This essay will argue that, though the ‘transformative’ moments can be attributed to different dates across the globe, the period around 1945 was a fundamental turning point in transnational history, shaping the remainder of the twentieth century. With the redrawing of the world map, a newly intensified ideological polarisation, nuclear proliferation and the formation of the United Nations, the notion of ‘internationalism’ gained a new prominence. Year Zero, as it was later dubbed by the likes of Ian Buruma, revealed an entirely new world order with a particular focus on the emerging Cold War: it truly was a transformative moment in global history.
With the end of the Second World War and the seeds being sown for the Cold War, the period between 1944 and 1948 was extremely disruptive, transforming the political and cultural landscapes. In order for it to be labelled 'transformative’, however, one must first understand the events of the past. For example, as many as 60 million people were killed during the war, with the new term ‘genocide’ entering our vocabulary to deal with the mass murder of the European Jews. Though it is important to note the vast incommensurability of events across the globe, there is no doubt that the events of this period had a ubiquitous effect on the world, marking the end of a destructive period of fascist authoritarianism and the dawn of a new political polarity.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The Redrawing of the World Map
3. The Rise of Ideological Polarity: Communism and Capitalism
4. The Global Impact of Americanisation
5. Nuclear Proliferation and the Cold War
6. The Creation of the United Nations and Internationalism
7. Human Rights and the Postwar Order
8. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
The primary objective of this essay is to evaluate the extent to which the period around 1945 acted as a transformative turning point in twentieth-century history, shaping global political, social, and ideological landscapes.
- The transition from World War II to the Cold War era.
- Geopolitical restructuring, including the division of Germany and the creation of Israel.
- The emergence of ideological bipolarity between communism and capitalism.
- The shift from Eurocentrism to the rise of American and Soviet superpowers.
- The formation of the United Nations and the evolution of international human rights policies.
Excerpt from the Book
The Creation of the United Nations and Internationalism
Possibly the greatest transformative element of 1945 though was the creation of the United Nations, a new international organisation based upon collectivity and a growing focus on the world population which reshaped and built upon the failure of the League of Nations. The postwar reiteration of Woodrow Wilson’s idealism was put on paper in the UN Charter, explicitly drawing upon universality. This was a huge step towards ‘internationalism’ and a move away from the League. For example, many of the mistakes and ambiguity of the Covenant were rephrased or rewritten in the Charter: due to the unanimity rule, the League was impotent and could be ignored with impunity (as Japan did during the Manchuria Crisis in 1931) whereas, with the abandonment of this voting system by the UN, more decisive action could be taken in the General Assembly. The formation of this organisation marked a vital turning point in the pursuance of internationalism - not only was the failing League replaced, there was a newfound emphasis on ‘modernity’ by focusing upon socioeconomic development rather than the unobtainable supranational dreams of the post-World War One leaders.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter defines the historical scope of the post-1945 period and establishes the thesis that this era served as a fundamental turning point in global history.
2. The Redrawing of the World Map: This section analyzes the geopolitical consequences of the war, focusing on the division of Germany and the establishment of Israel as defining moments.
3. The Rise of Ideological Polarity: Communism and Capitalism: This chapter discusses how the postwar environment led to a binary struggle between two dominant ideologies and the subsequent rise of communism in Eastern Europe.
4. The Global Impact of Americanisation: This part explores the shift of power towards the United States and the expansion of its sphere of influence through economic and political strategies like the Marshall Plan.
5. Nuclear Proliferation and the Cold War: This chapter covers the transition of the world into the nuclear age and how atomic weaponry influenced international relations and the balance of power.
6. The Creation of the United Nations and Internationalism: This section examines the transition from the League of Nations to the UN and the new emphasis on collective global governance.
7. Human Rights and the Postwar Order: This chapter highlights the development of human rights frameworks such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a response to wartime atrocities.
8. Conclusion: The final chapter synthesizes the main arguments, confirming that 1945 was indeed a transformative moment that set the trajectory for the remainder of the twentieth century.
Keywords
1945, World War II, Cold War, United Nations, Internationalism, Ideological Polarity, Decolonisation, Americanisation, Communism, Capitalism, Human Rights, Geopolitics, Superpowers, Transnational History, Modernity
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this work?
The essay explores whether the period around 1945 can be considered a "transformative moment" that fundamentally reshaped the global landscape for the remainder of the twentieth century.
What are the primary thematic fields covered?
Key themes include geopolitical realignments, the rise of the Cold War, the shift in global power towards the US and USSR, the emergence of internationalism, and the rise of human rights advocacy.
What is the central research question?
The work seeks to determine if the disruptive events occurring between 1944 and 1948 created a new world order that departed from prewar political and cultural norms.
Which scientific methodology does the author apply?
The author employs a historical analysis methodology, synthesizing academic sources, international treaties, and political documents to assess the long-term impact of 1945 on global history.
What does the main body address?
The main body investigates specific geopolitical events such as the division of Germany, the founding of the UN, the influence of US policies in Latin America and Europe, and the strategic significance of the nuclear age.
What keywords define this analysis?
The work is characterized by terms such as 1945, Cold War, Internationalism, Americanisation, Ideological Polarity, and Geopolitical Transformation.
How did the UN change the approach to international governance compared to the League of Nations?
Unlike the League of Nations, which was hindered by a strict unanimity rule, the UN framework enabled more decisive action in the General Assembly and shifted focus toward tangible socioeconomic development.
What was the role of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights in the postwar era?
The UDHR served as a foundational instrument intended to nudge states toward human rights standards in response to the atrocities of the Holocaust and the context of decolonisation.
- Citation du texte
- Sam Hines (Auteur), 2019, Is 1945 a transformative moment in twentieth century history?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/980109
