What is an example of a unipolar world and what are some facts about it?
The British empire
- Largest empire to ever exist
- By 1920 Britain rules over 20% of the worlds population and 25% of the worlds land
- In 1914 the British navy was double the size of the next largest (Germany)
- 57 territories at its biggest point
What were the 3 phases of the British empire
and if so what power did they use
The mercantilist phase (1600-1850) - Hard power.
The imperial phase (1850-1945) - soft power
The decolonisation (1945-)
What was the mercantilist phase of the British empire
. Small colonies were set up on islands etc. All defended by forts and naval vessels. Huge focus on trade (Slaves, sugar etc) and private trading companies set up defended by the British forces
Hard power
What was the Imperial phase of the British empire
. Coastal colonies extended inland. British culture, religion and language introduced into colonies . Development of more complex trade networks
What was the decolonisation phase of the British empire
After WW2, The UK was bankrupt and could not support them empire as before. Anti-colonial movements grew. Most colonies granted independence by 1970
Still have the Falkland islands etc
What is a good example of how colonies were controlled directly
India
Colonial India
- British military and civil servants emigrated to India to run the country
- The empire educated Indians into British culture
- A process of Acculturation was undertaken as British tradition (e.g. language, Cricket etc) were introduced
- Those Indians who did not conform to the Empire’s rules were enslaved, imprisoned or killed
- Railways established in the country - main purpose to transport produce from rural - urban areas to then be sent back to Britain
When was the cold war and what was it?
what is it an example of
Example of a bipolar world (USSR and USA)
- Cold war took place 1945-1990
- USA became an increasingly global superpower with military bases aimed at containing the USSR and spread of communism
- Disagreements about ideologies. Communism vs capitalism
What is the USA cultural dominance like
- McDonalds operates in 118 countries
- 67 nations have English as their primary language
- 2.6 billion a day log into Facebook
- Fox news is available in 86 countries
- Over 250 million watched the super-bowl final (2018)
What are some details about Haiti 2010/2016
2010 - 7.0 earthquake, 3 million affected, 5 million displaced and 250,000 died.
70% lived below the poverty line when hit
2016 - Cat 4 hurricane (Matthew), 900 people killed, 80% of houses in the south west destroyed, Cholera outbreak 3 days after
How did the superpowers respond to Haiti 2010/2016
2010 - Slow international responses from the UN which cost lives (blamed it on the damaged port)
- 90% rubble left uncleared 1 year later
- UK donated £20 million and the USA sent food, search and rescue teams etc
2016 - some regular donor countries has ‘aid fatigue’ and ignored Haiti’s pleas for aid
- Only received 25% of aid required
- US and France praised as they sent aid such as food for children in extreme poverty etc
What are some key details about 9/11 and war on terror (2001)
Coordinated attacks by Islamic terrorists group (Al- Qaeda)
- Bin laden main person
Resulted in 3000 deaths, 250,000 injury’s, many long lasting health problems, $10 billion in damages
How did the superpowers respond to 9/11 and the war on terror
President Bush declared ‘war on terror’ a military collineation with NATO against Al-Qaeda . Troops captured Afghan cities and installed a new president that eased rules e.g. rules of women
- Bin laden killed in 2011
- 800,000 death due to W.O.T
- cost $6 trillion (what did the US gain?)
- infringed right of millions of innocent people
What are some key details about the global recession (2008)
An economic downturn between 2008-2013
Prolonged period of most worldwide low/negative growth, rising unemployment
It was argued it was the greed of the US banks that led to US decline then eventually to EU and world
How did the superpowers respond to the 2008 global recession
- The US government used $700 billion to purchase assets of companies to keep them in business to then sell at a later date
- Greece was the worst effected. Borrowed more money from superpowers than it could make. Asked for help from EU and IMF.
Received £250 billion.
Created higher taxes, poverty etc - EU granted Spain a support package of up to £90 billion
How did the superpowers respond to the covid pandemic
- USA had the highest case number and deaths tolls
- USA added $3.1 trillion to public debt in 4 months and unemployment peaked at 14.1% in April 2020
- Countries such as New Zealand and Sweden have been praised for their handling of the virus
- USA and UK contributed to the vaccines
(Oxford university made the first vaccine in just 11 months)
How have the superpowers responded to climate change
- China produced large amounts of emissions but also produce the highest amount of wind and solar energy globally
- USA withdrew from the Paris agreement 2015 in 2020 even though they are 2nd highest contributors in carbon dioxide emissions
