What political changes swept through Europe during the second half of the twentieth century?
After World War II, Europe was devastated. Thanks to the U.S. and other allies, the countries quickly recovered their industries, flourished and were able to provide many services for their citizens. Many countries joined together to form the European Union, a powerful political entity that enforced fairly uniform conditions across the EU and is a major trader in the world market, partly because of the Euro dollar.
With the fall of communism and the Soviet Union, several new countries were formed -- Slovenia, Serbia, Croatia, Macedonia, Czech Republic, and Slovakia -- among others.
To understand the political changes that swept through Europe during the second half of the twentieth century, we can look at the major events and movements that influenced the region's political landscape. Here are some key points:
1. Decolonization: After World War II, European colonial powers began to decolonize their overseas territories. This process led to the emergence of newly independent nations in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean.
2. Cold War: The division between Western capitalist countries and Eastern communist countries shaped European politics. The Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union influenced political ideologies, military alliances, and international relations in Europe.
3. European Integration: The establishment of the European Union (formerly the European Economic Community) in 1957 aimed to promote economic cooperation and political integration among member states. Over time, the EU expanded its membership and developed common policies in various areas, including trade, agriculture, and social issues.
4. Fall of the Iron Curtain: Beginning in the late 1980s, a wave of political changes occurred in Eastern Europe, leading to the collapse of communist regimes. The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 symbolized the reunification of East and West Germany and paved the way for the eventual disintegration of the Soviet Union.
5. Reunification and Balkan Wars: The reunification of Germany in 1990 brought significant changes to Europe's political landscape. Meanwhile, conflicts erupted in the Balkans, leading to the breakup of Yugoslavia and the subsequent wars in the 1990s.
To delve deeper into these topics and understand specific political changes in different countries, it is recommended to consult historical sources, academic journals, and reliable news outlets.