Global Transformations: Population Shifts, Imperialism, and the Cold War Era

Global Transformations: 1870–1991 Historical Dynamics

Population Growth and Urbanization (1870–1914)

Between 1870 and 1914, the European population accelerated its growth, rising from approximately 300 million to 400 million people.

Emigration Abroad: Emigration was favored by improved and less expensive means of transport. It initially originated from:

• The United Kingdom
• Ireland
• Scandinavia

The main destinations for these migrants were the United States, Latin America, Australia, and New Zealand.

Urbanization: Cities significantly increased their population. By the late 19th or early 20th century, cities were home to a third or half of the population, and some major centers, like Paris or London, held over one million people.

Imperialism and Colonialism: Key Differences

From 1870, European colonial expansion turned decisively toward Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, entering a new phase known as Imperialism.

Imperialism vs. Colonies Defined

• Imperialism (IMP): Inspired the military, political, and economic control of a European power over dominated territories.
• Colonies (COLS): Were territories under the sovereignty of the metropole (the ruling country).

Types of Colonial Control

Position Colonies

Control of strategic points (e.g., the British Cape Colony).

Settler Colonialism

Involved the large-scale settlement of foreign populations. These colonies were often self-administered (e.g., British Dominions).

Exploitation Colonies

Colonialism was mainly focused on indigenous labor and resources. These colonies were directly administered by the metropole.

The Scramble for Africa and the Berlin Conference

The major powers set out to explore the continent and create continuous empires. To prevent possible clashes, they met at the Berlin Conference (1884–1885), which established the rules for the occupation of the continent:

1. The possession of a coastal strip gave the right to occupy the interior.
2. Guaranteed free navigation on the Niger and Congo rivers.
3. Established free trade in Central Africa.

The United Kingdom attempted to form a continuous colonial strip from Cairo to the Cape. France extended its influence...

The Cold War Era (1945–1991)

Between 1945 and 1991, the relationship between the two major blocs (the US and the USSR) was marked by the so-called "Cold War"—a period of intense geopolitical tension.

Phases of the Cold War

A Time of Great Tension (1947–1956)

The rupture between the two blocs began in 1947. U.S. President Harry Truman proclaimed the "Doctrine of Containment" to limit Soviet expansion.

Peaceful Coexistence (1956–1976)

Began in 1956, marked by a desire for dialogue between the two blocs. This period was favored by the increase in nuclear power.

The Resurgence of the Cold War (1977–1985)

Characterized by an increased arms race, especially focused on nuclear weapons.

The End of the Cold War (1985–1991)

In 1985, a change in trend began. The Soviet Union intensified dialogue with the United States, leading to the eventual dissolution of the USSR.