COMPILED BY SHIRLEY SONG

WORLD HISTORY HONORS FINALS STUDY GUIDE

Quick Facts consist of a general idea/big points of the chapter; any other facts I think are too small/irrelevant to be
on there I did not include (its only 30 MC Qs), so yes I think just studying these are enough. Essential Questions
are copied straight from the final review sheet--a sample of how I would answer them in open-ended form.
Good luck on the final, and lastly:
Please be sure to thank Ms. Giambrone for this year. No matter if you liked having her as a teacher or not, we
learned a hell of a lot in this class and she really is a great person who has truly done a lot for us.

Post-Cold War Europe (Ch29 Sec3&4)

Quick Facts:

Soviet Union Russia on December 25, 1991

Gorbachev Last USSR head of state, liberal, revived economy, summits with Reagan,
perestroika (restructuring) & glasnost (openness)
European Union: economic/political organization uniting 28 countries
Summits: Reagan-Gorbachev meetings (4 notable) Geneva, Reykjavik, DC, Moscow
Solidarity: Polish trade union, formed at Gdansk Shipyard, led by Lech Walesa
NATO: military alliance of defense, stop the spread of communism
Warsaw Pact: defense alliance of communist states, formed in reaction to NATO to keep
control of East Europe
Boris Yeltsin: 1st president Russia Federation, privatization
Margaret Thatcher: PM of GB, worked with Gorbachev, Iron Lady, succeeded by John
Major, todays PM is David Cameron
Pope John Paul II: credited with ending Communist rule in Poland/Europe
Alexander Dubcek: led Czechoslovakia, Prague Spring
Andropov: USSR leader, recommended Gorbachev, stop revolts in satellite nations
Brezhnev: military to Afghanistan, cult of personality, doctrine united Warsaw Pact
countries, SALT-II with Carter
Khrushchev: thawed USSR, destalinization, Cuban Missile Crisis 1962
Josef Tito: Yugoslavia 1st president, benevolent dictator
Milosevic: Serbia then Yugoslavia president, Socialist, crimes against humanity
Angela Merkel: Chancellor of Germany (current), de facto leader of European Union
Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF): 1987 in Reykjavik; Reagan-Gorbachev
agree to limit arms
Commonwealth of Independent States: founded 1991, former Soviet Republics symbolic
organization

Essential Questions:
Major changes Gorbachev brought that led to change in Europe:
Gorbachev implemented policies of glasnost, openness, and perestroika, restructuring, to
improve foreign relations and reform politically/economically. His actions counteracted many
Soviet policies and paved the way for growth.
Impact on Eastern European States/USSR:

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Though Gorbachev pushed for freedoms and reforms, the USSR broke up after his tenure
and eastern European states such as Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia formed.
Ethnicity, nationalism, religions role in Yugoslavia breakup:
As nationalism grew among the many different ethnic/religious groups of Yugoslavia,
some republics wanted to declare independence. For example, Serbia tried to break off, as well
as Bosnia and Herzegovina, resulting in conflict with the Bosnian Serbs that did not wish to
become independent. Ethnic cleansing was used against Bosnian Muslims. Tensions continued
for years until the region was eventually broken up.
European Unions actions:
The European Unions goal was to create a single economic unit large enough to compete
with the US, but due to inequities in its members, this never really happened. However, they
implemented positive actions such as creating a single market, meaning its members would trade
more exclusively with each other. In addition, the euro was created as the single currency among
members. Perhaps most importantly, national barriers were broken down among European states
as greater mobility was allowed. Border controls were softened allowing people/goods/money to
travel freely, so it was easier to live in one country and work abroad.
NATOs role:
Without a communist antagonist, the role of NATO has changed into a peacekeeping
organization that cracks down on terrorism and security.

Asia, 1945-Present (Ch30)

Quick Facts:

Gandhi Quit India campaign, GB rule ended

1947 partition Ali Jinnah of Muslim League called for, divided into Hindu and Muslim
states
Nehru: Indias first PM. Economic/social reforms, modernization, non-aligned
Kashmir: disputed territory claimed by India/Pakistan/China, much fighting
Indira Gandhi PM, vs. Sikh independence movement, assassinated
Pakistan civil war, East sought independence Bangladesh 1971
Indochina Vietminh vs. France for independence
Ho Chi Minh: leader of Vietminh
Vietnam Communist north, US backed South
Domino Theory: Eisenhower warned that if Vietnam falls to communism, other SE Asian
countries would follow
Vietcong: Vietnamese Communists, opposed Diem (south leader) / want reunification
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution: not formal declaration of war, Lyndon Johnson 1964
Tet Offensive: war expanded to Cambodia/Laos, used Ho Chi Minh Trail to supply
US withdrew in 1973; war ended 1975

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Khmer Rouge: Communist group in Cambodia

