Please Read And Follow Instructions Carefully

Please Read And Follow Instructions Carefully

Please read and follow instructions carefully Instructions There are two sections in this discussion forum. You are required to answer a question from each section. You must select either Question 1A or Question 1B from Section A AND then proceed to follow the directions in Section B. You must give equal attention to both sections. Be sure to refer to the relevant documents in the Unit 7 content area.

Also, watch these videos to help you frame your post: SECTION A 1. Based on your knowledge in this course so far, what lessons do you think the world should learn from: A. the two global wars of the twentieth century OR B. The Great Depression There is no right or wrong answer here, but your opinion must be supported by evidence. You should use dates, specific names of people and places, and discuss the relevant facts to back up your assessment. Your answer must specify what these lessons are (or if lessons could not be learned at all) and which groups, persons, or nations these lessons should be applied to.

Remember you must provide specific examples and analyses with evidence to support your answer. SECTION B Select 3 appropriate countries from the list provided to answer either Question #1 OR Question #2 below. Countries (Select 3) United States Russia China Germany Italy Vietnam Korea France Britain Guatemala Cuba Japan Spain Algeria South Africa QUESTIONS (Answer all of Question 1 OR all of Question 2). Question 1. A. How did the first country you selected become communist? B. Discuss the rise of fascism in your second selected country. C. Describe the Cold War in your third selected country.

OR Question 2. A. What role did foreign intervention play in the communist revolution which took place in the first country you selected? B. Explain the foreign influences which gave rise to the fascist government in the second country you selected. C. How did the leader(s) of the third country you selected respond to the Cold War? This is not a paper just a discussion: Min 2 paragraphs max 3 for section A… Section B answer questions about country…

Paper For Above instruction

Throughout the 20th century, the world experienced transformative geopolitical, economic, and social upheavals, notably two devastating global wars and the Great Depression. Analyzing the lessons derived from these events can offer valuable insights into preventing future crises and fostering global stability. This paper explores the lessons the world should learn from these history-shaping moments, supported by specific examples and evidence, and also discusses the rise of communism, fascism, and Cold War dynamics in three selected countries: the United States, Germany, and China.

Lessons from the Twentieth Century

The two World Wars taught the world the devastating consequences of nationalism, militarism, and imperialistic ambitions. The First World War, from 1914 to 1918, highlighted how alliances, arms races, and unresolved conflicts could escalate into a total war involving multiple nations (Murray, 2000). The Treaty of Versailles (1919), which imposed harsh conditions on Germany, fostered resentment that contributed to the rise of fascism and the Second World War (Fischer, 1998). The Second World War, from 1939 to 1945, underscored the importance of collective security, international cooperation, and the dangers of totalitarian regimes. The establishment of the United Nations was a direct lesson aimed at preventing future global conflicts (Dunne, 2011). Additionally, the Holocaust and war atrocities demonstrated the necessity of safeguarding human rights and preventing genocide (Bartrop & Manning, 2012).

The Great Depression of the 1930s revealed the perils of unregulated capitalism and economic inequality. The stock market crash of 1929 triggered widespread unemployment, poverty, and social unrest, leading nations to recognize the importance of regulatory frameworks and social safety nets. The New Deal policies implemented in the United States under Franklin D. Roosevelt exemplify efforts to stabilize the economy and address socio-economic disparities (Leuchtenburg, 1995). Globally, the depression precipitated authoritarian regimes seeking to restore stability through nationalism and militarism, resulting in fascist movements in Germany and Italy (Tooze, 2006). An important lesson is that economic stability relies on sound financial regulation, equitable growth, and international economic cooperation, as exemplified by later institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (Oatley, 2019).

Furthermore, the lessons extend to the importance of diplomatic engagement and conflict prevention. The failure of appeasement policies in the 1930s showcased how concessions to aggressive states embolden those regimes, emphasizing the need for firm but diplomatic responses to threats (Mearsheimer, 2001). The Cold War era illustrated the peril of nuclear proliferation and ideological confrontation, underscoring the significance of arms control agreements and diplomacy (Schelling, 2008). The Cuban Missile Crisis (1962) exemplified how close the world came to nuclear annihilation and reinforced the necessity of communication channels between superpowers (Allison & Zelikow, 1999). In essence, the 20th-century lessons highlight the importance of international cooperation, economic stability, human rights, and diplomatic resilience to maintain global peace and security.

