Unit 8: Cold War and Decolonization, c. 1900 to the present

Cold War and Decolonization is the title of Unit Eight, and it picks up right after World War II. Two global movements are covered in concurrence throughout this unit: the spread of communism that brought about US-USSR tension, and formation of independent states through decolonization. After setting the stage for the Cold War, this unit discusses its effects and how communism continued to spread throughout the 20th century, also introducing newly formed states that separated from their Imperial overlords. After taking a look at forms of resistance that took place worldwide against established powers, the unit concludes with the end of the Cold War and thawing of tensions. Students should focus on causation within this time period, especially in considering the events that led to, intensified, and later ended the Cold War.