Leading capitalist countries in the second half of the twentieth century. Socio-political processes in Western countries in the second half of the twentieth century

Making the US a leading world power. The war led to dramatic shifts in the balance of power in the world. The United States not only suffered little in the war, but also received significant profits. The country has increased coal and oil production, electricity generation, and steel production. The basis for this economic recovery was large military orders from the government. The USA has taken a leading position in the world economy. A factor ensuring the economic, scientific and technical hegemony of the United States was the import of ideas and specialists from other countries. Already on the eve and during the war, many scientists emigrated to the United States. After the war, a large number of German specialists and scientific and technical documentation were exported from Germany. The military situation contributed to the development of agriculture. There was a great demand for food and raw materials in the world, which created a favorable situation in the agricultural market even after 1945. The explosions of atomic bombs in the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki became a terrible demonstration of the increased power of the United States. In 1945, President G. Truman openly said that the burden of responsibility for the continued leadership of the world fell on America. At the beginning of the Cold War, the United States came up with the concepts of “containing” and “throwing back” communism, aimed against the USSR. US military bases cover a large part of the world. The advent of peacetime did not stop government intervention in the economy. Despite praise for free enterprise, economic development after Roosevelt's New Deal was no longer conceivable without the regulatory role of the state. Under state control, the transition of industry to peaceful lines was carried out. A program for the construction of roads, power plants, etc. was implemented. The Presidential Council of Economic Advisers provided recommendations to government agencies. Social programs from Roosevelt's New Deal era were retained. The new policy was called "fair course". Along with this, measures were taken to restrict the rights of trade unions (the Taft-Hartley Act). At the same time, on the initiative of the senator J. McCarthy persecution began against people accused of “anti-American activities” (McCarthyism). Many people became victims of the witch hunt, including such famous people as Charles Chaplin. As part of this policy, the build-up of weapons, including nuclear weapons, continued. The formation of the military-industrial complex (MIC), in which the interests of officials, the top of the army and the military industry were united, is being completed.

50-60s XX century were generally favorable for the development of the economy; its rapid growth occurred, associated primarily with the introduction of the achievements of the scientific and technological revolution. During these years, the country achieved great success in the struggle of the black (African-American) population for their rights. Protests led by M.L King, led to the prohibition of racial segregation. By 1968, laws were passed to ensure equal rights for blacks. However, achieving real equality turned out to be much more difficult than legal equality; influential forces resisted this, which was expressed in the murder of Quing.

Other changes were also carried out in the social sphere.

Became president in 1961 J. Kennedy pursued a policy of “new frontiers” aimed at creating a society of “general welfare” (elimination of inequality, poverty, crime, prevention of nuclear war). Powerfully important social laws were passed to facilitate the poor's access to education, health care, etc.

In the late 60s - early 70s. xx century The US situation is getting worse.

This was due to the escalation of the Vietnam War, which ended in the biggest defeat in US history, as well as the global economic crisis of the early 70s of the twentieth century. These events became one of the factors leading to the policy of détente: under President R. Nixon The first arms limitation treaties were concluded between the USA and the USSR.

In the early 80s of the twentieth century. a new economic crisis began.

Under these conditions, the President R. Reagan proclaimed a policy called the “conservative revolution.” Social spending on education, medicine, pensions was reduced, but taxes were also reduced. The United States has taken a course towards developing free enterprise and reducing the role of the state in the economy. This course caused many protests, but contributed to an improvement in the economy. Reagan advocated increasing the arms race, but in the late 80s of the twentieth century. At the proposal of the leader of the USSR M.S. Gorbachev, the process of a new arms reduction began. It accelerated in an environment of unilateral concessions from the USSR.

The collapse of the USSR and the entire socialist camp contributed to the longest period of economic growth in the United States in the 90s. XX century under the president at Clinton's. The United States has become the only center of power in the world and has begun to claim global leadership. True, at the end of the 20th and beginning of the 21st centuries. The economic situation in the country has worsened. Terrorist attacks have become a serious test for the United States 11 September 2001 Terrorist attacks in New York and Washington cost the lives of more than 3 thousand people.