Pol Pot: leader of Khmer Rouge; established Communist country of Democratic
Kampuchea, killed lots of people, everyone should be a simple peasant
Great Leap Forward: Chinese program by Mao to increase industrial/agricultural output,
resulted in famine/
Cultural Revolution: movement by Mao to rid Chinas old ways, eliminate intellectuals,
Red Guards carried out work, overall
Gang of Four: led by Jiang Qing; later imprisoned
Deng Xiaoping: led four modernizations/economic growth, Tiananmen Square
crackdown
Japan 1- demilitarize 2- democratic gov 3- economic reforms
US general MacArthur in charge of rebuilding Japan
Korean War spurred on Japanese economy (supplies exported)
Philippines: Presidents Marcos (dictator ) and Aquino
North Korea: Kim Il Sung Kim Jong Il Kim Jong Un
Asian Tigers: Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore (economy )
Thailand never colonized

Essential Questions:
Factors leading to the creation of new governments in post-WWII Asia:
Independence movements grew stronger in European colonies due to exhausted
militaries/economies of European powers, growing nationalism, and the Atlantic Charter, which
stated that countries should have the right to self-determination.
Factors explaining the new governments successes/failures:
Education was vital in a new nations success, providing skilled workers necessary for
industrial expansion. Economic aid from the US also helped. Nations that failed saw corrupt,
brutal leaders and an overly strong government. Eventually, governments that held fair elections
were on the way to reform.
Geography/climates of areas effects on economic/political developments:
A nation may be severely hindered due to geographic effects. For example, Indonesia, an
island nation, was devastated with a 2004 tsunami. Furthermore, Japan was situated in an
optimal position for trade, primarily during the Korean War given its close proximity, and so was
able to boost its economy greatly. On the other hand, Japan lacked natural resources and so had
to import many materials.
Why some nations have been more economically successful:
Education helped provide a skilled workforce in the Asian Pacific Rim nations. Also,
their locations in the Pacific connected to trade routes. Industrialization and capitalist policies
played a large role in economic success. On a whole, a stable government (politically) correlated
with economic success as well as the nations were capable of focusing on economic growth in
the first place (like their people werent busy getting killed by the dictator, that helped).

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Human rights issues:

Due to strong leaders who seized control, many nations experienced human rights
violations such as mass killings in Cambodia by the Khmer Rouge. Furthermore, controversy
concerning religious freedoms/censorship is prominent in China today. It is a trend that political
protesters disappear, or get taken away to be tortured and/or killed. North Korea is a notable
example of a nation with serious human rights issues.

Africa, 1945-Present (Ch31 Sec1&2)

Quick Facts:

Ghana: first British colony to achieve independence (Gold Coast)

Nationalist movement, Nkrumah leads CPP, 1st PM/president
Kenya: British colony; cash crops, Kenyatta = leader of nationalist movement/1st PM
Mau Mau violence by Kikuyu farmers
French PM = Charles de Gaulle, allowed referendum, French Community
Congo: Belgium ownership; Mobutu
South Africa: apartheid segregation, African National Congress protest
Mandela = leader, jailed; de Klerk: president
Rwanda Genocide: 1994 Hutus target Tutsis, UN didnt intervene
Sudan: War in Darfur (recent), president al-Bashir accused of crimes against humanity,
Janjaweed militia group
Somalia: independence from GB; warlords fighting, piracy
Liberia: THINK USA
AIDS affects millions
North = Islam; South = Christianity

Essential Questions:
Factors leading to the creation of new governments in post-WWII Africa:
European powers began decolonization in 1945 following WWII as their
militaries/economies were depleted and the Atlantic Charter defined the right of nations to selfdetermination. Furthermore, nationalism grew in African colonies; they demanded independence
after fighting on the Allies side in the war.
Factors explaining the new governments successes/failures:
Many leaders were highly corrupt. One-party rule and military dictatorships were a trend.
The numerous ethnic rivalries caused conflicts such as civil war and democracy was strived for
but not attained.
Geography/climates of areas effects on economic/political developments:

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Desertification is a prominent issue in Africa as lands to grow cash crops in are

decreasing, hindering economic growth/stability. The harsh climates of Africa also contribute to
difficulties in transportation, specifically through the vast Sahara Desert. Furthermore, political
developments were stalled when numerous Rwandans were fleeing genocide into nearby
countries like Uganda and the DRC. On the bright side, some nations were positioned closer to
important waterways such as the Red or Mediterranean Seas, allowing for easier access to
European trade.
Why some nations have been more economically successful:
Many African nations are economically challenged as they must combat the
disadvantages of disease and environment. The World Bank did little to support governments and
due to a lack of infrastructure/industrialization, their exports were fragile.