Rise of Communism in the USSR

The Soviet Union's transformation into a communist state was rooted in revolutionary upheaval, socio-economic disparities, and ideological influences. The Bolshevik Revolution of 1917, led by Vladimir Lenin, was triggered by widespread discontent with the provisional government that continued Russia’s involvement in World War I, rapid industrialization, and peasant unrest (Figes, 1996). The socio-economic hardships faced by Russians, including poverty, land hunger, and war fatigue, created fertile ground for revolutionary ideas rooted in Marxism-Leninism. The Bolsheviks championed the idea of a dictatorship of the proletariat and promised to redistribute land and wealth, appealing to oppressed classes (Service, 2000). Foreign intervention also played a role: Allied powers intervened in the Russian Civil War (1918–1922) to support anti-Bolshevik forces, but these efforts ultimately failed to prevent the consolidation of Soviet power (Lynch, 1994). The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk (1918) marked Russia’s exit from WWI and was a critical step in the Bolsheviks’ consolidation of control.

Rise of Fascism in Germany

The emergence of fascism in Germany was directly linked to the socio-economic and political chaos following World War I. The Treaty of Versailles imposed harsh reparations, territorial losses, and military restrictions on Germany, fostering national humiliation and economic distress (Fischer, 1998). The Depression further exacerbated these hardships, creating fertile ground for extremist political ideologies. Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party capitalized on widespread resentment, anti-Semitism, and ultranationalism to rally support (Kershaw, 1998). The Beer Hall Putsch (1923) and subsequent political maneuvers eventually enabled Hitler to gain power legally by 1933, becoming Chancellor. Nazi propaganda promised ‘restoring Germany’s greatness,’ which resonated with a populace desperate for stability and national pride (Reich, 2006). The rise of fascism in Germany exemplifies how economic despair and national humiliation can fuel anti-democratic authoritarian movements.

Cold War in China

The Cold War in China was shaped by internal ideological struggles and foreign influence, culminating in the Chinese Civil War and subsequent communist victory. Mao Zedong’s communist forces gained support among peasants frustrated by inequality and Japanese occupation, contrasting with the nationalist Kuomintang’s (KMT) reliance on foreign aid, notably from the United States (Fairbank & Goldman, 1998). After years of conflict, Mao’s forces declared the People’s Republic of China in 1949, following their victory in the civil war. The Cold War rivalry then intensified, with the United States refusing recognition and supporting Taiwan, while the Soviet Union became an ideological ally (MacFarquhar & Stephenson, 2006). Mao’s policies, such as the Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution, were influenced by Cold War tensions, aiming to solidify communist control and oppose Western capitalism. China's Cold War trajectory exemplifies how internal revolutionary movements can be deeply intertwined with international ideological conflicts (Meisner, 1999).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the twentieth century’s tumultuous history offers crucial lessons: the importance of international cooperation to prevent conflicts, the need for economic stability and fair distribution to mitigate unrest, and the role of diplomatic resilience to avoid escalation. Understanding the rise of communism, fascism, and Cold War dynamics in key nations highlights how internal socio-economic conditions and foreign influence shape political regimes. These lessons underscore the necessity for vigilant, cooperative, and inclusive global governance to foster lasting peace and stability.

References

• Allison, G. T., & Zelikow, D. (1999). The Essence of Decision: Explaining the Cuban Missile Crisis. Longman.
• Bartrop, P., & Manning, P. (2012). The Holocaust and Genocide: A Brief History. Routledge.
• Dunne, T. (2011). The UN’s Role in Peace and Security. Routledge.
• Figes, O. (1996). A People's Tragedy: The Russian Revolution: 1891–1924. Penguin Books.
• Fischer, F. (1998). Germany's Aims in the First World War. W.W. Norton & Company.
• Fairbank, J. K., & Goldman, M. (1998). China: A New History. Harvard University Press.
• Kershaw, I. (1998). Hitler: A Profile in Evil. W.W. Norton & Company.
• Leuchtenburg, W. E. (1995). The FDR Years: Themes in the Course of a Life. Columbia University Press.
• Lynch, M. (1994). The Russian Revolution: A New History. Modern Library.
• MacFarquhar, R., & Stephenson, M. (2006). The Communist Party of China. Harvard University Press.
• Mearsheimer, J. J. (2001). The Tragedy of Great Power Politics. W.W. Norton & Company.
• Meisner, M. (1999). Mao's China and After: A History of the People's Republic. Free Press.
• Murray, W. (2000). The Origins of the First World War. Longman.
• Oatley, T. (2019). International Political Economy. Routledge.
• Reich, W. (2006). The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich. Simon & Schuster.
• Schelling, T. C. (2008). Arms and Influence. Yale University Press.
• Service, R. (2000). Lenin: A Biography. Harvard University Press.
• Tooze, A. (2006). The Wages of Destruction: The Making and Breaking of the Nazi Economy. Viking.