  • Section III history of the Middle Ages, Christian Europe and the Islamic world in the Middle Ages § 13. The Great Migration of Peoples and the formation of barbarian kingdoms in Europe
  • § 14. The emergence of Islam. Arab conquests
  • §15. Features of the development of the Byzantine Empire
  • § 16. The Empire of Charlemagne and its collapse. Feudal fragmentation in Europe.
  • § 17. Main features of Western European feudalism
  • § 18. Medieval city
  • § 19. The Catholic Church in the Middle Ages. The Crusades, the Schism of the Church.
  • § 20. The emergence of nation states
  • 21. Medieval culture. Beginning of the Renaissance
  • Topic 4 from ancient Rus' to the Muscovite state
  • § 22. Formation of the Old Russian state
  • § 23. The Baptism of Rus' and its meaning
  • § 24. Society of Ancient Rus'
  • § 25. Fragmentation in Rus'
  • § 26. Old Russian culture
  • § 27. Mongol conquest and its consequences
  • § 28. The beginning of the rise of Moscow
  • 29. Formation of a unified Russian state
  • § 30. Culture of Rus' at the end of the 13th - beginning of the 16th century.
  • Topic 5 India and the Far East in the Middle Ages
  • § 31. India in the Middle Ages
  • § 32. China and Japan in the Middle Ages
  • Section IV history of modern times
  • Topic 6 the beginning of a new time
  • § 33. Economic development and changes in society
  • 34. Great geographical discoveries. Formations of colonial empires
  • Topic 7: countries of Europe and North America in the 16th - 18th centuries.
  • § 35. Renaissance and humanism
  • § 36. Reformation and Counter-Reformation
  • § 37. The formation of absolutism in European countries
  • § 38. English revolution of the 17th century.
  • § 39, Revolutionary War and American Formation
  • § 40. French Revolution of the late 18th century.
  • § 41. Development of culture and science in the XVII-XVIII centuries. Age of Enlightenment
  • Topic 8 Russia in the 16th - 18th centuries.
  • § 42. Russia during the reign of Ivan the Terrible
  • § 43. Time of Troubles at the beginning of the 17th century.
  • § 44. Economic and social development of Russia in the 17th century. Popular movements
  • § 45. The formation of absolutism in Russia. Foreign policy
  • § 46. Russia in the era of Peter’s reforms
  • § 47. Economic and social development in the 18th century. Popular movements
  • § 48. Domestic and foreign policy of Russia in the mid-second half of the 18th century.
  • § 49. Russian culture of the XVI-XVIII centuries.
  • Topic 9: Eastern countries in the 16th-18th centuries.
  • § 50. Ottoman Empire. China
  • § 51. Countries of the East and the colonial expansion of Europeans
  • Topic 10: countries of Europe and America in the 19th century.
  • § 52. Industrial revolution and its consequences
  • § 53. Political development of the countries of Europe and America in the 19th century.
  • § 54. Development of Western European culture in the 19th century.
  • Topic II Russia in the 19th century.
  • § 55. Domestic and foreign policy of Russia at the beginning of the 19th century.
  • § 56. Decembrist movement
  • § 57. Domestic policy of Nicholas I
  • § 58. Social movement in the second quarter of the 19th century.
  • § 59. Foreign policy of Russia in the second quarter of the 19th century.
  • § 60. Abolition of serfdom and reforms of the 70s. XIX century Counter-reforms
  • § 61. Social movement in the second half of the 19th century.
  • § 62. Economic development in the second half of the 19th century.
  • § 63. Foreign policy of Russia in the second half of the 19th century.
  • § 64. Russian culture of the 19th century.
  • Topic 12 Eastern countries during the period of colonialism
  • § 65. Colonial expansion of European countries. India in the 19th century
  • § 66: China and Japan in the 19th century.
  • Topic 13 International relations in modern times
  • § 67. International relations in the XVII-XVIII centuries.
  • § 68. International relations in the 19th century.
  • Questions and tasks
  • Section V history of the XX - early XXI centuries.
  • Topic 14 The world in 1900-1914.
  • § 69. The world at the beginning of the twentieth century.
  • § 70. Awakening of Asia
  • § 71. International relations in 1900-1914.
  • Topic 15 Russia at the beginning of the twentieth century.
  • § 72. Russia at the turn of the XIX-XX centuries.
  • § 73. Revolution of 1905-1907.
  • § 74. Russia during the period of Stolypin reforms
  • § 75. Silver age of Russian culture
  • Topic 16 first world war
  • § 76. Military actions in 1914-1918.
  • § 77. War and society
  • Topic 17 Russia in 1917
  • § 78. February Revolution. From February to October
  • § 79. October Revolution and its consequences
  • Topic 18 countries of Western Europe and the USA in 1918-1939.
  • § 80. Europe after the First World War
  • § 81. Western democracies in the 20-30s. XX century
  • § 82. Totalitarian and authoritarian regimes
  • § 83. International relations between the First and Second World Wars
  • § 84. Culture in a changing world
  • Topic 19 Russia in 1918-1941.
  • § 85. Causes and course of the Civil War
  • § 86. Results of the Civil War
  • § 87. New economic policy. Education of the USSR
  • § 88. Industrialization and collectivization in the USSR
  • § 89. Soviet state and society in the 20-30s. XX century
  • § 90. Development of Soviet culture in the 20-30s. XX century
  • Topic 20 Asian countries in 1918-1939.
  • § 91. Turkey, China, India, Japan in the 20-30s. XX century
  • Topic 21 World War II. Great Patriotic War of the Soviet people
  • § 92. On the eve of the World War
  • § 93. First period of World War II (1939-1940)
  • § 94. Second period of World War II (1942-1945)
  • Topic 22: the world in the second half of the 20th - early 21st centuries.
  • § 95. Post-war world structure. Beginning of the Cold War
  • § 96. Leading capitalist countries in the second half of the twentieth century.
  • § 97. USSR in the post-war years
  • § 98. USSR in the 50s and early 6s. XX century
  • § 99. USSR in the second half of the 60s and early 80s. XX century
  • § 100. Development of Soviet culture
  • § 101. USSR during the years of perestroika.
  • § 102. Countries of Eastern Europe in the second half of the twentieth century.
  • § 103. Collapse of the colonial system
  • § 104. India and China in the second half of the twentieth century.
  • § 105. Latin American countries in the second half of the twentieth century.
  • § 106. International relations in the second half of the twentieth century.
  • § 107. Modern Russia
  • § 108. Culture of the second half of the twentieth century.

