Contemporary (Recent & Present) World WHII.15abc

Refugees & guest workers Refugee – people forced to flee their homeland Guest worker (in Europe) - an immigrant worker who is temporarily hired to do work and then returns to his or her native country.

Northern Ireland Conflict Catholics vs Protestants In the 16 th century, English forces occupied Ireland. Under English rule Catholic Irish could not: ◦ Vote ◦ Hold office ◦ Inherit land ◦ Purchase land The wealthy English took ownership of much Irish land.

Northern Ireland Conflict Catholics vs Protestants After protests in 1921, most of Ireland (except the northern part) declared itself free from Britain. Tensions between Protestants and Catholics ◦ job discrimination ◦ police brutality ◦ political status IRA wants N. Ireland to unify with Ireland. ◦ Bombings and assassinations

Balkans Conflict Serbs vs. Bosnians Tensions between many ethnic group have existed for many years. Josip Broz Tito (Communist Leader) suppressed these feelings with his harsh rule. The end to Communism led to uprising of these suppressed nationalistic feelings with a desire to self rule. SOL 2007 Released Test

Africa’s Conflict Sudan ◦ Muslim military regime has been charged of genocide against the Nuba (Christians). Rwanda ◦ Fighting between Hutus & Tutsis  Lead to horrendous rights violations  In 1994, about 500,000 Tutsis were killed as a form of genocide Janjaweed

Asia’s Conflict China and Tibet ◦ Chinese have ruled the Tibetans since 1950 ◦ Persecution of Tibetans by the Chinese for:  Buddhist religion  Traditional culture  Desire for independence ◦ Estimated 1 million Tibetans have been killed under Chinese rule ◦ Dalai Lama (Tibet religious leader ) remains in exile Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama

New Technologies Widespread but unequal access to computers and instantaneous communications. ◦ Example: USA population regularly used the internet 6 times the amount of Brazil. Internet Government Censorship: China, Iran, & other counties. Genetic engineering create new strains of plants and animals. ◦ What could be the unforeseen side effects? Raise ethical questions both for and against: ◦ Gene therapy ◦ Stem cell research ◦ Genetic Research

Economic Interdependence Rapid transportation, communication, and computer networks have lead even more to a global economy. Global economy – Economy linking the economies of many nations multinational corporations – a corporation that operates in many countries

Developed & Developing Nations Developed nation – Industrialized nation Developing nation – nation that is still developing industry Many corporations founded in developed nations began opening branches in developing nations where cheap labor was readily available. SOL Released Test – 2007 What do you think the ratio is for the literacy rate vs access to health care or famine?

Environment That economic development and the rapid growth of population are having an impact on the environment. This leads to increase pollution, loss of habitat, and decrease ozone.

Relationship between economic and political freedom Free market economies produce rising standards of living and an expanding middle class, which produces growing demands for political freedoms and individual rights. Recent examples include Taiwan and South Korea.

European Union (EU) EU formed by 12 nations in 1991 a powerful economic and political bloc promoting European unity. There are currently 27 EU member nations. Made a single currency = Euro Google Finance

NAFTA North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) ◦ removed barriers and increase trade among the United States, Canada, and Mexico ◦ 1993

World Trade Organization (WTO) WTO establishes powers for ◦ reducing trade barriers ◦ Monitor trade agreements Seattle WTO protests ◦ Charged WTO of putting corporate interests above democracy, workers’ rights, and the environment Seattle Times

International Monetary Fund (IMF) a specialized agency of the UN designed to stabilize international monetary exchange rates. Helps member countries meet temporary difficulties encountered in foreign exchange payments Google Finance

Major World Leaders Indira Gandhi First female prime minister of India Established a close relationship with the Soviet Union during the Cold War and built a nuclear program Established a close relationship with the Soviet Union during the Cold War and built a nuclear program Margaret Thatcher First female British prime minister Less government regulate of business Close relationship with the U.S. on foreign policy

Major World Leaders Mikhail Gorbachev Leader of the Soviet Union who allowed people to criticize the government (glasnost) Allowed private ownership of small business (perestroika) Last president of the Soviet Union Deng Xiaoping Became leader of Communist China after Mao’s death Reformed economy to a market economy which allowed for rapid growth Continued Communist rule of China