L1.6 - Convulsing or Dead

Question 1

Why did most colonial powers lose their colonies by 1970?

Answer 1

Due to post war bankruptcy, no money was left to defend or run colonies
Anti-colonial movements grew stronger and demands for independence couldn’t be ignored

Question 2

When did the USA grow significantly in superpower status?

Answer 2

From 1945-1990 when the era was dominated by the Cold War

Question 3

What has the global pattern of power changed from?

Answer 3

Gone from unipolar (British Empire) to a bipolar world (USA competing with Russia)

Question 4

What is meant by the term ‘unipolar’?

Answer 4

Dominated by one hyperpower

Question 5

What is meant by the term ‘multipolar’?

Answer 5

A complex position, many relationships between equally powerful states, so opportunities to misjudge could increase due to the fear of alliances

Question 6

How did the USA prevent Russia from growing in superpower status?

Answer 6

During the era dominated by the Cold war- USA was growing in superpower status, their military bases aimed at USSR and prevented the spreading of communism

Question 7

What was the superpower relationship like between the USA and Russia?

Answer 7

It was commonly seen as ‘USA vs USSR’ - constantly competing to gain the higher status

Question 8

Why is post-Soviet Russia no longer seen as a superpower status?

Answer 8

• A lot of Russia’s early administrations were USA backed (they were supported into power with the backing of US intelligence)
• A lot of propaganda around ‘US beat USSR’
• US began invading countries which were USSR backed e.g. Iraq