AP World History Modern Book 3: The Contemporary Era 1900 C.E – Present

AP World History Modern Book 3: The Contemporary Era 1900 C.E – Present

The AP World History Modern Gray Module (Part 3) focuses on the Contemporary Era, covering the years from 1900 to the present. This period is full of significant changes in politics, society, economics, and technology worldwide. This module helps students understand the major events and trends that have shaped our modern world.

Key Themes and Topics

1. World Wars and Global Conflicts:
   • World Wars: Learn about the causes and impacts of World War I and World War II, including the alliances, imperial goals, and nationalist movements that sparked these wars.
   • Aftermath: Understand how these wars changed global politics, led to the rise of the US and the Soviet Union as superpowers, and set the stage for the Cold War.
   • Cold War: Explore the ideological battle between capitalism (led by the US) and communism (led by the Soviet Union), the arms race, and various proxy wars.
2. Decolonization and Independence Movements:
   • End of Empires: Study how colonial empires fell and new nations emerged in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
   • Key Figures and Events: Learn about important leaders and events, like Mahatma Gandhi’s role in India’s independence, the creation of Pakistan, Algeria’s struggle for freedom, and the end of apartheid in South Africa.
3. Economic and Technological Transformations:
   • Economic Shifts: Discover the changes in the global economy, including the Great Depression, the rise of new economic ideas, and the post-World War II economic boom.
   • Globalization and Technology: Understand how globalization and the digital revolution have connected the world and transformed daily life.
4. Social and Cultural Developments:
   • Social Movements: Learn about significant social changes, such as the civil rights movements, feminist movements, and LGBTQ+ rights movement.
   • Cultural Shifts: Explore how mass media, popular culture, and the arts have both influenced and been influenced by historical events.
5. Environmental and Demographic Changes:
   • Environmental Issues: Study the environmental challenges of our time, like climate change, deforestation, and pollution.
   • Population Changes: Understand how population growth, urbanization, and migration have impacted global society.

Skills Development

While studying this module, students will build important historical thinking skills:

• Analyzing Sources: Learn to evaluate historical documents, images, and other sources to create strong historical arguments.
• Comparative Analysis: Compare different regions, periods, and themes to find similarities and differences in historical developments.
• Causation and Continuity: Explore the causes and effects of historical events and identify patterns of continuity and change over time.

Assessment and Application

The module includes various assessments, such as essays, document-based questions (DBQs), and multiple-choice questions, to prepare students for the AP World History exam. Interactive activities, discussions, and projects help students actively engage with the material.

In summary, the AP World History Modern Gray Module (Part 3) provides an accessible and comprehensive look at the Contemporary Era. It equips students with the knowledge and skills to understand and analyze the complex and interconnected world of the 20th and 21st centuries.