Ch 14: Global Transformations in the Early 20th Century
About This Chapter
Global Transformations in the Early 20th Century - Chapter Summary and Learning Objectives
The 20th century was a period of tremendous change and turmoil that forever impacted countries around the world. The two world wars may immediately spring to mind when thinking about the 1900s, but there were actually multiple influential events that occurred or began in the years leading up to the start of World War I in 1914. In this chapter, you will learn about economic, political and social changes that transformed Asia and Mexico in the early 20th century. By studying the lessons, you'll learn pertinent details about topics like:
- How Western countries influenced Chinese foreign trade
- What caused the decline of China's Qing Dynasty
- How revolution impacted Chinese society
- What led to Japan's westernization during the Meiji Era
- What caused the Mexican Revolution to take place
Video | Objective |
---|---|
Western Pressures on Chinese Foreign Trade | Discover how Chinese foreign trade was opened up due to Western pressure. |
The Fall of China's Qing Dynasty | Learn about the internal issues and external pressures that led to the Qing Dynasty's decline in China. |
Revolution & Transition in China | Explore the role of leader Sun Yat-sen in China's revolution and the effects of his reforms. |
The Westernization of Japan During the Meiji Era: History & Quiz | Examine the causes and effects of Japan's westernization in the Meiji Era. |
The Mexican Revolution: Causes & Initial Events | Take a look at the inequalities in Mexican society that contributed to the country's revolution. |
The Mexican Revolution: Aftermath & Effects | Explore the repercussions of the Mexican Revolution and how the event changed the country. |

1. Western Pressures on Chinese Foreign Trade
The foreign trade policies in China have been influenced by political and military pressure from the west. Learn about the Opium Wars between China and Great Britain, the definition of Gunboat Diplomacy, and the Open Door Policy negotiated by the United States that ended the wars.

2. The Fall of China's Qing Dynasty
The last Chinese dynasty, the Qing dynasty, fell in the early 20th century. Explore the Qing dynasty, examine the impact of China's wars with European powers, and learn about the unrest and revolution that led to the formation of the Republic of China.

3. Revolution & Transition in China
The end of the Qing dynasty was a tumultuous period that catapulted Chinese culture and society into a different era through revolution. Learn more about the transition from the Qing dynasty in China by exploring the importance of Sun Yat-sen, anti-Qing groups, and the different rulers and transformations that took place.

4. The Westernization of Japan During the Meiji Era
Due to trade relationships, Japan became increasingly westernized during the Meiji era. Learn the background of Japan's trading system, how the Perry Expedition forced Japan to open its ports, and an overview of the Meiji reform.

5. The Mexican Revolution: Causes & Initial Events
The Mexican Revolution sought to end the reign of Porfirio Diaz. Discover the causes of the Mexican Revolution, such as the rise and effects of Diaz's presidency; explore initial events such as the Creelman interview and Francisco Madero's rebellion, and then meet the characters of the Mexican Revolution.

6. The Mexican Revolution: Aftermath & Effects
Leaders jockeyed for power in the aftermath of the Mexican Revolution. Learn about Francisco Madero as president, the US's role, the nation's struggles under Huerta, Pancho Villa, Carranza, and Obregon, and the effects of the revolution.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the World History II course
- Europe's Age of Exploration
- The Protestant Reformation
- The Elizabethan Era in Europe
- European Colonialism
- Absolute Monarchs in Europe
- Empire and Expansion in the 18th Century
- The Asian World (1368-1911)
- The Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment
- The French Revolution and Napoleon Bonaparte
- Nationalist Revolutions Across the World
- Industrialization in the Western World
- European Life & Trends
- Imperialism in the 19th-20th Centuries
- World War I: Battles & Diplomacy
- Revolution & Nationalism in Asia
- Crisis & Depression Between the World Wars
- World War II: European & Pacific Theaters
- Restructuring the World After World War II
- The Spread of Democracy Across the World
- Europe & the United States After 1945
- Latin America after 1945
- Africa & the Middle East After 1945
- Asia & the Pacific After 1945
- Contemporary Global Concerns