by 1991 the Soviet Union was dissolved, effectively ending the Cold War.


What were the main causes of the Cold War? Why was it called a "cold" war?

2

What were the main causes of decolonization in the later twentieth century?

3

Explain how and why Africa and African affairs changed so radically after the Second World War.

4

Would you consider the process of global decolonization, especially in the post-World War II years, the most important long-term historical change of the twentieth century? Why or why not? Possible alternative events or changes you might consider (as more significant) could include modernism, World War I, World War II, the rise of communism and the Cold War, and early twentieth century changes in thought and values.

5

Map B. Patterns of Protest


This map shows the national patterns of protest and civil rights marches that occurred throughout the United States from 1960-1968. Through Civil Rights demonstrations -- such as the Freedom Rides in May 1961, where 13 people rode an integrated bus throughout the South -- the youth of the United States ushered in decades of activism that brought down racial walls, protested the war in Vietnam, and advanced the civil rights of women and Native Americans. As this map clearly demonstrates, protest activities increased as opposition to the Vietnam War grew, helped in part by protesters on college campuses across the nation. As passions grew, however, so did violence -- with riots erupting in major cities and on college campuses from 1966-1968. Perhaps the most widely known riot is the Watts Riot of 1965, where thousands of African Americans clashed with police, resulting in 34 deaths. By 1968, African Americans had grown frustrated with non-violent protest measures, instead turning to violent methods under the leadership of men such as Malcolm X. By that same year, the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders stated that such violence was sparked by whites' racist attitudes toward African Americans.


Why would the escalation of the Vietnam War affect the Civil Rights Movement?

6

Consider the locations of the various types of protests and demonstrations. Are there any noticeable correlations?

7

Which cities in the United States saw the highest number of demonstrations? Why might that be?

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