    • § 96. Leading capitalist countries in the second half of the twentieth century.

    Making the US a leading world power. The war led to dramatic shifts in the balance of power in the world. The United States not only suffered little in the war, but also received significant profits. The country has increased coal and oil production, electricity generation, and steel production. The basis for this economic recovery was large military orders from the government. The USA has taken a leading position in the world economy. A factor ensuring the economic, scientific and technical hegemony of the United States was the import of ideas and specialists from other countries. Already on the eve and during the war, many scientists emigrated to the United States. After the war, a large number of German specialists and scientific and technical documentation were exported from Germany. The military situation contributed to the development of agriculture. There was a great demand for food and raw materials in the world, which created a favorable situation in the agricultural market even after 1945. The explosions of atomic bombs in the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki became a terrible demonstration of the increased power of the United States. In 1945, President G. Truman openly said that the burden of responsibility for the continued leadership of the world fell on America. At the beginning of the Cold War, the United States came up with the concepts of “containing” and “throwing back” communism, aimed against the USSR. US military bases cover a large part of the world. The advent of peacetime did not stop government intervention in the economy. Despite praise for free enterprise, economic development after Roosevelt's New Deal was no longer conceivable without the regulatory role of the state. Under state control, the transition of industry to peaceful lines was carried out. A program for the construction of roads, power plants, etc. was implemented. The Presidential Council of Economic Advisers provided recommendations to government agencies. Social programs from Roosevelt's New Deal era were retained. The new policy was called "fair course". Along with this, measures were taken to restrict the rights of trade unions (the Taft-Hartley Act). At the same time, on the initiative of the senator J. McCarthy persecution began against people accused of “anti-American activities” (McCarthyism). Many people became victims of the witch hunt, including such famous people as Charles Chaplin. As part of this policy, the build-up of weapons, including nuclear weapons, continued. The formation of the military-industrial complex (MIC), in which the interests of officials, the top of the army and the military industry were united, is being completed.

