Continuity and Change in a Globalized World
Emily Wilson
7 min read
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#AP World History: Modern - The Night Before Cram Session 🚀
Hey! Let's get you prepped and confident for your AP World History: Modern exam. We're going to break down the key stuff, make it stick, and get you ready to rock! 💪
#🕰️ Continuity & Change Over Time (The Big Picture)
It's all about spotting what stayed the same and what changed. Think of it like a river: the water flows (change), but the riverbed (continuity) stays mostly put.
#🔄 Continuity
Even with massive shifts, some things just stick.
#⛪ Religion
- Major religions like Judaism, Islam, and Christianity remained influential.
These faiths continued to shape cultures and daily life.
#🌍 Political Borders
- Despite some post-WWII changes, most countries kept their existing borders.
Geography often dictates political stability.
#🎭 Culture
- Traditional practices remained crucial, especially in cultures valuing their heritage. These customs are a way to connect with the past and maintain stability.
- Example: Jewish observance of the Sabbath, even with modern transport.

Cultural identity is a powerful force for continuity.
- **Festivals & celebrations** passed down through generations, strengthening community bonds.
Traditions provide a sense of belonging.
#🏘️ Social Structures
- In the West, the middle class remained largely white-collar workers with education-based status.
Social class structures often persist over time.
- However, countries like Russia, Brazil, China, and India saw some shifts, but still lagged behind the West in social mobility.
Economic changes don't always mean immediate social change.
- India's caste system is a prime example of continuity.
The Rig Veda system (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas, Sudras, Untouchables) still impacts social dynamics, especially in rural areas.
Remember: Religion, Politics, Culture, Social Structures - RPCS - These are the main areas where you'll see continuity.
#💥 Change
The 20th century was a whirlwind of change, especially in technology.
#⚙️ Economics
- Petroleum & nuclear power boosted production.
New energy sources drive economic growth.
- The global economy saw increased exploitation of less-developed nations.
Economic power can lead to exploitation.
- Emerging economic powers like China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan challenged the US.
Global economic power is shifting.
- Nations moved from laissez-faire to more regulated economies.
Governments play a bigger role in modern economies.
#🌍 Environment
- Air travel exploded, with over 20,000 airports in the US by 2006. Quick Fact
Transportation advancements shrink the world.
- The space race pushed the limits of human exploration.

Resource demands change the environment.
- Pollution from factories, cars, and waste contributed to climate change.
Industrialization has environmental costs.
#🏛️ Politics
- Activism & protests spread via social media.
Technology empowers social movements.
- Gandhi's nonviolent protests in India pushed for independence.
Nonviolent resistance can be powerful.
- Civil Rights Act in the US and the end of Apartheid in South Africa show progress.
Activism can lead to legislative change.
- Some governments suppressed protests with violence.
Not all change is peaceful.
#🔬 Technology
- The internet revolutionized communication.
Digital tech changed everything.
- Medicine: Vaccines, sanitation, and antibiotics decreased mortality rates.
Medical advances save lives.
- Energy: Nuclear and renewable sources emerged.
New energy sources are crucial for sustainability.
- Communication: Digital phones, computers, and social media transformed interactions.
Communication is faster and more global.
- Transportation: Cars, planes, and ships became more efficient.
Transportation fuels trade and travel.
- Agriculture: Genetically modified crops led to the Green Revolution.
Technology boosts food production.
#🎨 Arts
- Conceptual art & minimalism challenged traditional forms.
Art reflects social and political change.
- Feminist & multicultural movements promoted diversity in the arts.
Art becomes more inclusive.
- New technologies like TV, film, and digital media created new art forms.
Technology shapes artistic expression.
- Globalization led to the blending of cultural influences in art.
Art becomes more interconnected.
- Transnationalism explored identities and experiences across borders.
Art transcends national boundaries.
TECH-P-E-A: Technology, Economics, Communication, Health, Politics, Environment, Arts - These are the main areas where you'll see change.
#🎯 Final Exam Focus
Okay, here's the game plan for acing this exam:
#🥇 High-Value Topics
- Industrialization & its impacts (economic, social, environmental)
- Global conflicts (WWI, WWII, Cold War)
- Decolonization & nationalism
- Technological advancements and their consequences
- Continuity & change in social structures and culture
#📝 Common Question Types
- Multiple Choice: Focus on specific events, dates, and cause-and-effect relationships.
- Short Answer Questions (SAQs): Practice concise, direct answers with historical evidence.
- Long Essay Questions (LEQs): Develop a strong thesis, use evidence, and analyze historical trends.
- Document-Based Questions (DBQs): Analyze primary source documents, identify point of view, and make connections to broader historical themes.
Time Management: Don't get bogged down on one question. Pace yourself and move on if you're stuck. Come back later if you have time.
Common Pitfalls: Avoid vague generalizations. Use specific historical evidence to support your claims. Don't just list facts; analyze their significance.
#🚀 Last-Minute Tips
- Stay Calm: You've got this! Deep breaths and a positive mindset can make a big difference.
- Review Key Terms: Make sure you know the key vocabulary.
- Trust Your Prep: You've put in the work. Believe in yourself!
#❓ Practice Questions
Practice Question
Multiple Choice Questions:
-
Which of the following best describes a major continuity in the social structures of many countries in the period 1900-present? (A) The complete disappearance of social hierarchies (B) The persistence of traditional social class divisions (C) A rapid increase in social mobility in all regions (D) The complete equality of all social groups
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The Green Revolution, which occurred in the mid-20th century, is best characterized by which of the following? (A) A decrease in agricultural productivity due to environmental concerns (B) A major shift towards organic farming practices (C) An increase in agricultural productivity due to new technologies and crop varieties (D) A decline in the use of fertilizers and pesticides
Short Answer Question (SAQ):
- Briefly explain ONE way in which technological advancements in the 20th century changed the environment. Then, briefly explain ONE way in which political activism in the 20th century led to significant social change.
Free Response Question (FRQ):
Analyze the continuities and changes in global economic systems from 1900 to the present.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Thesis (1 point): A clear, historically defensible thesis that addresses the prompt.
- Contextualization (1 point): Describes a broader historical context relevant to global economic systems from 1900 to the present.
- Evidence (2 points): Provides at least two specific pieces of historical evidence relevant to continuities and changes in global economic systems from 1900 to the present.
- Analysis & Reasoning (2 points): Explains how the evidence supports an argument about continuities and changes in global economic systems from 1900 to the present.
- Complexity (1 point): Demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the topic by considering diverse perspectives or by explaining relevant connections between different historical developments.
Alright, you've got this! Go get 'em! 🎉
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