Global Resistance to Established Power Structures After 1900: AP World History Study Guide
Introduction
Welcome, future historians and social justice warriors! Get ready for a journey through time, where the world was in an uproar and people decided they had had enough of oppressive power structures. Fasten your seat belts, because we are diving into a whirlwind of resistance movements, both violent and nonviolent, that shaped the 20th and 21st centuries. 🌍✊
An Era of Conflict and Resistance
The 20th century was as conflict-heavy as a blockbuster action movie marathon, with dictators and tyrants trying their hardest to make life miserable. However, many brave souls and groups stood up to challenge these power structures, leading to a variety of responses ranging from peaceful protests to full-blown rebellions. Some individuals and groups even managed to make the situation worse with their oppressive actions.
Intensified Conflict Responses
Spain: Francisco Franco 🇪🇸
Imagine a real-life villain twirling his mustache. Francisco Franco was a ruthless dictator ruling Spain from 1936 until his death in 1975. He suppressed political opponents and marginalized Catalans and Basques through force and fear. The only religion that was “safe” to practice was Catholicism. It was like living in a reality TV show where the producer (Franco) eliminated anyone he didn’t like—permanently. ⚔️
Uganda: Idi Amin 🇺🇬
Idi Amin ruled Uganda with an iron fist from 1971 to 1979. If you crossed him, you’d disappear faster than a magician’s rabbit. He expanded the military to enforce his whims, persecuted ethnic groups like the Acholi and Lango tribes, and expelled thousands of Asians, seizing their property for his supporters. When his oppressive rule ended, Uganda was left to pick up the pieces of a military dictatorship. It’s safe to say, Idi Amin had a "not-so-friendly" approach to leadership. 🪖🔫
Chile: Augusto Pinochet 🇨🇱
Ruling Chile from 1974 to 1990, Augusto Pinochet cracked down on any remnants of leftist land reform policies with extreme prejudice. Thousands of political opponents were killed or disappeared under his regime. His rule was characterized by human rights abuses, censorship, and a secret police force that would make James Bond look like a kitten. 🛡️
Military-Industrial Conflict and Weapons Trading
As global conflicts flared up like an overenthusiastic campfire, countries beefed up their arsenals, indulging in weapons trading. But instead of creating peace, this global armament turned the world into a more violent place. Think of it as adding more TNT to a shaky Jenga tower—sure, the tower looks impressive, but it's bound to explode eventually. 💣🌐
Violent Movements 💥
Shining Path
This Maoist guerrilla group in Peru, officially known as the Communist Party of Peru, decided that diplomacy was for suckers. Led by Abimael Guzmán, they launched a violent insurgency in the 1980s, aiming to establish a communist state. Their tactics were about as subtle as a wrecking ball, involving bombings and assassinations. The group’s motto might as well have been, “If it moves, it’s a target.” It wasn't until the 1990s that they were largely defeated through military action, popular rejection, and internal bickering. 💥
Al-Qaeda
Founded by Osama bin Laden, Al-Qaeda needs no introduction. Originally formed to combat the Soviet Union’s support for the Afghan government, this group later declared holy war ("Jihad") on the United States. They’re the masterminds behind the 9/11 attacks and numerous other atrocities. However, it’s essential to understand that the term "Jihad" represents a struggle that can be personal, spiritual, or social—not inherently violent. Misinterpretations of Jihad by extremist groups like Al-Qaeda have unfortunately led to a lot of misinformation. 🕌
Nonviolent Protest ☮️
Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi was the superstar of nonviolent resistance, leading India to independence from British rule through civil disobedience. His most famous act, the Salt March of 1930, protested against the British salt tax with a 240-mile journey. Gandhi’s methods were as disarming as they were effective, demonstrating that you don’t need a weapon to fight an empire—sometimes, salt and sandals are enough. 🧂🩴
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Inspired by Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr. led the American civil rights movement with peaceful protests like sit-ins and marches. His iconic "I Have a Dream" speech still resonates today. By highlighting the violence of the oppressors and maintaining dignity and nonviolence, MLK turned the tide against racial segregation in the United States. His fight wasn't just heroic; it was strategic—think of it as chess against tyranny. ✊🏿♟️
Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela fought apartheid in South Africa with both fire and ice. Imprisoned for 27 years, Mandela emerged as the symbol of resilience and negotiated the end of apartheid, later becoming South Africa's first black president. He steered the nation through a healing process, advocating for reconciliation over retribution. Mandela was living proof that sometimes, the pen truly is mightier than the sword—or at least it runs a close second. 🇿🇦
Key Terms to Review
- Abimael Guzmán: Leader of the Shining Path who led a violent insurgency in Peru.
- African National Congress (ANC): The political party that fought against apartheid in South Africa and is now the governing party.
- Al-Qaeda: International Islamist extremist terrorist network responsible for numerous global attacks.
- Augusto Pinochet: Chilean dictator known for human rights abuses and censorship.
- Communist Party of Peru: Political party advocating for a communist society based on Marxist-Leninist ideology.
- Francisco Franco: Spanish dictator known for his oppressive regime.
- Idi Amin: Ugandan dictator known for gross human rights violations.
- Indian National Congress: Political organization that played a major role in India’s independence movement.
- Martin Luther King, Jr.: American civil rights leader advocating nonviolent resistance.
- Mohandas Gandhi: Advocate of nonviolent resistance who led India to independence.
- National Intelligence Directorate (DINA): Pinochet's secret police force in Chile.
- Nelson Mandela: Anti-apartheid revolutionary and South Africa’s first black president.
- Osama bin Laden: Founder of Al-Qaeda.
- Salt March: Gandhi’s nonviolent protest against British salt taxes.
- Shining Path: Maoist guerrilla group in Peru aiming to overthrow the government.
Conclusion
In an era of strife and tyranny, heroes arose to challenge the status quo with methods ranging from fiery rebellions to peaceful protests. While the 20th century was marked by intense conflict, it also highlighted the power of resistance, whether wielded through bravery on the battlefield or courage in peaceful defiance. Remembering these stories helps us understand the complex tapestry of global resistance and inspires us to continue striving for justice and equality. So go forth, young historian, and let the past guide you to shape a better future. 🌍✊📚
