AP World History: Modern

Advanced Placement World History: Modern examining global developments from 1200 CE to present.

The Rise and Expansion of Empires (1200–1450)Transregional Interactions and Trade NetworksRevolutions and Transformations (1750–1900)
Imperialism and Its Global ImpactGlobal Conflicts and World WarsModern Globalization and Technological Change
Analyzing Primary and Secondary SourcesMaking Historical ArgumentsConnecting the Past to the Present
Mastering the DBQ (Document-Based Question)Effective Time Management on the Exam
The Rise and Expansi...Transregional Intera...Revolutions and Tran...Imperialism and Its ...Global Conflicts and...Modern Globalization...Analyzing Primary an...Making Historical Ar...Connecting the Past ...Mastering the DBQ (D...Effective Time Manag...
Advanced Topics

Global Conflicts and World Wars

The World at War

The 20th century was marked by two devastating World Wars and countless regional conflicts.

World War I (1914–1918)

  • Causes: Nationalism, alliances, imperial tensions, and militarism.
  • Trench Warfare: Brutal, static fighting on the Western Front.
  • Aftermath: Collapse of empires, redrawing of borders, and the League of Nations.

World War II (1939–1945)

  • Causes: Treaty of Versailles, rise of fascism, expansionist policies.
  • The Holocaust: Systematic genocide of millions.
  • Atomic Age: Nuclear weapons changed warfare forever.

Global Impact

  • Decolonization: Colonies worldwide pushed for independence.
  • International Organizations: United Nations founded to prevent future wars.

Why This Matters

These conflicts shaped today's political boundaries, alliances, and global institutions.

Examples

  • The end of World War II led to the creation of the United Nations.

  • India gained independence from Britain after World War II.

In a Nutshell

World Wars reshaped nations, societies, and the global order in the 20th century.

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Modern Globalization and Technological Change