Ap World Unit 7 Review

AP World History Unit 7 Review: The Global Transformations of the Late 18th and 19th Centuries

This comprehensive review covers the key themes and concepts of AP World History Unit 7, focusing on the dramatic global transformations that occurred between the late 18th and 19th centuries. This period witnessed the rise of industrialization, the expansion of global empires, and significant social and political changes that continue to shape our world today. Understanding these events and their interconnectedness is crucial for success on the AP World History exam. We will explore the Industrial Revolution, its global impact, the rise of new ideologies, and the resulting social and political upheavals.

I. The Industrial Revolution: A Technological and Societal Upheaval

The Industrial Revolution, beginning in Great Britain in the late 18th century, was a period of unprecedented technological advancements that fundamentally reshaped society and the global economy. This revolution wasn't just about new inventions; it was a systematic transformation of production, distribution, and consumption.

Key Technological Advancements:

• Textiles: Innovations like the spinning jenny and power loom dramatically increased textile production, creating a demand for more raw materials and leading to the growth of factories.
• Steam Engine: James Watt's improved steam engine provided a reliable power source for factories and transportation, revolutionizing industries beyond textiles.
• Iron and Steel Production: New methods of iron and steel production enabled the construction of larger, stronger structures, furthering industrial growth and infrastructure development.
• Railroads: The development of railroads drastically improved transportation, facilitating the movement of goods and people across vast distances and connecting previously isolated regions.

Social and Economic Consequences:

• Urbanization: Factories attracted large numbers of people from rural areas, leading to rapid urbanization and the growth of overcrowded industrial cities. This resulted in significant social problems, including poverty, disease, and crime.
• New Social Classes: The Industrial Revolution created a new working class (the proletariat) who labored in factories under often harsh conditions. A new industrial middle class also emerged, composed of factory owners, managers, and other professionals.
• Capitalism and its Critics: The Industrial Revolution fueled the growth of capitalism, with its emphasis on free markets and private ownership. However, it also gave rise to criticisms of capitalism, such as socialism and communism, which advocated for greater economic equality and worker rights.

Global Impact of Industrialization:

The Industrial Revolution wasn't confined to Great Britain; it gradually spread to other parts of the world, although at different paces and with varying consequences. Countries like the United States, Germany, and Japan experienced their own industrial revolutions, transforming their economies and societies. However, many parts of the world remained largely agrarian, becoming increasingly dependent on industrialized nations for manufactured goods. This created a global economic hierarchy that favored industrialized nations.

II. Imperialism and its Global Reach

The 19th century witnessed a dramatic expansion of European empires, fueled in part by the Industrial Revolution's need for raw materials and new markets. This period of intense imperialism impacted nearly every corner of the globe.

Motivations for Imperialism:

• Economic Factors: The need for raw materials, new markets, and investment opportunities drove European expansion.
• Political Factors: Competition among European powers for prestige and power contributed to the scramble for colonies.
• Social Factors: Beliefs in European superiority (social Darwinism) and a “civilizing mission” provided justifications for imperial expansion.
• Technological Factors: Technological advancements, such as steamships and the telegraph, facilitated imperial control and communication across vast distances.

Forms of Imperial Control:

• Colonies: Direct rule over territories, often involving the establishment of colonial administrations.
• Protectorates: Local rulers maintained their positions, but under the supervision of a European power.
• Spheres of Influence: Areas where a European power had exclusive trading or investment rights.

Consequences of Imperialism:

• Economic Exploitation: Colonies were often exploited for their resources, leading to economic dependency and underdevelopment.
• Political Subjugation: Imperial rule undermined local political institutions and traditions.
• Social and Cultural Changes: Imperialism led to the spread of Western ideas and culture, but also resulted in the suppression of local cultures and traditions.
• Resistance Movements: Colonial rule faced resistance from various groups who fought for independence and self-determination.

III. The Rise of New Ideologies: Nationalism, Liberalism, and Socialism

The late 18th and 19th centuries saw the rise of several powerful ideologies that shaped political and social movements.

