6 Key Periods Of Ap World History Unit 6

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The AP World History course is a comprehensive and challenging program that covers the entirety of human history, from the earliest civilizations to the present day. The course is divided into six key periods, each of which focuses on a specific era and geographic region. In this article, we will explore the sixth and final period of the AP World History course: Period 6.

Period 6: 1900-Present

The sixth period of the AP World History course spans the 20th and 21st centuries, from 1900 to the present day. This period is marked by significant global events, including two world wars, the rise of new world powers, and the decline of colonial empires.

During this period, the world experienced a significant shift in the global balance of power. The United States and the Soviet Union emerged as superpowers, and their rivalry played out in the Cold War. This period also saw the rise of new nations and the decline of colonial empires, as many countries in Africa and Asia gained independence.

Key Concepts and Themes

There are several key concepts and themes that are central to Period 6 of the AP World History course. Some of the most important include:

• Global conflict and cooperation: This period saw two devastating world wars, as well as numerous other conflicts and crises. However, it also saw the emergence of new international institutions and agreements, such as the United Nations and the Geneva Conventions.
• Imperialism and decolonization: As European colonial empires declined, many countries in Africa and Asia gained independence. This process was often marked by violence and conflict, but it also led to the emergence of new nations and the growth of global diversity.
• Globalization and economic development: This period saw significant advances in technology and economic development, as well as the growth of global trade and commerce. However, it also saw significant economic inequality and poverty, both within and between nations.
• Social and cultural change: This period saw significant social and cultural changes, including the rise of feminism and civil rights movements, as well as the growth of new technologies and media.

Key Events and Dates

There are several key events and dates that are central to Period 6 of the AP World History course. Some of the most important include:

• 1900: The Boxer Rebellion in China marks the beginning of the end of the Qing dynasty and the rise of Western influence in China.
• 1914-1918: World War I ravages Europe and marks the beginning of a new era of global conflict.
• 1917: The Russian Revolution leads to the establishment of the Soviet Union and the rise of communism as a major world power.
• 1929: The global economic crisis known as the Great Depression begins, leading to widespread poverty and economic instability.
• 1939-1945: World War II devastates Europe and Asia, leading to the emergence of the United States and the Soviet Union as superpowers.
• 1945: The United Nations is established to promote international cooperation and prevent future wars.
• 1950s-1960s: The Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union begins, marked by proxy wars, espionage, and nuclear rivalry.
• 1960s-1970s: The civil rights movement in the United States and the feminist movement globally lead to significant social and cultural changes.
• 1989: The fall of the Berlin Wall marks the beginning of the end of the Cold War and the decline of communism as a major world power.
• 1991: The Soviet Union is dissolved, marking the end of the Cold War and the emergence of a new era of global politics.

Key Figures

There are several key figures who played important roles in Period 6 of the AP World History course. Some of the most important include:

• Vladimir Lenin: The Russian revolutionary who led the Bolsheviks to power in 1917 and established the Soviet Union.
• Joseph Stalin: The Soviet leader who ruled from 1922 to 1953 and implemented policies of industrialization and collectivization.
• Adolf Hitler: The German leader who ruled from 1933 to 1945 and implemented policies of aggression and genocide.
• Franklin D. Roosevelt: The American president who led the country through the Great Depression and World War II.
• Mao Zedong: The Chinese revolutionary who led the Communist Party to power in 1949 and implemented policies of land reform and collectivization.
• Nelson Mandela: The South African leader who fought against apartheid and became the first black president of South Africa.

Key Documents and Sources

There are several key documents and sources that are central to Period 6 of the AP World History course. Some of the most important include:

• The Treaty of Versailles (1919): The treaty that ended World War I and imposed harsh penalties on Germany.
• The Soviet Constitution (1936): The constitution that established the Soviet Union as a socialist state.
• The Atlantic Charter (1941): The agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom that established the Allied goals for World War II.
• The United Nations Charter (1945): The charter that established the United Nations and its principles of international cooperation.
• The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948): The declaration that established the principles of human rights and dignity.

Key Terms and Concepts

There are several key terms and concepts that are central to Period 6 of the AP World History course. Some of the most important include:

• Imperialism: The policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization and exploitation.
• Nationalism: The movement for independence and self-determination among nations and ethnic groups.
• Communism: The ideology that advocates for the abolition of private property and the establishment of a socialist state.
• Fascism: The ideology that advocates for a strong centralized state and the suppression of individual rights.
• Globalization: The process of increasing global interconnectedness and interdependence.

We hope this article has provided a helpful overview of Period 6 of the AP World History course. Remember to study carefully and review the key concepts, events, and figures of this period in order to succeed on the AP exam.