AP World History (WHAP) Unit 9 Part 1: Societal and Cultural Change (20th century)

Summary

In this video, Emily Glankler introduces Unit 9 of AP World History, focusing on globalization from the 1990s to the present. She explains how science and technology have drastically unified the world, improving communication, transportation, and medical advancements. Through innovations like instant messaging, the internet, and the iPhone, barriers have been eliminated, connecting people globally. The video also highlights the rise of global popular culture, the spread of Western and non-Western cultural elements, and the empowerment of historically oppressed groups. Ultimately, technology has fostered social and economic progress, though challenges like global health crises remain.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 1990s were a pivotal decade for the globalizing world, shaped by rapid technological advancements and cultural shifts.
• 🌍 Unit 9 of the AP World History curriculum focuses on globalization, which emerged after the Cold War and is still ongoing today.
• 💻 Instant messaging, especially through platforms like AIM, was a groundbreaking technology in the 1990s, allowing for instantaneous global communication.
• 📱 The iPhone, released in 2006, marked the next significant leap in communication, further bridging gaps in global connectivity.
• 💉 Medical advancements in the 20th and 21st centuries, such as vaccines for polio, smallpox, and HIV/AIDS treatments, improved life expectancy and quality of life worldwide.
• 🦠 Major health crises like the Spanish flu, HIV/AIDS, and COVID-19 spurred medical innovations, often born from necessity during these pandemics.
• 🎬 The rise of global popular culture, fueled by Hollywood, television, and social media, created a shared cultural experience across nations.
• 🎤 Cultural diffusion was not one-sided; K-pop, for example, brought Korean culture to the global stage, showcasing a shift in cultural power dynamics.
• 📦 Advancements in transportation, such as the rise of container shipping and efficient air travel, made global trade faster and more efficient.
• 🗣️ Technology and improved communication enabled historically oppressed groups to unite and push for social change, such as the abolition of apartheid and the advancement of women's rights.
• 🌍 The creation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations represents an effort to establish a global ethical framework for human dignity and rights.

Q & A

What is the central theme of Unit 9 in the AP World History curriculum?

The central theme of Unit 9 is globalization, focusing on how science and technology have brought about changes in the world from 1900 to the present.

Why does Emily Glankler consider Unit 9 easier compared to other units?

Emily Glankler considers Unit 9 easier because it deals with events that viewers have lived through or are still experiencing, making it more intuitive and less complex compared to earlier historical periods.

What are the three parts that Emily divides the discussion of Unit 9 into?

Emily divides Unit 9 into three parts: 1) How science and technology unify the globe and facilitate social and economic advancement, 2) How science and technology accelerate economic growth, and 3) The modern problems we face, such as climate change.

How did technology in the 20th century eliminate geographic barriers?

Technology, such as the radio, TV, the internet, and instant messaging, allowed for better communication and transportation, connecting people globally and making it easier to share information and cultural experiences.

What role did the internet and instant messaging play in the 1990s?

In the 1990s, the internet and instant messaging platforms like AIM allowed people to communicate instantly with friends and others around the world, helping to eliminate communication barriers and create a more connected world.

What medical advancements helped improve global health during the 20th and 21st centuries?

Key medical advancements include the development of vaccines for diseases like polio, smallpox, and measles, along with the introduction of birth control, HIV/AIDS treatments, and the rapid development of the COVID-19 vaccine.

What are some of the global cultural shifts caused by science and technology?

Science and technology facilitated the creation of a global popular culture, driven by American culture and media, while also allowing for the spread of other global cultural forms, such as K-pop and Bollywood, which blend global influences with local traditions.

How did global communication contribute to social and political movements in the 20th century?

Global communication helped unite historically oppressed groups, such as African Americans and women, to push for social and political rights. It also facilitated movements like the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

What is 'liberation theology,' and how did it manifest in Latin America?

Liberation theology in Latin America is a religious movement where Catholic priests applied their teachings to address social issues like poverty and oppression, advocating for land redistribution and social justice in the face of military-dominated governments.

How did technology influence the dismantling of white supremacy globally?

Technological advancements and better communication allowed oppressed groups to organize more effectively. The anti-apartheid movement, for example, gained global support through technological connections, leading to the eventual dismantling of apartheid in South Africa.