    50-60s XX century were generally favorable for the development of the economy; its rapid growth occurred, associated primarily with the introduction of the achievements of the scientific and technological revolution. During these years, the country achieved great success in the struggle of the black (African-American) population for their rights. Protests led by M.L King, led to the prohibition of racial segregation. By 1968, laws were passed to ensure equal rights for blacks. However, achieving real equality turned out to be much more difficult than legal equality; influential forces resisted this, which was expressed in the murder of Quing.

    Other changes were also carried out in the social sphere.

    Became president in 1961 J. Kennedy pursued a policy of “new frontiers” aimed at creating a society of “general welfare” (elimination of inequality, poverty, crime, prevention of nuclear war). Powerfully important social laws were passed to facilitate the poor's access to education, health care, etc.

    In the late 60s - early 70s. xx century The US situation is getting worse.

    This was due to the escalation of the Vietnam War, which ended in the biggest defeat in US history, as well as the global economic crisis of the early 70s of the twentieth century. These events became one of the factors leading to the policy of détente: under President R. Nixon The first arms limitation treaties were concluded between the USA and the USSR.

    In the early 80s of the twentieth century. a new economic crisis began.

    Under these conditions, the President R. Reagan proclaimed a policy called the “conservative revolution.” Social spending on education, medicine, pensions was reduced, but taxes were also reduced. The United States has taken a course towards developing free enterprise and reducing the role of the state in the economy. This course caused many protests, but contributed to an improvement in the economy. Reagan advocated increasing the arms race, but in the late 80s of the twentieth century. At the proposal of the leader of the USSR M.S. Gorbachev, the process of a new arms reduction began. It accelerated in an environment of unilateral concessions from the USSR.

    The collapse of the USSR and the entire socialist camp contributed to the longest period of economic growth in the United States in the 90s. XX century under the president at Clinton's. The United States has become the only center of power in the world and has begun to claim global leadership. True, at the end of the 20th and beginning of the 21st centuries. The economic situation in the country has worsened. Terrorist attacks have become a serious test for the United States 11 September 2001 Terrorist attacks in New York and Washington cost the lives of more than 3 thousand people.

    Leading countries of Western Europe.

    The Second World War undermined the economies of all European countries. Enormous efforts had to be spent on its restoration. The painful phenomena in these countries were caused by the collapse of the colonial system and the loss of colonies. Thus, for Great Britain, the results of the war, according to W. Churchill, became “a triumph and a tragedy.” England has finally become the “junior partner” of the United States. By the beginning of the 60s of the twentieth century. England lost almost all of its colonies. A serious problem since the 70s. XX century became the armed struggle in Northern Ireland. The British economy could not revive for a long time after the war, until the early 50s. XX century The card system was maintained. The Laborites who came to power after the war nationalized a number of industries and expanded social programs. Gradually the economic situation improved. In the 5060s. XX century there was intense economic growth. However, the crises of 1974-1975 and 1980-1982. caused great damage to the country. The Conservative government that came to power in 1979, led by M. Thatcher defended the “true values ​​of British society.” In practice, this resulted in privatization of the public sector, reduction of government regulation and encouragement of private enterprise, reduction of taxes and social spending. In France, after World War II, under the influence of the communists, who sharply increased their authority during the years of the fight against fascism, a number of large industries were nationalized, and the property of German collaborators was confiscated. The social rights and guarantees of the people have expanded. In 1946, a new constitution was adopted, establishing the regime of the Fourth Republic. However, foreign policy events (wars in Vietnam, Algeria) made the situation in the country extremely unstable.

