ASIAN

REVOLUTIONS
IN THE 20 TH

CENTURY
 REVOLUTIONS
IN THE 20TH CENTURY

Revolutions in the Middle East were a product of the growth of nationalism, imperialism, efforts to westernize and modernize
Middle Eastern societies, and the declining power of the Ottoman Empire in the Arab region. World War I led to the end of
the Ottoman Empire , leaving an enormous political vacuum only temporarily filled by the mandates created by France and
Great Britain . In addition, Jewish nationalism, or Zionism, created further impetus for change in the region, and the interwar
years saw the historical roots of the current Arab-Israeli Conflict. Modernizing movements in Turkey and Persia (soon to be
called Iran), along with Arab nationalism, created momentum for revolution along with the backlash that was waged by those
opposed to such rapid changes. The continued presence of European powers, the discovery of rich oil deposits, and the
specific national aspirations of the new states in the Middle East contributed to the instability. The years following World War
II saw the creation of the state of Israel , the rise of Arab Socialism in Egypt and surrounding states, Palestinian nationalism
with its demand for an independent nation, and the Iranian Revolution of 1979, which resulted in the rise of political Islam. In
addition, growing reliance by the West on oil, and the confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union known as
the Cold War, would make the Middle East a central site for foreign intervention. All of these developments bred the desire
for rapid change countered by the longing for the stability of traditional cultures. While Asia experienced many of the same
influences that created revolution in the Middle East , the role played by oil, the Arab-Israeli crisis, and the rise of political
Islam have been unique features that continue to make for a revolutionary Middle East.
 KEY FIGURES IN
ASIA’S REVOLUTION

Mao Zedong of China, Ho Chi Minh of Vietnam, Gandhi of India,

Sukarno of Indonesia, Nasser of Egypt, Ataturk of Turkey, and
Khomeini of Iran are featured. To compare the strategies and
ideologies that guided these revolutions.
 ASIA MODERN
SCIENCE AND THINKING

The scientific revolution, which emphasized systematic experimentation as the

most valid research method, resulted in developments in mathematics, physics,
astronomy, biology, and chemistry. These developments transformed the views of
society about nature. At present, probably the most notable country in Asia in
terms of its technological and scientific achievement is Japan, which is particularly
known for its electronics and automobile products. In recent years, China and India
have also once again become major contributors to science and technology.
 CONTROVERSIES
MET THE ASIAN
REVOLUTION

It examines the impact of colonialism, nationalist/revolutionary

movements, military conflict, political developments and socio-
economic change. It also examines patterns of transitions in Asia
societies and cultures. Emphasis is placed on the development of
modern Asian states through de-colonization, war economic
development and circumstances leading to the rise of the ‘Asian
Century’ by 2000.