HISTORICAL CONTEXT
Events and developments in political, social, scientific, and cultural history have inevitably and profoundly influenced the course of music history since 1900.
Political Events
Two global wars in the first half of the century, both resulting from German attempts to attain European hegemony, had powerful impacts on world history: World War 1(1914-1918) and World War II (1939-1945). Each conflict was followed by an effort to establish world government: the League of Nations (1920-1946) and the United Nations (established in 1946). The Bolshevik Revolution in 1917 marked the emergence of Communism and of the Soviet Union as a world power. After World War II Japan and China also became major world powers. Notable conflicts since mid—century were the .Korean War (1950-1953), the Arab—Israeli conflicts, and the Vietnamese wars involving first France and later the United States. Political and ideological struggle between the Soviet Union and the United States and their allies since World War II was known as the Cold War, a period of nonmilitary activity, but one marked by a major armaments race. Revolutions and changes of- government throughout Eastern Europe in 1989 changed dramatically the political and ideological makeup of Europe.
Social and Economic Developments
Of great significance has been the decline of colonialism and the rise of independent states, especially in Africa and India. Greater autonomy was granted to British Commonwealth countries, notably Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Mention should be made of the economic, depression in the 1930s and the development of European economic and political ties since, World War II. 13y century's end, one can speak of a global; economy as a result of the interlocking of national and regional markets and economies.
Since about midcentury acute social and economic problems have come to concern the world environmental pollution and its consequences; population growth; racial, ethnic, and religious decimation; severe poverty and food shortages in many parts of the world: energy shortages; increases in crime and violence; urban decay.