Nationalism:

Nationalism is a powerful ideology that emphasizes loyalty and devotion to a nation, often based on shared language, culture, or history. The rise of nationalism challenged existing empires and led to the unification of previously fragmented states (such as Germany and Italy) and movements for independence in colonized territories.

Liberalism:

Liberalism emphasized individual rights, limited government, and free markets. Liberal movements pushed for political reforms, including greater representation and individual freedoms.

Socialism and Communism:

Socialism and communism emerged as critiques of capitalism, advocating for greater economic equality and worker rights. Socialist and communist movements called for the redistribution of wealth and the abolition of private property. Karl Marx’s writings were particularly influential in shaping socialist and communist thought.

IV. Social and Political Revolutions

The late 18th and 19th centuries witnessed several significant revolutions that profoundly altered the political landscape.

The French Revolution (1789-1799):

The French Revolution was a watershed moment in European history, marked by the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic. It resulted in significant social and political changes, including the abolition of feudalism and the rise of nationalism. The revolution's ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity had a profound impact on subsequent revolutions and movements worldwide.

Latin American Revolutions (late 18th and early 19th centuries):

Inspired in part by the American and French Revolutions, several Latin American colonies gained independence from Spain and Portugal during this period. Leaders like Simon Bolivar and Jose de San Martin played key roles in these revolutionary movements. However, independence did not always lead to social and economic equality, and many newly independent nations faced challenges such as political instability and economic dependency.

Other Revolutions:

Numerous other social and political uprisings occurred during this period, reflecting the widespread discontent with existing political and social orders. These included various nationalist and independence movements in Asia and Africa.

V. The Second Industrial Revolution and its Global Impact

The late 19th century witnessed a “Second Industrial Revolution,” characterized by new technologies and innovations, including electricity, the internal combustion engine, and mass production techniques. This revolution further accelerated industrial growth and had a profound impact on global economies and societies.

New Technologies:

• Electricity: Electricity became a crucial power source, enabling new industries and transforming daily life.
• Internal Combustion Engine: The development of the internal combustion engine led to the rise of automobiles and airplanes.
• Mass Production: New methods of mass production, such as the assembly line, drastically increased the efficiency of manufacturing.

Consequences of the Second Industrial Revolution:

• Increased Industrial Output: The Second Industrial Revolution dramatically increased the production of goods.
• Globalization: Improved transportation and communication technologies further integrated global economies.
• New Industries: New industries, such as the automobile and aviation industries, emerged.
• Social and Environmental Consequences: The Second Industrial Revolution also contributed to growing social inequality and environmental problems.

VI. Global Migration and its Effects

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw massive global migrations, as people moved from rural areas to cities and from one country to another in search of better economic opportunities or to escape poverty and conflict.

Causes of Migration:

• Economic Opportunities: The promise of better jobs and higher wages drew many migrants to industrialized nations.
• Political Instability: Political conflicts and oppression forced many people to flee their homelands.
• Environmental Factors: Droughts, famines, and other environmental disasters also contributed to migration.

Consequences of Migration:

• Demographic Changes: Migration dramatically altered the demographics of many countries, both in terms of population size and ethnic composition.
• Economic Impacts: Migrants contributed to the growth of industrialized nations' economies but also sometimes faced exploitation and discrimination.
• Cultural Exchange: Migration led to the exchange of cultures and ideas, enriching societies but also sometimes creating tensions.

VII. Conclusion: A Period of Profound Transformation

The late 18th and 19th centuries were a period of profound global transformation, marked by industrialization, imperialism, the rise of new ideologies, and social and political revolutions. These events shaped the modern world and continue to have a lasting impact on global politics, economics, and culture. Understanding these interconnected events is crucial for comprehending the world we live in today. Thorough study of this period is essential for success on the AP World History exam, requiring a focus not only on specific events but also on their broader context and long-term consequences. Remember to analyze cause and effect, understand different perspectives, and connect these developments to the larger historical narrative. Good luck with your studies!