The SHIFTING of STATE Power After 1900 [AP World History Review—Unit 7 Topic 1]

Summary

The video explores the shift in global power from 1900 to the present, focusing on the collapse of empires and the rise of new states. It covers key events like the decline of the Ottoman Empire, the Russian Revolution, the fall of the Qing Dynasty in China, and the Mexican Revolution. The narrative delves into the internal and external pressures these empires faced, including wars, revolutions, and the emergence of nationalist movements. The script provides insights into the transformation of global politics during the 20th century, highlighting the creation of new political systems and the emergence of communist and democratic states.

Takeaways

• 😀 The early 20th century saw the West dominate global power, but by century's end, many empires collapsed and gave rise to new states.
• 😀 The Ottoman Empire, once known as the 'sick man of Europe,' tried to modernize but ultimately fell apart after World War I, with many new states emerging from its territory.
• 😀 The Young Ottomans and Young Turks pushed for reforms in the Ottoman Empire, including secularization and modernization, but their nationalistic policies alienated many ethnic minorities.
• 😀 The Russian Empire, despite some industrialization under Tsar Nicholas II, faced widespread discontent, leading to the Russian Revolution of 1905 and eventually the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution that established the Soviet Union.
• 😀 The fall of the Russian Empire was accelerated by World War I and social unrest, which resulted in the rise of communism under Lenin and the Bolsheviks.
• 😀 China, suffering from internal rebellion (e.g., the Taiping and Boxer Rebellions) and external pressures (e.g., the Opium Wars), saw the collapse of the Qing Dynasty and the end of 2,000 years of imperial rule.
• 😀 The end of Qing rule in China was followed by a brief period of revolution under Sun Yat-sen, which eventually led to the rise of communism under Mao Zedong.
• 😀 The Mexican Revolution, sparked by dissatisfaction with dictator Porfirio Díaz, saw a decade of civil war but eventually led to the creation of a republic with reforms, including universal male suffrage and labor rights.
• 😀 The Mexican Revolution, though significant, had less international impact compared to the Russian and Chinese revolutions, which drastically changed global politics.
• 😀 The collapse of these empires (Ottoman, Russian, Chinese, and Mexican) marked a pivotal moment in global history, shifting the balance of power and creating new national identities.

Q & A

What was the primary reason for the decline of the Ottoman Empire?

The Ottoman Empire's decline was primarily due to its inability to modernize effectively, despite attempts at reform such as the Tanzimat reforms. This failure, along with internal strife and the rise of nationalism among its diverse ethnic groups, led to its fragmentation after World War I.

Who were the Young Ottomans, and what was their role in Ottoman reform?

The Young Ottomans were a group of reformers educated in Western ideas who called for significant political changes in the Ottoman Empire. They sought democratic reforms, including the creation of a parliament and a constitution, which were initially allowed by the Sultan but were later reversed when the empire faced external threats.

What was the impact of the Young Turks' reforms on the Ottoman Empire?

The Young Turks implemented nationalistic reforms such as secularizing schools and laws, establishing political elections, and imposing Turkish as the official language. While these reforms strengthened the state, they also alienated minority groups, contributing to further division and ultimately the empire's collapse.

How did the Russian Revolution of 1905 affect the Russian Empire?

The Russian Revolution of 1905 was a response to widespread discontent, including demands from the growing middle class for more political voice and grievances from the working class. Though the revolution was suppressed, Tsar Nicholas II implemented some reforms, such as introducing a constitution and allowing political parties, but he later disregarded these changes, fueling further unrest.

What role did World War I play in the Russian Revolution of 1917?

World War I exacerbated Russia's internal problems, including economic hardship, military failures, and social discontent. This ultimately led to the 1917 Russian Revolution, where the Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, seized power and established a communist state, marking the birth of the Soviet Union.

How did China’s experience in the 19th century contribute to the fall of the Qing dynasty?

China's struggles in the 19th century, including internal uprisings like the Taiping Rebellion and external defeats such as the Opium Wars and the Sino-Japanese War, weakened the Qing dynasty. The Boxer Rebellion further exposed China's vulnerability, leading to foreign interventions and further erosion of Qing power, eventually resulting in the dynasty's collapse.

Who was Sun Yat-sen, and what was his role in the overthrow of the Qing dynasty?

Sun Yat-sen was a Western-educated revolutionary leader who spearheaded efforts to overthrow the Qing dynasty. His movement culminated in the 1911 revolution that led to the abdication of the Qing emperor and the establishment of a provisional government, though the country would soon fall into chaos and civil war.

What were the main causes of the Mexican Revolution?

The Mexican Revolution was driven by widespread dissatisfaction with the dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz, which led to social and economic inequalities. Political opponents, such as Francisco Madero, challenged Díaz’s rule, and after his assassination, a decade-long civil war ensued, leading to major reforms and the establishment of a republic in 1917.

What significant reforms were introduced in Mexico after the Revolution of 1917?

The 1917 Mexican Revolution resulted in a new constitution that introduced several key reforms, such as universal male suffrage, minimum wage laws, and the separation of church and state. These reforms addressed many of the grievances that had driven the revolution.

Why did the Mexican Revolution not have the same international impact as the Russian and Chinese Revolutions?

Unlike the Russian and Chinese Revolutions, which led to the establishment of global communist movements, the Mexican Revolution was largely confined to Mexico itself. While it did inspire some regional changes, it did not have the same international reverberations due to its more localized scope and focus on national issues.