Transcript Chapter-10
Conflict and Change Chapter 10 Lesson 1 – Conflicts After WWII The United Nations was created in 1945 at the end of WWII. Countries joined the UN to work together for peace. The United States and the Soviet Union became the two most powerful countries in the world. Even though they were both UN members, they had many differences. Two “Superpowers” The Soviet Union was controlled by a communist government. Communism is a political and economic system in which the government owns most or all the businesses and land. People have little freedom. Two “Superpowers” The United States has an elected government and free enterprise system. People can start their own businesses and own property. Conflicts Conflicts began between the two superpowers when the Soviet Union encouraged other countries to become communist. This conflict between the two superpowers became known as the Cold War. The Cold War was fought only with the threat of powerful weapons. This period of tension, or a nervous or hostile feeling, lasted from 1945-1989. That’s about 44 years! The Cold War in Europe The imaginary “iron curtain” divides the communist countries from the noncommunist countries. Korean Conflict During the Cold War, the United States was trying to prevent the spread of communism. In June 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea. North Korea was trying to force South Korea into becoming a communist country. The UN sent troops from 16 nations, including the U.S., to stop the invasion. This became known as the Korean Conflict. Map illustration of the Korean Conflict Vietnam War Another conflict started in the 1960s. North Vietnam wanted South Vietnam to become a communist country, so they started fighting. President Johnson sent U.S. troops to fight in 1964. Almost 10 years later, President Nixon agreed to stop fighting and bring U.S. troops home. South Vietnam eventually surrendered to North Vietnam. Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. People leave things on the wall for their loved ones… Korean War Memorial in Washington, D.C. Reflection wall with faces of soldiers etched in it Lesson 2 – Post-Cold War Conflicts In August 1990, Saddam Hussein (the leader of the country of Iraq back then) ordered his troops to invade Kuwait. Kuwait is a small country that produces large amounts of oil. Many countries, including the United States, rely on it. Persian Gulf War Iraq’s troops quickly gained control of Kuwait. The United States and other allied countries feared that Iraq would invade Saudi Arabia, which was rich in oil as well. In 1991, the U.S. led an air attack on Iraq. The U.S. quickly won the war because we had better technology. War on Terrorism A terrorist is a person who uses violence and fear to obtain his or her goals, usually for political reasons. On September 11, 2001, terrorists attacked the United States. They took control of and crashed four airplanes: • Two crashed into the World Trade Center twin towers in New York City. • One crashed into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. • One crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. More than 3,000 people on the airplanes, in the buildings, and on the ground died. War on Terrorism Because of this attack, President Bush asked other countries to join the war. The war started in Afghanistan, where we thought the terrorists lived and were trained. The U.S. started bombing Afghanistan on October 7, 2001. They eventually surrendered, and then we helped them rebuild a new government. War on Terrorism After Saddam Hussein refused to step down as the leader of Iraq, President Bush ordered an attack on Iraq in 2003. Hussein was captured by U.S. forces several months later. The war on terrorism still continues today… How Alabama Helped Alabama helped in all of these wars. Fort Rucker trained soldiers. Redstone Arsenal developed rockets and guided missiles. Soldiers from Alabama were sent to fight in all of the wars. Lesson 3 – A Global Economy Farming in Alabama has changed since 1950. In 1950 Alabama had almost 225,000 farms. Today there are about 50,000 farms, but they are larger. Since there are fewer farms, many of today’s agricultural jobs are in agribusiness. Agribusinesses are businesses that produce, process, and distribute farm products. Agribusinesses Agribusinesses work with farmers to help them grow food crops and market them better. 1/5 of Alabama’s agribusiness products are sold worldwide. We export crops, livestock, and food products to more than 80 countries each year! Science and Technology Scientists, engineers, and others in Alabama have found ways to use new technologies to help our state’s economy. New technologies improve lives, create jobs, and help open new markets for our state’s products. Science and Technology William Sibert, an engineer, helped design the Panama Canal. The canal has helped us trade with other countries faster and easier. Science and Technology Robert Van de Graaff of Tuscaloosa invented a machine that produced an enormous electrical charge. This machine can help people battle cancer. Science and Technology Percy Julian of Montgomery discovered that some tiny parts in soybeans can be used to make cortisone. Doctors use cortisone in the treatment of certain diseases. Science and Technology Robert Fitzgerald developed the nation’s first 911 emergency call system in Haleyville. The 911 systems continue to save lives throughout the country today! Alabamians in Space John Sparkman helped start a munitions plant in Huntsville that later became the Redstone Arsenal. Munitions are military supplies that are used in war. The arsenal soon became a center for aerospace research. Alabamians in Space Dr. Wernher von Braun, a rocket scientist from Germany, came to the Redstone Arsenal and directed the launch of the Redstone missile in 1954. By 1958 the U.S. had launched its first satellite to gather information. A satellite is a machine that is sent into space and orbits Earth. Alabamians in Space Today the aerospace industry is still important to Alabama’s history and economy. Several Alabamians have become astronauts. Henry “Hank” Hartsfield of Birmingham has spent nearly 500 hours in space. Dr. Mae Jemison of Decatur is well known as a medical doctor, scientist, and astronaut. Alabama Goes Global Our state’s products are shipped to more than 100 countries, including Canada, Germany, and Mexico. We also have more than 200 foreignbased manufacturing companies from about 25 countries. Transportation equipment, soybeans, chemicals, and electronics are sold worldwide. Alabama State Docks in Mobile.