Cold War & Decolonization (1900-Present)

It fostered a return to traditional gold standard principles, stabilizing global economies.

It increased volatility in floating currency exchange rates, contributing to global financial instability.

The switch to decentralized economic planning lowered barriers to global trade.

It allowed for more predictable economic planning due to fixed currency values.

It led to a significant increase in abstract expressionist art that supported socialist realism.

It resulted in cultural movements that were indifferent to politics, focusing solely on post-war economic prosperity.

It encouraged a surge in literature that criticized consumer culture and supported communist ideals.

It fostered an environment where artistic expressions often reflected themes of freedom and democracy as direct counters to Soviet communism.

Devastating loss of life and property on a global scale due to nuclear fallout.

The complete eradication of communism from all nations.

The United Nations would immediately dissolve due to international discord.

All nations other than the US and USSR would remain unaffected by the conflict.

Cultural hybridity increased due to migrations caused by decolonization.

European cultures were completely eradicated from former colonies.

Native languages were universally restored after colonial rule ended.

Cultures became more homogeneous as colonies gained independence.

Eisenhower Doctrine offered strategic aid specifically to resist Soviet imperialism.

Truman Doctrine provided military support predominantly to capitalist democracies.

Nixon Doctrine emphasized reliance on regional powers for defense rather than direct intervention.

Lydia Brezhnev Doctrine supported Marxist-Leninist governments against capitalist intrusion.

The Soviet's goal to continue to spread Communism

To "contain" and prevent the spread of Communism in Europe

To allow the spread of Communism to the rest of the world

The US policy to "contain" and prevent the spread of Communism from the rest of the world

Immediate prosperity across Africa eliminates ethnic tensions and prevents civil conflicts.

African nations reject all forms of foreign aid, leading to self-sufficient but isolated economies.

Colonial powers retain territories indefinitely through strengthened economic dependencies.

Newly independent African states emerge with stronger economies but heightened neocolonial ties to Europe.

Desert regions for large-scale agricultural projects

Tropical rainforests for guerrilla warfare training

Arctic territories for missile installations and surveillance

Mountain ranges for establishing trade barriers

Anti-Holocaust rallies

9/11 memorial services

Tiananmen Square protests

Green Revolution rebellions

These conflicts had little impact on domestic politics, remaining isolated events.

They often intensified internal conflicts along ideological lines supported by opposing superpowers.

Proxy wars universally led to strengthened national unity against foreign aggression.

They resulted exclusively in monarchies being replaced with democratic regimes.