How have Western nations impacted the development of non-Western nations? Provide three events in detail—one from the nineteenth century, one from the twentieth century, and one from the twenty-first century—to support your answer. Then explain the extent to which Western nations bear responsibility for economic, political, and social challenges faced by non-Western nations today. Use evidence and examples from the semester to support your ideas and opinions.

Question

Connexus World history B final exam essay

Answer 1

Western nations have played a significant role in shaping the development of non-Western nations. Throughout history, Western nations have imposed their cultural, political, and economic systems onto non-Western nations, leading to various outcomes. Three prominent events that illustrate the impact of Western nations on non-Western nations are the colonization of Africa in the nineteenth century, the Cold War in the twentieth century, and the War on Terror in the twenty-first century.

In the nineteenth century, European nations, such as Britain, Belgium, France, and Germany, colonized nearly the entire continent of Africa. This colonization led to the exploitation of African resources and people. Western nations exerted their power and influence over Africa through colonization and extractive economic policies. The colonization of Africa further divided ethnic and linguistic groups, leading to violence and instability that continue to affect African countries today.

In the twentieth century, the Cold War between the United States and Soviet Union impacted non-Western nations. Many countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America became battlegrounds for the two superpowers' ideological war. The U.S. and Soviet Union used foreign aid, military support, and proxy wars to gain influence in these non-Western countries and promote their political ideology. For example, the U.S. supported anti-communist regimes, such as in South Korea, while the Soviet Union supported communist regimes, such as in Cuba. This led to political instability, human rights abuses, and authoritarian rule in many non-Western countries.

In the twenty-first century, the War on Terror, initiated by the U.S. after the September 11 attacks, has had profound effects on non-Western countries. The U.S. military intervention in Afghanistan and Iraq caused widespread destruction, displacement, and political instability. The U.S. targeted countries that it believed harbored terrorists and posed a threat to its national security. However, many innocent people were killed, and their infrastructure was destroyed. The War on Terror led to an increase in anti-Western sentiment and a rise in extremist groups, such as ISIS.

Western nations bear significant responsibility for the economic, political, and social challenges faced by non-Western nations today. They implemented policies and strategies that prioritized their own interests over the interests of non-Western nations. These policies have led to poverty, political instability, and social inequality. However, Western nations are not solely responsible for these challenges. Non-Western nations also have agency and must take responsibility for their own development. By implementing policies that support economic growth, political stability, and social equality, non-Western nations can lessen their reliance on Western nations and promote their own self-dependent development.