Unit Four Summary



Unit Four has explored:

  • resistance to liberalism historically through the development of communism and fascism
  • examined the conflict between ideologies between the end of World War Two and the fall of the Soviet Union
  • some examples of resistance to liberalism today through a focus on the issue question

To what extent is resistance to liberalism justified? 

Through this study you should now be closer to having your own ideas about why people and their government resist liberal principles and if reasonable for them to do so.

Nazi Germany Communist Soviet Union Conflicting Ideologies and International Relations Contemporary Resistance to Liberalism
  • rejected liberalism because the terms of the Treaty of Versailles and the aftermath of WWI led to hardship for Germany
  • rejected liberalism because its liberal democratic government was not able to improve the lives of citizens
  • replaced liberalism with fascism and extreme nationalism
  • blamed the Jews for many of their economic problems
  • used techniques of totalitarianism to maintain control
  • led to expansionism and World War II
  • ended with Germany's defeat
    •
  • rejected liberalism because of beliefs in collectivism
  • rejected liberalism because democratic changes were slow and ineffective in changing the lives of citizens
  • replaced monarchy and limited liberalism with communism
  • blamed land-owning kulaks for many economic problems
  • used techniques of totalitarianism to maintain control
  • led to expansionism and Soviet control of neighbouring nations
  • ended with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991
    •
  • Conflict between the competing ideologies of capitalist democratic United States and communist Soviet Union led to international tension.
  • Spheres of influence were increased through diplomatic, economic and military intervention on both sides.
  • Many nations, especially those in the developing world, refused to align themselves with either sphere.
  • Stockpiling of weapons, including weapons of mass destruction, led to mutually assured destruction and world wide fears of global annihilation.
  • The Cold War ended with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
    •
  • Today, liberalism is challenged by collectivism beliefs including Aboriginal collective thought and environmentalism.
  • Neo-conservatism calls for a return to classical liberalism with limited role for government in protecting positive freedoms and a deregulated free-market economy.
  • Some religious beliefs and values are at odds with the principles of liberalism including the rule of law, the right to own private property, acting in self-interest, and rights and freedoms for all.
    •


Review your notes for this course.

When you have finished reviewing your notes, complete the Unit Review for Unit Four. When you have completed the multiple choice review, take a look at the feedback provided. If you so choose, after waiting 30 minutes, you may complete the quiz again, keeping in mind that the questions and the order of the possible answers are randomly generated. The second version of the review will be different from the first.