CHAPTER 25

Revolution, World Wars, and Depression

IN THIS CHAPTER

Summary: Because of European competition for colonies in Africa, India, and Southeast Asia, the
delicate balance of power that had existed in Europe after the Congress of Vienna gradually eroded.
European rivalries negotiated new alliances that led to warfare, while conditions in Russia culminated
in a new form of government. Mexico underwent a liberal revolution and Chinese dynastic rule ended
with the fall of the Qing. The economic devastation of World War I led to global depression and
extremism in the form of fascist ideology. The conclusion of World War II brought the end of the
period of European dominance and the rise of two superpowers: the United States and the Soviet
Union.

Key Terms

An asterisk ( *) denotes items listed in the glossary.

Allied Powers
Anschluss
appeasement
British Commonwealth
Central Powers
Duma
fascism
Great Depression
Holocaust
League of Nations
mandate
Mexican Revolution
Pan-Slavic movement
Potsdam Conference