When the Century Was Young: The New Metropolis

There have been more changes during the 20th century than any other century in history. It is a century that has seen revolutions in every aspect of life-political, social, cultural, economic and technological. When The Century Was Young chronicles the events and transitions that occurred at the dawn of the 20th century. Using a global perspective, When The Century Was Young provides an excellent examination of the early years of the century that has seen the world evolve into a global village. The sophisticated historical, political, and cultural analysis provided by When The Century Was Young makes it an excellent tool for the more mature student. It is appropriate for high school and college. It would be useful for classes on World History, Political Science, Cultural History, Ethnic History, Women's History, Geography, and the History of Science and Technology.

The New Metropolis

The New Metropolis examines the political upheaval and revolutions of the early twentieth century. Starting with the Mexican Revolution in 1910, The New Metropolis focuses on the revolutions of both the East and the West, culminating in an in-depth examination of the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia that created the USSR.

Vocabulary

Discussion Questions

  1. The first major political upheaval of the new century was the Mexican Revolution. What were some of the causes of this revolution?
  2. What other revolutions, leading to great change and political unrest, have occurred in the 20th century?
  3. The Ottoman Empire was one of the world's strongest empires for hundreds of years. What are some of the reasons for the fall of this great empire?
  4. Discuss how western influences on the Middle East changed many of the region's cultures.
  5. Iran possesses great natural deposits of crude oil. How did their oil reserves, and industrialization, affect the social order in Iran?
  6. Chinese men wore their hair in a long pigtail that cascaded down their backs. What was the symbolic meaning of this hairstyle?
  7. Why was communism attractive to many Chinese?
  8. Japan is one of the few nations that became a modern country without a revolution. How was Japan able to do this?
  9. The Russian czar was the last absolute monarch in Europe. What does absolutism mean? How did it define a ruler's right to the throne?
  10. What were some of the causes of the Russian Revolution?
  11. What have been the effects of the Russian Revolution on 20th century history?
  12. Why was religious persecution part of the new Soviet State?
Extended Activities

  1. Create a timeline for the first thirty years of the 20th century, highlighting the different revolutions of the era.
  2. Discuss the differences between socialism, nationalism, fascism, democracy, and communism. What do these systems have in common? How do they differ?

Classroom Materials
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