Ch 14: Western Civilization Since 1945: Help and Review

1. Economic Reconstruction in Europe After WWII: Recovery Programs & Their Effect

The economic reconstruction in Europe after World War II addressed the economic recovery of European ally countries that were ravaged by the war. Learn about post-war Europe, the Marshall Plan, and the effects of economic recovery programs.

2. Political Reconstruction in Europe After WWII: History & Impact

In the wake of the destruction caused by World War II destruction, many European countries were confronted with extreme reconstruction needs. Explore the political history that emerged and the impact of the Marshall Plan in reconstructing war-torn Europe.

3. The Creation of Israel in 1948: Timeline & Resulting Conflicts

The creation of Israel by the United Nations in 1948 resulted in the establishment of a homeland for Jewish people spread around the world, and also decades of continuous conflict with their Muslim neighbors in the Middle East. Learn the timeline of Israeli history, explore Zionism before WWII, the Holocaust, post-war settlements, and the conflicts that have arisen between nations.

4. Post-WWII Independence Movements Around the World: History & Examples

After WWII, nations colonized by European powers started independence movements to fight for their sovereignty. Learn about the history of these movements, then explore examples of colonization and decolonization in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

5. The Chinese Revolution and Creation of Taiwan: History & Timeline

At the end of the Chinese Revolution, Chiang Kai-Shek took the remains of the Kuomintang Army and fled to Taiwan. Learn about the history, background, and timeline of the Chinese Revolution, including how the major political parties split, the ensuing civil war, the Japanese invasion, the eventual Communist victory, and the creation of Taiwan.

6. The Cold War: Definition, Causes & Early Events

Learn the definition of the Cold War. Identify the genesis of the Cold War and understand the role of Truman, the policy of containment, and other early Cold War events.

7. Conflicts During the Cold War: Examples & Causes

During the Cold War standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union, proxy wars began from several of the world's conflicts in the second half of the 20th century. Learn about conflicts of the Cold War, the domino theory, the Brezhnev Doctrine, and the countries impacted by the Cold War.

8. The Space Race: Definition, History & Timeline

The space race refers to the United States and the Soviet Union competing to be the first to send men in space and reach the moon in the middle 20th century. Explore the definition, history, and timeline of the space race, and learn about the Cold War, Sputnik, and the moon landing by U.S. astronauts ahead of the Soviet's cosmonauts.

9. Fall of the Soviet Union and End of the Cold War: Causes & Timeline

The fall of the Soviet Union and end of the Cold War was a surprise to most in the West. Learn about what happened in the Soviet Union post-Stalin, what caused the Soviet Union to fall, the role of Gorbachev, and the end of communism.

10. Post-War Soviet Union & Eastern Europe: The Descent of the Iron Curtain

The communist countries that existed in Europe after World War II are known as the 'Iron Curtain', as their citizens were barred from entering democratic nations. Discover the historical significance of the the Berlin Wall, and both the origin and fall of the 'Iron Curtain' in the wake of the fragmented Soviet Union.

11. Religion & Philosophy Since 1945

The world has undergone many religious and philosophical shifts highlighted in several major world religions since the end of World War II in 1945. Explore changes in Catholicism made through the liberal-minded Vatican II decree, and in Islam, whose leaders embraced increasingly conservative interpretations of the Qu'ran, leading to the rise of radical Muslim sects.

12. The Advance of Science & Technology Since 1945: Developments & Impact

Since the end of World War II in 1945, there have been countless advancements in science and technology. This lesson will provide examples from the different areas of advancement, such as communication, transportation, and computers.

13. Social & Political Developments Since 1945

After World War II, the Western world underwent several distinct political changes and shifts in the current social fabric. See these developments through student activism and civil rights, women's liberation, and the economic creation of the European Union.

14. Art & Culture Since 1945: Types & Artists

After 1945, there was an explosion in the areas of art and culture. Understand the post-WWII culture, the types of art and artists of the era, and the impact on television, music, and art.

15. What Are the Chinese Terracotta Warriors? - History & Facts

Explore the history, creation, and significance of the Chinese Terracotta Warriors and test your understanding about ancient Chinese culture, religion, and imperial burials.

16. 3-D Animation: History & Definition

Three-dimensional/3-D animation has evolved from 'Gumby' (1956) to 'Grand Theft Auto'. Read about what 3-D animation is and the history of 3-D animation that has brought us some of the world's most beloved characters and stories.

17. Jim Jones & The Jonestown Massacre

Cults often end in disaster. Such was the case in 1978 when Jim Jones was involved in the death of more than 900 of his followers at an agricultural compound in Guyana. Read on to find out what happened.