Postwar Europe was weakened economically and politically after World War II.
← Unit 8: Cold War and Decolonization
Topic 8.1 · c. 1900–present
Setting the Stage for the Cold War and Decolonization
World War II weakened European empires and left the United States and Soviet Union as leading powers. Independence movements pressed for self-rule.
The big picture
What to know
World War II weakened European empires and left the United States and Soviet Union as leading powers. Independence movements pressed for self-rule.
The United Nations was created to encourage international cooperation.
Colonial independence movements gained momentum as imperial authority weakened.
Check your understanding
01 / Multiple choice · 3 questions
Choose one answer for each question. Feedback appears below it.
Question 01
Which example fits this clue? This example was weakened economically and politically after World War II.
Select an answer to check your thinking.
Question 02
Which example fits this clue? The United Nations was created to encourage international cooperation.
Select an answer to check your thinking.
Question 03
Which example fits this clue? This example movements gained momentum as imperial authority weakened.
Select an answer to check your thinking.
02 / Write with evidence
Write a short response
How did the end of World War II change global power?
- Make a claim that answers the question.
- Use two examples from the review.
- Explain how the examples support your claim.
See a model response
World War II weakened European empires and left the United States and Soviet Union as leading powers. Postwar Europe was weakened economically and politically after World War II. The United Nations was created to encourage international cooperation.
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Resources & review
Quick study check
Before opening another resource, explain these examples from memory. Reveal each explanation to check yourself.
postwar Europe
Postwar Europe was weakened economically and politically after World War II.
United Nations
The United Nations was created to encourage international cooperation.
colonial independence
Colonial independence movements gained momentum as imperial authority weakened.
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