key term - Post-1900 era

Definition

The Post-1900 era refers to the period after the year 1900, marked by significant global changes including the rise of new political ideologies, technological advancements, and shifts in social structures. This era is particularly notable for the spread of communism as an influential political movement, driven by revolutionary ideas and the desire for social equity among working classes across various nations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Post-1900 era saw the establishment of communist states beginning with the Russian Revolution of 1917, which inspired movements around the world.
2. Communism gained traction in various regions, particularly in Eastern Europe, Asia, and parts of Latin America, often as a response to imperialism and capitalism.
3. The ideology of communism emphasized workers' rights and aimed to dismantle class hierarchies, leading to significant social upheavals and revolutions.
4. Key figures like Lenin, Mao Zedong, and Fidel Castro played critical roles in spreading communism through revolutionary actions in their respective countries.
5. The Post-1900 era also experienced backlash against communism, leading to significant conflicts like the Cold War that shaped international relations throughout the mid-to-late 20th century.

Review Questions

• How did the Bolshevik Revolution influence other countries' approaches to communism during the Post-1900 era?
  • The Bolshevik Revolution served as a pivotal example for many countries seeking to adopt communist principles. It demonstrated that a revolutionary approach could overthrow existing governments and establish a new political order. Many communist movements around the world looked to the success of the Bolsheviks as a model for their own struggles against colonialism and capitalism, sparking similar uprisings in places like China and Cuba.
• Evaluate how the spread of communism during the Post-1900 era affected global geopolitics in the 20th century.
  • The spread of communism during this period significantly altered global geopolitics, particularly after World War II. The emergence of communist governments created a divide between capitalist nations and those aligned with socialist ideologies. This division culminated in the Cold War, where countries were often drawn into conflicts based on their ideological affiliations, influencing military alliances and international policies on a large scale.
• Assess the long-term implications of communism's spread in the Post-1900 era on contemporary global issues.
  • The long-term implications of communism's spread during the Post-1900 era can still be seen today in various contemporary global issues. For instance, countries like China have adapted communist principles while integrating market reforms, impacting global trade dynamics. Additionally, socialist movements continue to emerge worldwide as reactions to capitalism's inequalities. The ideological battles from this era have laid groundwork for ongoing debates about governance, economic systems, and social justice.

Related terms

Bolshevik Revolution:

A key event in 1917 when the Bolshevik Party, led by Vladimir Lenin, overthrew the Provisional Government in Russia, establishing a communist state and influencing global communist movements.

Cold War:

The prolonged period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States after World War II, characterized by ideological conflict, arms races, and proxy wars influenced by communist expansion.

Marxism: A socio-economic theory founded by Karl Marx that advocates for class struggle and revolution as a means to achieve a classless society, forming the theoretical basis for many communist movements.