Ch 14: Western Civilization Since 1945: Help and Review
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- Start at the beginning, or identify the topics that you need help with.
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Students will review:
In this chapter, you'll learn the answers to questions including:
- What were some of the recovery plans used in Europe after World War II?
- Why was Israel established in 1948?
- How did the end of the Chinese Revolution lead to the creation of Taiwan?
- What were the primary causes of the Cold War?
- How did the 'Space Race' between the U.S. and Soviet Union unfold?
- What was the relationship between Gorbachev's reforms and the end of the Soviet Union?
- How have art, culture, philosophy and religion changed since 1945?
- How have politics, science, society and technology changed since 1945?

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.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the Western Civilization 1648 to the Present: Help and Review course
- Western European Absolutism (1648-1715): Help and Review
- Eastern European Power Shifts (1648-1740): Help and Review
- Empire and Expansion in the 18th Century: Help and Review
- The Scientific Revolution (1500-1790): Help and Review
- The French Revolution & Napoleon (1780-1815): Help and Review
- Industrialization From 1700-1900: Help and Review
- Political Developments From 1760-1848: Help and Review
- The Age of Nationalism: Help and Review
- European Life and Trends From 1850-1914: Help and Review
- Imperialism in the 19th and 20th Centuries: Help and Review
- World War I (1914-1919): Help and Review
- The Years Between the World Wars: Help and Review
- World War II (1939-1945): Help and Review
- Topics in Philosophy Since 1600