1. Chapter 5 Notes The Modern Era
I. A Rapidly Changing World
The Industrial Revolution allowed people to use machinery and new methods to increase productivity.
The IR was a result of Britain’s large supply of natural resources, raw materials, and workers.
Textiles were the first major industry.
II. Changing Lifestyles
Industrial workers worked long hours and in dangerous conditions.
Workers then formed unions that bargained for better conditions.
The IR resulted in better living conditions and stronger economies for countries.

2. III. Rivalry Between Nations
Under imperialism, European countries claimed colonies in Asia and Africa in the late 1800’s
In 1914, WWI broke out in Europe and many once-strong countries became weak and Germany would be blamed.
In 1917, the Russian Revolution led to the system of communism.
In the 1930’s, worldwide depression and problems that were not solved led to WWII.
After WWII, the Soviet Union and U.S. emerged as world powers.

3. Chapter 5 Notes (A Continent Divided)
I. The Cold War
Global competition between democratic U.S. and Communist Soviet Union to spread its ideas.
Both sides had a large amount of nuclear weapons.
The U.S. lent money to help rebuild Europe, and to stop the spread of communism (Marshall Plan).
In 1948, the Truman Doctrine offered military aid to those who were fighting communism inside their borders.
II. Cold War Alliances
In 1949, NATO was formed to respond to possible attacks by the Soviet Union.
In E. Europe, the Soviet Union made satellite nations of these countries which formed the Warsaw Pact alliance.

4. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (1949)
United States
Belgium
Britain
Canada
Denmark
France
Iceland
Italy
Luxemburg
Netherlands
Norway
Portugal
1952: Greece & Turkey
1955: West Germany
1983: Spain

5. Warsaw Pact (1955) East Germany U. S. S. R. Albania Hungary Bulgaria
Poland
Romania
U. S. S. R.
Albania
Bulgaria
Czechoslovakia

6. III. A Clash Between the Superpowers
In 1948, the Soviet Union blockaded, closed off Berlin which created much tension.
Germany would become split into W. Germany (Democratic) and E. Germany (Communist).
The Soviet Union created the Berlin Wall to prevent people from leaving E. Berlin.
IV. The End of the Cold War
In 1985, Mikhail Gorbachev, introduce reforms to stimulate the economy. (glasnost/perestroika)
In the late 1980’s the Soviet Union moved towards capitalism and democracy and as a result their satellites became independent.

7. Post-War Germany

8. Chapter 5 Notes (Moving Toward Unity)
I. The End of the Soviet Union
Protests in E. Germany led to the Berlin Wall coming down and the reunification of Germany in 1990.
In 1991, Soviet Union broke up which 15 new countries formed.
II. The New Europe
Today, Europe is becoming an economic power.
Some Europeans would like to see the European Union become the United States of Europe.
Most of the EU’s members use the same currency, the Euro.
Some of the problems that the EU is trying to solve is the income gap, population growth, and environmental issues.