Africa, the Middle East, and Asia in the Era of Independence
During the era of decolonization, Western colonial powers tried to maintain control of their holdings, either through direct military intervention or through more subtle economic tactics. Local leaders were often supported if they agreed to repress popular uprisings, especially those motivated by the desire for democracy. Often times the Cold War offered Western powers a pretext for their draconian measures: “Perhaps we’re supporting a tyrant but it’s necessary. If we don’t keep control at whatever the cost, then this country might go red and fall in line with the communists. These puppet dictators are a means to an end–albeit a noble end.” This happened in South America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Those with a more cynical view on the matter suggest that these harsh and repressive Western-supported tactics were done to guarantee “client states”; that is, states who would be beholden to Western interests and who would supply natural resources (ie. oil) as conveniently and cheaply as possible.
Read/Watch this Adam Curtis blog from the BBC. In it he takes a look at the repressive history in Bahrain and Britain’s involvement in it.
Analyze similarities and differences in the rise of TWO of the following empires.
- A West African Sudanic empire (Mali OR Ghana OR Songhay)
- The Aztec Empire
- The Mongol Empire
Be sure to write an essay that:
• Has a relevant thesis and supports that thesis with appropriate historical evidence.
• Addresses all parts of the question.
• Makes direct, relevant comparisons.
• Analyzes relevant reasons for similarities and differences.
Question: Compare & contrast how the First World War and its outcomes affected TWO of the following regions in the period from the
war through the 1930’s:
East Asia, Middle East, South Asia.
Don’t brush this off. Use the opportunity to hone your skills at this critical time (ie. as the AP Exam looms on the horizon). Try to craft your best essay possible. Don’t forget that format is key. Make sure your intro paragraph provides a “Road Map” so that your reader easily knows how your essay will unfold. If you forget the criterion to score 9/9, refresh your memory by looking it up.
Click HERE for your chapter 33 Multiple-Choice questions. NOTE: be sure to also complete the short answer questions at the end.
The following items are due TUESDAY:
- click HERE for the multiple-choice quiz for chapter 30. Note: complete the 2 short answer questions at the end.
The following items are due WEDNESDAY:
- click HERE for the multiple-choice quiz for chapter 31. Note: complete the 3 short answer questions at the end.
***Check the website again by Saturday because I may add some other work. I know it’s painful but I want to make sure you’re firing on all cylinders for the exam. It’ll pay off in the end :)
This is a long chapter, hence the extra long multiple-choice quiz that goes along for it. This isn’t a random occurrence though. This chapter is long because it contains CRITICAL material. So many present-day realities are connected to the events that happened in this chapter. Be sure you know it well. Use its length to prioritize it over certain shorter chapters.
Click HERE for the quiz. It’s due on Tuesday along with your first attempt at the Compare & Contrast essay.
Remember that the deadline for the AP test is the end of February. If you don’t pay by then you won’t be able to write the exam! Go see Mr. Morgan for more details. Ideally, you should pay in the next few days. Take care of business so you can take care of business.