3.3

• What was the nature of global power in the 19th century?

  The 19th century was a multipolar world where no single superpower dominated globally, though the British Empire held the most territory. Many empires were formed through colonialism, with powerful nations directly controlling overseas territories, often by force.
• How did the bi-polar world emerge in the 20th century?

  British colonial dominance was eventually challenged by the rapid industrialisation of the USA and the rise of the USSR. By 1945, following World War II, a bi-polar world had formed, with the USA and USSR as the two dominant global superpowers, leading to decades of global tension known as the Cold War.
• What role did military alliances play during the Cold War?

  Military power was central to the Cold War, with the USA and USSR forming alliances to maintain influence. The USSR led the Warsaw Pact and created the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance, while the USA and its allies formed NATO to defend Western democratic interests. These alliances reinforced the divide between capitalist and communist blocs.
• How did political influence shape the Cold War period?

  After 1945, political ideology became a key source of influence. The threat of nuclear war discouraged direct conflict, leading to a heavily defended divide across Europe known as the Iron Curtain. Moscow exerted strong control over Eastern European countries, while NATO countries maintained peace and promoted Western political ideals in the West.
• How was cultural influence used during the Cold War?

  The Cold War became a battle of ideas and propaganda. In the USA, McCarthyism aimed to root out communism through televised hearings and public accusations. Popular films and television often portrayed communists as threats, contributing to public fear and mistrust of the USSR without actual warfare.
• What was the role of economic influence after 1945?

  The USA extended its global influence through economic aid like the Marshall Plan, helping rebuild Western Europe and prevent the spread of communism. Later, it invested in the 'Asian Tigers' to stimulate growth in East Asia. This strategy, known as neo-colonialism, aimed to foster development, but much of the funding went toward military spending rather than social or economic infrastructure.
• What led to the rise of the USA as a uni-polar superpower?

  The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the end of East Germany’s communist government, and the 1991 collapse of the USSR marked the end of the bi-polar world. The USA emerged as the world’s sole superpower, dominating economically, culturally, politically, and militarily for several decades.
• How is China challenging US dominance in the 21st century?

  China has rapidly expanded its global influence economically and politically, aiming to challenge the USA’s superpower status. However, its rise comes with internal challenges, including censorship, authoritarian governance, and limited personal freedoms, which may limit its long-term influence compared to democratic nations.