    On the wave of discontent in 1958, a general came to power C. de Gaulle. He held a referendum that adopted a new constitution that dramatically expanded the powers of the president. The period of the Fifth Republic began. Charles de Gaulle managed to solve a number of pressing problems: the French left Indochina, all colonies in Africa received freedom. Initially, de Gaulle tried to use military force to retain Algeria, which was the homeland of a million French, for France. However, the escalation of hostilities and increased repression against participants in the national liberation war only led to an increase in Algerian resistance. In 1962, Algeria gained independence, and most of the French from there fled to France. An attempt at a military coup by forces opposed to leaving Algeria was suppressed in the country. From the mid-60s of the twentieth century. France's foreign policy became more independent, it left the NATO military organization, and an agreement was concluded with the USSR.

    At the same time, the economic situation improved. However, contradictions in the country persisted, which led to mass protests by students and workers in 1968. Under the influence of these protests, de Gaulle resigned in 1969. His successor J Pompidou maintained the same political course. In the 70s XX century The economic situation has become less stable. In the 1981 presidential elections, the leader of the Socialist Party was elected F. Mitterrand. After the Socialists won the parliamentary elections, they formed their own government (with the participation of the Communists). A number of reforms were carried out in the interests of broad sections of the population (shortening working hours, increasing vacations), the rights of trade unions were expanded, and a number of industries were nationalized. However, emerging economic problems forced the government to take the path of austerity. The role of right-wing parties, with whose governments Mitterrand was supposed to cooperate, increased, and reforms were suspended. A serious problem was the strengthening of nationalist sentiments in France due to the massive influx of emigrants into the country. The sentiments of SUPPORTERS of the slogan “France for the French” are expressed by the National Front led by J - M. Le Lenom, which at times receives a significant number of votes. The influence of leftist forces has declined. In the 1995 elections, the right-wing Gaullist politician became president F Chirac.

    After the emergence of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1949, its government was headed by the leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Adenauer, who remained in power until 1960. He pursued a policy of creating a socially oriented market economy with a significant role of government regulation. After the completion of the period of economic recovery, the development of the German economy proceeded at a very rapid pace, facilitated by US assistance. Germany has become an economically powerful power. In political life there was a struggle between the CDU and the Social Democrats. At the end of the 60s. XX century A government dominated by Social Democrats led by V. Brandtom. Many changes were carried out in the interests of the general population. In foreign policy, Brandt normalized relations with the USSR, Poland, and the GDR. However, the economic crises of the 70s. xx century led to a worsening of the country's situation. In 1982, the leader of the CDU came to power G. Kohl. His government reduced government regulation of the economy and carried out privatization. Favorable conditions contributed to an increase in the pace of development. The reunification of the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic took place. by the end of the 90s. xx century new financial and economic problems arose. In 1998, the Social Democrats led by G. Schroeder.

    In the mid-70s. XX century The last authoritarian regimes in Europe have disappeared. In 1974, the military carried out a coup in Portugal, overthrowing the dictatorial regime A. Salazar. Democratic reforms were carried out, a number of leading industries were nationalized, and independence was granted to the colonies. In Spain after the death of the dictator F. Franco in 1975 the restoration of democracy began. The democratization of society was supported by King Juan Carlos 1. Over time, significant successes were achieved in the economy, and the standard of living of the population increased. After the end of World War II, a civil war broke out in Greece (1946-1949) between pro-communist and pro-Western forces, supported by England and the United States. It ended in the defeat of the communists. In 1967, a military coup took place in the country and the regime of “black colonels” was established. While limiting democracy, the “black colonels” at the same time expanded social support for the population. The regime's attempt to annex Cyprus led to its fall in 1974.