North Africa and the Middle East, 1945-Present (Ch30 Sec3&4)

Quick Facts:

Zionist movement, Balfour Declaration prompt Jewish homeland creation in Israel (May
14th, 1948)
David Ben-Gurion = 1st PM
1st Arab-Israeli War 1948, Transjordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt, Syria (TILES) attack Israel
but lose
2nd Arab-Israeli War (6 Day War) 1967, Jordan Iraq Syria Egypt (JISE) mobilize on
Egypts borders, Israel strikes first (preemptive) and wins/gains land
3rd Arab-Israeli War (Yom Kippur War) 1973, Egypt/Syria attack Israel, no gain/loss for
either side
Baghdad Pact: US-led alliance + Euros vs. Communism in ME
Pan-Arabism: Arabs unite, ex: Egypt/Syria United Arab Republic
Camp David Accords: 1978 US-sponsored talks, Begin of Israel and Sadat of Egypt
mediated by Carter
Egypt = 1st Arab country to recognize Israel, in return Israel gives back Sinai Peninsula
Nasser: president of Egypt, overthrew pro-British King Farouk in military coup, arms
deal with Czechoslovakia, nationalized Suez Canal (Suez Crisis but Nasser wins)
Iran: Islamic Republic; Shah Pahlavi industrialized, overthrown 1979 political asylum
in US for cancer, prompts hostages in Tehrans US embassy
Iraq: Saddam Hussein president/dictator 1979, Iran-Iraq War/Persian Gulf War
(oil)/Iraq War (US thinks they have WMDs)
OPEC: Organization of Petroleum Exporting Coutries, cartel to regulate production of oil
exports (Iraq, Kuwait, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela etc.)
Intifada: violent Palestinian uprisings, ended with Oslo Accords
Hamas: largest Palestinian militant Islamist organization, NO ISRAEL
Camp David Summit: Clinton gets Palestines Arafat and Israels Barak to Camp David,
no compromise

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Palestinian Liberation Organization: goal is to create Palestine state/destroy Israel,

USA considers them terrorist

Essential Questions:
Factors leading to the creation of new governments in post-WWII North Africa/Middle East:
European powers began decolonization in 1945 following WWII as their
militaries/economies were depleted and the Atlantic Charter defined the right of nations to selfdetermination. Furthermore, nationalism grew in the colonies; they demanded independence after
fighting on the Allies side in the war.
Factors explaining the new governments successes/failures:
Successful governments generally were in nations that gained independence earlier.
Leaders who appeased religious groups had more support.
Geography/climates of areas effects on economic/political developments:
Many Middle Eastern nations are fortunate to have large amounts of oil in their lands,
and it is a major fuel for economic successes for places such as Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Iran.
Furthermore, countries like Egypt have strategic positioning for trade, as they control the Suez
Canal and can regulate which countries use it/what tariff to place upon its travel. On the flip side,
nations such as Jordan and Lebanon are caught up in military struggles and their developments
are hindered due to fighting between Arabs and Israelites.
Why some nations have been more economically successful:
OIL, basically.
Impact of religion in the Middle East:
Islam is a highly prevalent religion in the region. Some nations such as Pakistan, Iran,
and Afghanistan are Islamic Republics, meaning they are ruled by Islamic law. Religion has
shaped leaders policies and is a basis for the way of life for most of the population. For example,
womens dress is an area influenced by religion.
Human rights issues:
Much fighting still takes place between Palestinians and Israelites; organizations such as
the Hamas are deemed terrorist by the US.

Latin America, 1945-Present (Ch32)

Quick Facts:

Liberation Theology: church should be active in economic/social equality

Urbanization people moved to cities
o Food shortages, unsafe drinking water, cramped conditions etc. problems

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Argentina: Juan Peron, populist dictator, wife Eva Peron made him well liked. Dirty War
disappearing people
Brazil: Kubitschek father of modern Brazil modernization (Brazilian Miracle),
hyperinflation in the 70s
Chile: Allende assassinated; economy bad so CIA funds $ for coup, Pinochet Junta
commander takes power
Cuba: Batista, dictator, overtaken by Castro communism/anti-US, Bay of Pigs
Kennedy fail + Cuban Missile Crisis 1962
Organization of American States (OAS): US-led cooperative group, NO COMMUNISM
NAFTA: 1992, USA/CAN/Mexico signed North American Free Trade Agreement

Essential Questions:
Geography/climates of areas effects on economic/political developments:
Some areas of Latin America are more suited for certain crops. The regions without
geographic difficulties such as the Andes Mountains have an advantage. Depending on what
ocean is bordered, nations also have access to other countries trade. Climate-wise, the Amazon
Rainforest spans through northern South America.
Factors explaining the new governments successes/failures:
The US backed several nations due to economic interests. Alliances helped as seen in
CubaCastro used the USSR as protection of sorts. Violence was frequent in places such as El
Salvador, which used death squads, or Nicaraguas oppressive Somoza family rule.
Why some nations have been more economically successful:
The more developed countries with less violence have been better off economically.
Some nations that joined organizations such as Venezuela in OPEC benefit from the
connectedness. On a whole, Latin America is still struggling economically.