The SHIFTING of STATE Power After 1900 [AP World History Review—Unit 7 Topic 1]

Unit 7: Shifts in State Power (1900-Present)

Overview of Global Power Dynamics

• The early 20th century saw Western dominance in global power, but by the century's end, many empires would collapse and new states emerge.

• Four key empires that exemplify this shift are the Ottoman Empire, Russian Empire, Chinese Qing Dynasty, and others.

Decline of the Ottoman Empire

• The Ottoman Empire was referred to as "the sick man of Europe" due to its weakening state despite attempts at reform through the Tanzimat reforms.

• Young Ottomans emerged advocating for political change aligned with democratic Western ideals; however, authoritarian Sultan reasserted control during crises.

• The Young Turks overthrew the Sultan in 1908, implementing reforms like secularization and establishing Turkish as the official language but alienated ethnic minorities.

• Post World War I, the empire fragmented into independent states as European powers divided its territories.

Collapse of the Russian Empire

• Russia experienced industrial growth under Tsars Alexander II and Nicholas II but faced rising discontent from a newly formed middle class demanding political voice.

• Grievances from both middle-class citizens and working-class individuals led to the Russian Revolution of 1905; Tsar Nicholas II responded with repression yet made some concessions.

• Continued unrest culminated in the successful Russian Revolution of 1917 led by Vladimir Lenin and the Bolsheviks, resulting in a communist state.

Challenges Faced by China

• China suffered significant internal strife such as the Taiping Rebellion which devastated populations and resources while also facing external pressures from Western powers.

• Losses in both Opium Wars and Sino-Japanese War highlighted China's inability to compete with industrialized nations leading to further decline.

The End of Imperial Rule in China and the Mexican Revolution

The Fall of Imperial China

• The abdication of the Ching Emperor marked the end of 2,000 years of imperial rule in China, influenced by Western education and ideas.

• A provisional government was established under Sun Yat-sen's leadership; however, it was short-lived due to power struggles and civil war.

• Ultimately, China transitioned into a communist state led by Mao Zedong, with further details promised in later discussions.

Overview of the Mexican Revolution

• In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Mexico was ruled by dictator Porfirio Díaz whose policies incited widespread discontent across various social classes.

• Political rival Francisco Madero was elected in 1910 but was assassinated two years later, leading to a decade-long civil war characterized by peasant armies led by figures like Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata.

Outcomes of the Mexican Revolution

• By 1917, after significant turmoil, Mexico emerged as a republic with a newly drafted constitution that addressed many grievances that sparked the revolution.

• Key reforms included universal male suffrage, minimum wage laws for workers, and reducing the Catholic Church's influence over political and economic matters.