14.6 – Read the Text #4: Putting It All Together
Click the start button below to listen to a recording of Module 14 Reading Text [or listen as your teacher reads] OR take just a couple of minutes to scan the text again quickly. Think about any words or information you still have questions about. Then discuss the critical thinking questions as a class.
READING TEXT
Module 14: International Relations
By the year 1900, the United States was a strong country, both economically and politically. It had also acquired territories such as Puerto Rico and Guam. Internationally, other countries started to recognize the U.S. as a world power. As the early 20th century (1900-1999) progressed, the world became more interconnected. Therefore, the U.S. had to rethink and determine its role in the world.
In the 19th century (1800-1899), in Europe, while some empires declined, new powers, such as Germany, emerged. European countries were all trying to have global influence. There was also a rise in nationalism. Different ethnic groups wanted to become independent. Many countries formed alliances, so when one country had a conflict, their allies could help. In 1914, a European leader was assassinated. Many countries used that as an excuse to take over more land and power. This started World War I. This global conflict lasted until 1918. In the beginning, the United States did not join the fighting. The U.S. leaders believed that the war was a European problem, so they did not want to get involved. However, the U.S. joined the war in 1917 to help its allies (Great Britain, France, Italy, and Russia) defeat Germany and the Austria-Hungary and Ottoman Empires.
In 1939, many countries around the world went to war again. There were many causes of the Second World War. Most of the world had serious economic difficulties. This led to the rise of dictators. For example, the German dictator Adolf Hitler wanted total control over his country. He also wanted to expand Germany’s influence over other countries. Nazi forces under Hitler killed millions of innocent people, especially Jews, Roma, and Sinti people, and queer or homosexual people. By 1941, Germany, Italy, and Japan became allies. Their armies invaded many countries. The U.S. had not yet entered the war. However, this changed after the Japanese attacked a U.S. military base (Pearl Harbor) in 1941. Then the U.S. joined the side of Great Britain and Russia. After years of fighting, 70-80 million lives were lost. The war ended in Europe in May 1945. Japan surrendered later that year after the U.S. dropped two atomic bombs on Nagasaki and Hiroshima. The U.S. and its allies won the war.
After two devastating world wars in the 20th century, many countries agreed to create an organization to help resolve conflicts before they turned into war. So, they created the United Nations (U.N.). The goal of the U.N. is to maintain international peace and security. Another goal is to promote economic, educational, and human rights throughout the world. World War I and World War II showed the human cost of war and the importance of solving conflicts with diplomacy instead of fighting.
At the end of World War II, both the United States and the Soviet Union emerged as very strong nations, but both countries had different political, economic, and social systems. The United States followed the economic and political idea of capitalism (or a free market economy), while the Soviet Union followed communism (a government-controlled economy). Both countries thought that their system was the best and tried to influence other places around the globe, sometimes by force. The struggle between the U.S. and the Soviet Union was called the Cold War. Both the United States and the Soviet Union had atomic nuclear weapons, but they did not want to use them against each other, so they avoided direct fighting. The Cold War ended in the late 20th century when the communist government of the Soviet Union collapsed.
In the 21st century (2000-present), the role of the U.S. in the world is always evolving in international relations. One major series of events that affected recent international relations were the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the U.S. In response to these attacks, the U.S. spent much of the early 21st century in military conflicts in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. As the century continues, changes occur quickly in technology, communications, climate, medicine, and commerce. These changes give Americans many challenges and opportunities in developing international relationships.
Review Questions
Students take turns reading questions aloud; discuss the answers as a class or in small groups.
- Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s.
- Can you name some countries that are capitalist countries? Communist countries?
- How did diplomatic relationships between nations change after World Wars I and II?
LET’S WRITE! Remember, a summary includes the main idea and major supporting details.
Now, you will write a brief summary of the reading text for this module on U.S International Relations. Think about 3-5 points that you would write to someone who hasn’t read the text.
Write your summary in your notebook. You can work on your own or with a partner. You may be asked to share it with the class.
