An International History Since 1900 - Essay Example

While speaking about the Geopolitical world view during the 20th century, Keylor enlightens us on major problems faced by the European Powers in the decade that followed the war and the Europeanization of the world. According to Keylor, the 20th century was an era of illusions, especially where economic restoration and continental security were concerned. However, as realization emerged, the illusions that surrounded them were soon dispelled. This resulted in the total collapse of the world economic order and the security system of the Europeans.

Keylor takes into account the political, economic, social, diplomatic, and military upheavals that took place in the struggle between these major world powers for supremacy. He points out that factors that went into play during the post-war period, had created a deep impact in history which is felt even today. He examines both the World Wars and the Cold War and the rivalry and chaos that followed the struggle between the major powers for dominance and the detrimental factors that occurred in the post-war period.

The European Powers faced a major crisis in the post-war decade, especially where the economy was concerned. The heavy cost of the war posed a major threatening factor to them because they were not in a position to pay back the money that was borrowed for the war. The poor economy of the country further impacted trade, commerce, and shipping, thus weakening their position still further. Europe’s economic dominance began to deteriorate alarmingly and the conflict served to alter trading relations around the world.

The European Powers faced a heavy financial drain on the country that involved a staggering loss of lives and property that ran into billions of rupees. Many Political institutions just crumbled and disappeared and while those that remained were weakened, the indigenous nationalist movement made gradual progress. Transport and communication systems were in bad shape and needed to be restored in order to have a strong framework for connecting with each other. Another major challenge that posed a great problem for the European Powers was bringing stability to the nation and shifting itself from a war-time economy to a peaceful economy. In the wake of paying their debts, Europe who had once had lent money to the US by way of debt, now became the debtor instead, with the US for billions of dollars. To complicate the situation further, the Allied Powers in Europe lent funds to each other and when they could not repay it, they too turned to the US for financial help. Therefore, the financial crisis faced by the European Super Powers was one of the major problems faced by them