    European integration. In the second half of the twentieth century. There have been trends towards integration of countries in many regions, especially in Europe. Back in 1949, the Council of Europe came into existence. In 1957, 6 countries led by France and Germany signed the Treaty of Rome to create the European Economic Community (EEC) - a Common Market that removed customs barriers. In the 70s - 80s. xx century the number of EEC members increased to 12. In 1979, the first direct elections to the European Parliament were held. In 1991, as a result of long negotiations and decades of rapprochement between the EEC countries, documents on monetary, economic and political unions were signed in the Dutch city of Maastricht. In 1995, the EEC, which already included 15 states, was transformed into the European Union (EU). Since 2002, a single currency, the euro, was finally introduced in 12 EU countries, which strengthened the economic positions of these countries in the fight against the United States and Japan. The treaties provide for the expansion of the EU's supranational powers. The main policy directions will be determined by the European Council. Decisions require the consent of 8 out of 12 countries. The creation of a single European government cannot be ruled out in the future.

    Japan. The Second World War had dire consequences for Japan - economic destruction, loss of colonies, occupation. Under pressure from the United States, the Japanese emperor agreed to limit his power. In 1947, a Constitution was adopted that expanded democratic rights and consolidated the peaceful status of the country (military expenditures according to the Constitution cannot exceed 1% of all budget expenditures). The right-wing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is almost always in power in Japan. Japan managed to restore its economy very quickly. Since the 50s XX century its sharp rise begins, called the Japanese “economic miracle”. This “miracle” was, in addition to a favorable environment, based on the peculiarities of the organization of the economy and the mentality of the Japanese, as well as a small share of military expenditures. The hard work, unpretentiousness, and corporate-community traditions of the population allowed the Japanese economy to compete successfully. A course was set for the development of knowledge-intensive industries that made Japan a leader in the production of electronics. Nevertheless, at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries. There are significant problems in Japan. Corruption-related scandals around the LDP flared up more and more often. The rate of economic growth has slowed down, competition from the “newly industrialized countries” (South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia), as well as China, has increased. China also poses a military threat to Japan.

    Countries of Eastern Europe in the second half of the twentieth century.

    The beginning of the construction of socialism.

    During the Second World War, the authority of leftist forces, primarily communists, increased significantly in the countries of Eastern Europe. In a number of states they led anti-fascist uprisings (Bulgaria, Romania), in others they led the partisan struggle. In 1945 - 1946 In all countries, new constitutions were adopted, monarchies were abolished, power passed to people's governments, large enterprises were nationalized and agrarian reforms were carried out. In the elections, the communists took strong positions in parliaments. They called for even more radical changes, which the bourgeois democratic parties opposed. At the same time, the process of merging communists and social democrats with the dominance of the former unfolded everywhere.

    The presence of Soviet troops in the countries of Eastern Europe provided powerful support to the communists. In the context of the outbreak of the Cold War, a bet was placed on accelerating transformations. This largely corresponded to the sentiments of the majority of the population, among whom the authority of the Soviet Union was great, and many saw the construction of socialism as a way to quickly overcome post-war difficulties and further create a just society. The USSR provided these states with enormous material assistance.

    In the 1947 elections, the Communists won a majority of seats in the Polish Sejm. The Seimas elected a communist as president B. Beruta. In Czechoslovakia in February 1948, the communists, through multi-day mass rallies of workers, achieved the creation of a new government in which they played a leading role. Soon the President E. Benes resigned, and the leader of the Communist Party was elected as the new president K. Gottwald.

    By 1949, power was in the hands of communist parties in all countries of the region. In October 1949, the GDR was formed. In some countries, the multi-party system has been preserved, but in many ways it has become a formality.

    CMEA and ATS.

    With the formation of the countries of "people's democracy" the process of formation of the world socialist system began. Economic ties between the USSR and the people's democracies were carried out at the first stage in the form of a bilateral foreign trade agreement. At the same time, the USSR strictly controlled the activities of the governments of these countries.

