If you're seeing this message, it means we're having trouble loading external resources on our website.

If you're behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains *.kastatic.org and *.kasandbox.org are unblocked.

Main content

Course: World History Project AP® > Unit 8

Lesson 1: 8.0—Setting the Stage
Arts and humanities
World History Project AP®
Cold War and Decolonization
8.0—Setting the Stage
© 2024 Khan AcademyTerms of usePrivacy PolicyCookie Notice

BEFORE YOU WATCH: Unit 8 Overview - Cold War and Decolonization

Google Classroom
Use the “Three Close Reads” approach as you watch the video below.

Before you watch

Before you watch the video, it’s a good idea to open and skim the video transcript. And always read the questions below so you know what to look and listen for as you watch.

While you watch

  1. How did the Cold War impact the city of Cuito Cuanavale?
  2. What nations became superpowers after World War II?
  3. Why did many formerly colonized regions demand independence after World War II?
  4. How can the Cold War be described in relation to the themes of governance, economics, cultural developments and interactions, and social interactions and organization?
  5. Why didn’t the US and USSR engage each other in a “hot” war, or direct conflict, during this period?
  6. How did soldiers from Cuba and South Africa end up fighting in the Angolan Civil War?

After you watch

  1. In the video, John Arthur states that the “Cold War and decolonization were both continuations of some of the trends you saw at the end of Unit 7”. What continuities from Unit 7 (Global Conflict) can be seen in Unit 8 (Cold War and Decolonization)?
Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to watch. Remember to return to these questions once you’ve finished watching.

Want to join the conversation?

Log in