HISTORY NOTES FOR FORM SIX - ALL TOPICS

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Kenya Notes

HISTORY NOTES FOR FORM SIX

We have:

Notes A and Notes B

Notes A

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TOPIC 1 - THE RISE OF CAPITALISM IN EUROPE

TOPIC 2 - THE RISE OF DEMOCRACY IN EUROPE

TOPIC 3 - IMPERIALISM AND TERRITORIAL DIVISION OF THE WORLD (COLONIZATION OF AFRICA)

TOPIC 4 - THE RISE OF DICTATORSHIP IN GERMANY, ITALY AND JAPAN

TOPIC 5 - THE RISE OF SOCIALISM

TOPIC 6 - THE EMERGENCE OF U.S.A AS A NEW CAPITALIST SUPER POWER

TOPIC 7 - THREATS TO WORLD PEACE AFTER WWII

TOPIC 8 - NEO-COLONIALISM AND UNDERDEVELOPMENT IN THE THIRD WORLD

Notes B

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1. RISE OF CAPITALISM IN EUROPE

2. COMPETITIVE CAPITALISM AND INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTIONS IN EUROPE

3. IMPERIALISM AND THE TERRITORIAL DIVISION OF THE WORLD

4. RISE OF DEMOCRACY IN EUROPE

5. THE RISE OF DICTATORSHIP IN GERMANY, ITALY AND JAPAN

6. THE RISE OF SOCIALISM

7. THE EMERGENCE OF THE USA AS A NEW CAPITALIST SUPERPOWER

8. THREATS TO THE WORLD PEACE AFTER THE SECOND WORLD WAR

9. NEO-COLONIALISM AND UNDERDEVELOPMENT OF THIRD WORLD COUNTRIES

WHY USA IS THE MOST POWERFUL COUNTRY IN THE WORLD?

 

1. The Most Powerful Military

The first reason why America is the most powerful country in the world is the US military.

America has one of the largest armed forces in the world. Although the US military doesn’t have the biggest army in terms of personnel, it is the strongest with the biggest defense budget in the world.

 

2. American Innovation and Technology

The United States is one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world. This is a key reason why it is so powerful.

In the modern world, technology is strength. Countries that can produce high-tech goods, develop new advanced machinery and computers, and utilise information and technology effectively, are ensured influential positions in the global order.

Many countries around the world rely on American technology and this is an important reason why it is the most powerful county in the world.

Americas’ ability to innovate not only ensures the country has a world leader economy, but also means their armed forces has access to the latest advanced weaponry.

 

3. The World’s Largest Economy

The size of the US economy is another reason why America is so powerful.

America has the world’s largest economy, by far. It makes up nearly a quarter of the entire world economy. Because of the size of the US economy, it dominates global trade, finance, and international business. Being the largest economy in the world gives America immense power.

 

4. The US Has a Large Population

A third reason why America is a powerful country is the size of the US population.

America is the third most populous country in the world. It has 331 million people. Having a large population helps a country enormously. It allows it to create a bigger economy, have a larger army and have a more productive workforce.

The large size of the US population ensures that America’s economy remains dynamic and innovative and this directly relates to America’s international power.

Not every country with a big population becomes a superpower. However, America has effectively harnessed its large population to become an incredibly strong country.

 

5. Most Valuable Companies

America has some of the world’s largest and most important businesses, which is one of the primary reasons for its power.

America has some of the biggest and most valuable companies by market cap in the world. Apple, Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and Coca-Cola are just a few of the world’s leading companies. Businesses such as these have enormous worldwide markets.

Having internationally important companies that do business around the world is a major factor in America’s global strength.

American businesses dominate many parts of the world. They are highly recognisable and are often famous established brands. This makes the US a powerful country because it means people around the world build a connection with American lifestyles and values. American companies also outperform local brands in many countries, further adding to the American global influence.

 

FEATURES OF CAPITALISM

 

1.   Two-Class System

Historically, capitalist society was characterized by the split between two classes of individuals: the capitalist class, which owns the means for producing and distributing goods (the owners), and the working class, who sell their labour to the capitalist class in exchange for wages (the workers).

The economy is run by individual corporations that own and operate companies and make decisions as to the use of resources. But there exists a “division of labour” that allows for specialization, typically occurring through education and training, further breaking down the two-class system into subclasses (e.g., the middle class).1

 

2.   Private property

This is one of the most important characteristics of capitalism where private properties like factories, machines, and equipment can be owned by private individuals or companies.

 

3.   Freedom of enterprise

Under this system, every individual has the right to make their own economic decisions without any interference. This is applicable to both consumers and producers.

 

4.   Limited Government Role

In a capitalist economy, the government has little involvement in the functioning of private firms. They intervene only to prevent a monopoly. All the government has to do is ensure fair competition among business entities. However, this economic system gives the wealthy an unfair advantage. An economic inequality, therefore, is the biggest criticism against capitalist economies.

 

5.   Profit motive

The motive of earning profit is one of the most important drivers of a capitalist economy. In this system, all the companies are looking to produce and sell their products to consumers to earn maximum profit.

 

6.   Markets and Competition

Competition is the other vital attribute of a capitalist system. Private businesses compete to provide consumers with goods and services that are better, faster, and cheaper. The principle of competition forces businesses to maximize efficiency and offer their products at the lowest prices the market will bear, lest they get put out of business by more efficient and better-priced competitors.