    Since 1947, this control has been exercised by the heir to the Comintern Cominform. began to play a great role in expanding and strengthening economic ties Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (CMEA), created in 1949. Its members were Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania, the USSR and Czechoslovakia, Albania later joined. The creation of CMEA was a definite response to the creation of NATO. The goals of CMEA were to unite and coordinate efforts in developing the economies of the member countries of the Commonwealth.

    In the political field, the creation of the Warsaw Pact Organization (WTO) in 1955 was of great importance. Its creation was a response to the admission of Germany to NATO. In accordance with the terms of the treaty, its participants pledged, in the event of an armed attack on any of them, to provide immediate assistance to the attacked states by all means, including the use of armed force. A unified military command was created, joint military exercises were held, weapons and troop organization were unified.

    After the end of the Second World War and until the beginning of the 21st century, socio-political processes in the countries of the Western world took place in a rather contradictory environment. On the one hand, in the 1960-1970s. Pro-socialist and anti-capitalist sentiments were observed among the European population (especially young people). On the other hand, in the 1980s, Western society sharply switched to the position of anti-socialism and warmly welcomed the collapse of the world socialist system. At the same time, Western society positioned itself as a developed democracy, where human rights are sacred and above all, which was not always the case. This lesson is dedicated to the processes that took place in Western society in the second half of the twentieth century.

    Socio-political processes in Western countries in the second half of the twentieth century

    Prerequisites

    After the end of World War II, the countries of Western Europe, freed from Nazi occupation, returned to the traditions of parliamentarism and political competition. The USA and Great Britain, which were not subject to occupation, did not deviate from these traditions.

    The post-war socio-political development of Western countries was decisively influenced by the Cold War, in which the Western capitalist world was opposed by the socialist camp led by the USSR. The lessons learned from World War II and previous events were also important: the West received a certain “vaccination” from dictatorship and fascist ideology.

    Main development trends

    Communist threat

    If in the interwar period the fight against communist ideology was primarily characteristic of fascist organizations and governments, then the beginning of the Cold War meant opposition to communism in the Western world as a whole (primarily the United States). The first half of the 1950s in the United States was marked by the policy of McCarthyism (named after its inspirer, Senator McCarthy), which was called the “witch hunt.” The essence of McCarthyism was the persecution of communists and their sympathizers. In particular, the Communist Party of the USA was prohibited from participating in elections; the rights of millions of Americans who supported the communists in one way or another were limited.

    1968 protests

    By the end of the 1960s, a generation of young people grew up in Europe and the United States who, unlike their parents, did not experience either the global economic crisis of the 1930s or the war and grew up in conditions of economic prosperity. At the same time, this generation was characterized by disappointment in the consumer society (see Consumer Society), a heightened sense of justice, freedom of morals, and interest in the ideas of communism, Trotskyism, and anarchism. In 1967-1969, it was this generation that initiated a wave of protests: in the USA - against the Vietnam War, in France - against de Gaulle’s authoritarian policies and for improving the situation of workers (“Red May” in France), etc. At the same time, the struggle for the rights of blacks and sexual minorities intensified in the United States, which bore fruit.

    Political spectrum

    In general, the political life of the post-war West is characterized by a certain narrowness of the political spectrum. If in continental Europe in the interwar period the fierce political struggle was largely waged between radicals of the right and left, who were irreconcilable opponents with opposing views, then in the post-war period the most radical elements were marginalized. After the war, contradictions, of course, still existed between the main political forces, but certain principles of interaction (change of power through elections, the principles of parliamentarism, the value of civil rights and freedoms, etc.) were recognized by all parties. Compared to the interwar period, the postwar period is a time of certain political stability. Towards the end of the 20th century, far-right forces became more active in the political arena, but they did not receive significant support in Western countries. In general, the political life of Western countries consists of open political competition between fairly moderate political forces.

    Globalization

    At the same time, anti-globalist criticism is constantly heard in the Western world; Opponents of consolidation processes in European countries advocate the primacy of national sovereignty, including against the excessive influence of the United States on the politics of European states. Such sentiments have become especially noticeable in the 21st century.