Mikhail Gorbachev and the end of Communism

Glasnost - Its when they talked about Soviet Union's issues, economy and political problems. It was formed under Mikhail Gorbachev in 1985.

Peristroika - It is a policy or practice for reforming the Soviet Union's economic and political system.

Mikhail Gorbachev opened up the Soviet Union by allowing new ideas be heard. He allowed the churches to be opened, those dissendents to be free from jail, and books that were banned were allowed to be read. The citizens were able to vote for the country's candidates. People are allowed to open their own private businesses. He brought back much freedom and allowed many voices to be heard. It allowed angry Soviet citizens to speak of their complaints or problems. He was very open and paved the way for the end of communism because in communism, the government basically controlled everything. Communism restricted freedom of press, speech, and religion. Mikhail's way of governing was different from all the other previous Soviet leaders. They didnt even try to listen to their people.

Collapse of Communism

Communism collapsed in Eastern Europe and the USSR because communism wasn't working out for them. They began to run out of money. People tore down the Berlin Wall because they were startled that they weren't able to go to the other side of Germany. It was completely blocked because East Germany believed in communism and West Germany didn't. For 28 years, no one was able to cross the border. Those who attempted were shot and faced tear gas. After the countries had their own independence, prices soared from shock therapy where the government doesn't involve with the economy. People started getting higher - paying jobs. The end of communism in the Soviet Union helped the world to feel more relaxed because they wouldn't have to fear that they would attack those who weren't communists. They weren't isolating themselves anymore. Now, the Soviet Union turned to republicans.

Creation of Israel

Zionism is a Jewish movement, in the late 19th century, that established the state of Israel. The conflict that occurred when Israel was created was that Israel was attacked the very next day by the Arab states and Palestinians, their neighboring countries. All of Israel's neighboring countries were their nemesis. The Arab states and the Arabs of Palestine felt Israel should have been their land. The Palestinians and Israelis does not get along because they both want the land. From time, Israel lost that land because there were many countries in history that took over the land. The Holy land was ruled by the Israelites, Assyrians, Babylonians, Romans, Persians, Muslims, Christian Crusaders, the Ottoman Empire, and the British. The Israelites (Jewish) wanted their own state for so long. Originally the land belonged to the Jewish but were conquered year after year and Palestinians began to live there. Palestinians feel that God wants to have that land and the Jews (Israelites) felt the same way also. The fact that Palestinians lost the war of 1948 made them angry and leave a grudge.

Nelson Mandela and Apartheid

Apartheid means to be segregated between two races, one race claiming they are superior than the other.

Nelson Mandela was a man who wanted all races to live in harmony together. He spoke for those who were dealing with apartheid and he had done many non-violent acts through strikes, civil disobedience, and demonstrations. It is bold of Nelson because Africa was ruled under the whites for almost three and a half centuries and they can have a voice. Many authors admire him because of his courage. He dealt with the apartheid government system but yet he struggled and was a warrior at this time. He was (practically) Africa's hope. At the end, he was chosen to be the president of South Africa and was awarded with a Nobel Peace Prize. Now, apartheid has been outlawed and people of South Africa is no longer ruled. Everyone now has the equal opportunities. Authors admire his triumph and struggle throughout all the years. I admire his ambition of freeing his country from whites. They no longer have to be thrown in jail for drinking the wrong water fountain or using the other bathrooms.

African Independence

Africa in 1955 had more colonies than Africa in 1975. Africa in 1975 has more independent countries than Africa in 1955. There are more independent countries in 1975 because Africans thought it was necessary to separate themselves from Europe. More African countries were effective in this plan and therefore had more independent countries in 1975.

Kwame Nkrumah, one of the leaders of African Independence, organized many nonviolent protests such as strikes and boycotts. His efforts were worth it in 1957 where Ghana became the first nation to be governed by Africans.

Jomo Kenyatta had strong leadership in Kenya. He worked hard to unite some countries together and had Nairobi into a major business center of East Africa but sadly he died in 1978.

There were a lot of leaders who fought for Africa's independence. Their success gradually had Africa into its own nation. Many movements and rebellions had taken places. Such bold actions led Africa into having their own independence over 20 years.

9th Grade Review - Neolithic Revolution

The Neolithic Revolution was a turning point in history because before the Neolithic Revolution, humans would hunt animals and gather food. They would move around to places and never get settled in one area. The Neolithic Revolution allowed humans to settle in one place and learned how to farm by using seeds. Humans also began to tame some animals. They were able to develop new technologies, form social classes, and increase population. Most of the people settled around the rivers because it was more convenient that way. They were able to get water and have fertile soil. Farming was developed! The Neolithic Revolution somewhat showed the difference between animals and humans. Humans were now able to have more control over nature. We don't have to depend on finding animals anymore. If we were still nomads, the whole animal race would have been extinct. The Neolithic Revolution is very important in history.

The European Union

For centuries, Europe was known for fighting against each other and many scenes of bloody wars. The European Union prevented from any war between European countries. There were much convience after the EU (European Union). Travelers can travel around Europe without having their passport checked everytime they come to a border line, just like United States is with states. Also, European nations can freely work in other European nations. Example: A frenchman can work in Germany. By joining together as EU, Europe had more power than ever. They use to be worried about fighting amongst themselves but since they are joined together, they can only worry about if others will fight against them. The European nations now share same ideas of politics. They have Euros which is used more than the US dollar. The European Union shared many benefits.