Unit 7: 1900 to Present - Shifting State Power

Introduction

• Time Period: Covering global events from 1900 to present.
• Focus: Shifts in state power, world wars, depressions, and decolonization.

Decline of Empires

Ottoman Empire

• Status: Known as the "Sick Man of Europe."
• Reforms: Tanzimat reforms aimed at defensive industrialization.
• Young Ottomans: Educated in Western ideas, demanded political change.
• Young Turks:
  • Overthrew the sultan in 1908.
  • Implemented reforms like secularization of schools, political elections, and Turkish as the official language.
  • Result: Nationalistic policies alienated minorities, leading to further fragmentation.
  • Aftermath: Post-WWI, Empire fragmented into independent states.

Russian Empire

• Industrialization: Progress made by Alexander II and Nicholas II.
• Grievances: Middle class and working class demanded political voice.
• Russian Revolution of 1905:
  • Led to minor reforms like a constitution and labor rights.
  • Nicholas II largely ignored reforms.
• Russian Revolution of 1917:
  • Led by Vladimir Lenin and the Bolsheviks.
  • Established a communist state, forming the Soviet Union.

Qing China

• 19th Century Challenges: Internal rebellions (Tai Ping) and external defeats (Opium Wars, Sino-Japanese War).
• Boxer Rebellion: Anti-foreign insurrection, put down by international forces.
• Revolutionary Movement:
  • Led by Sun Yat-sen.
  • Overthrew Qing dynasty, ending 2000 years of imperial rule.
  • Outcome: Civil War led to the formation of a communist state under Mao Zedong.

Mexican Revolution

• Dictatorship: Porfirio Diaz's rule angered all social classes.
• Civil War:
  • Francisco Madero briefly led before assassination.
  • Leaders like Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata involved.
• Outcome:
  • 1917 Constitution established with reforms addressing Grievances.
  • Reforms included universal male suffrage and minimum wages.

Resources

• AP World History Review Guide: Includes exclusive videos, note guides, practice questions, and exams.

Conclusion

• The period marks significant shifts in global power dynamics.
• Several empires declined, leading to new national formations and ideologies.