| Patterns of Change Writing Exercises Handouts |
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| Student Handouts > World History > Modern Global Issues> Modern Global Issues Worksheets |
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Patterns of Change Writing Exercises Handout #1 1. Describe global migration patterns today. Today's global migration is driven by economic opportunity, conflict, and climate change. Workers from developing nations move to industrialized countries (e.g., Latin America to the U.S., Africa to Europe), while skilled professionals migrate for high-tech jobs (e.g., India to the U.S.). Refugees flee war (e.g., Syria, Ukraine) and climate disasters, straining host nations. Urbanization and aging populations in wealthy countries further shape flows, creating both cultural diversity and political tensions. 2. Explain why opposition to global migration has arisen. Opposition to global migration stems from economic fears (job competition, wage suppression), cultural anxieties (identity loss, social cohesion), and security concerns (terrorism, crime). Populist politicians exploit these fears, blaming migrants for strained public services and inequality. Misinformation fuels xenophobia, while rapid demographic shifts trigger backlash. Though migrants often boost economies, host communities facing unemployment or austerity disproportionately resent perceived outsiders, turning migration into a polarizing issue. 3. Imagine that Thomas Malthus were alive today. How might he react to the world’s growing population? If alive today, Thomas Malthus might warn that Earth's 8 billion+ population strains finite resources, pointing to food insecurity, water scarcity, and climate-driven famines as proof of his "positive checks" (famine, disease). Yet he'd likely overlook modern agricultural tech (GMOs, vertical farming) and declining birth rates in industrialized nations. Still, he'd argue unchecked growth in developing regions risks collapse, urging population controls—though critics would counter that inequality, not sheer numbers, drives crises. Click here to print (PDF file). Answers will vary. |
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Patterns of Change Writing Exercises Handout #2 1. Describe the growth of democracy in Latin America. Democracy in Latin America has expanded unevenly since the 1980s, following decades of military dictatorships and authoritarian regimes. Transition to democratic governance was driven by grassroots movements, international pressure, and economic crises that discredited autocratic rule. While countries like Costa Rica and Uruguay stabilized as democracies, others face corruption, weak institutions, and populist backsliding (e.g., Venezuela, Nicaragua). Persistent inequality and crime challenge consolidation, but free elections remain widespread compared to the 20th century. 2. Weigh the pros and cons of increased modernization and urbanization in the developing world. Pros: Modernization and urbanization boost economic growth, creating jobs and improving infrastructure (e.g., roads, healthcare). They foster innovation, education, and access to services, reducing poverty. Urban centers attract investment, enhancing global connectivity. Cons: Rapid urbanization strains resources, causing slums, pollution, and traffic congestion. Inequality widens as rural areas lag, and traditional cultures erode. Overcrowding and unplanned growth often outpace public services, exacerbating health and housing crises. 3. Worldwide, how have the rights and status of women decreased or increased since the dawn of the 20th century? Since the 20th century, women's rights have advanced significantly worldwide: suffrage (e.g., 1920 U.S., 2015 Saudi Arabia), education access, and legal protections against discrimination grew. However, progress is uneven. While some regions embrace gender equality, others face backsliding (e.g., Afghanistan under Taliban rule) or persistent cultural barriers (child marriage, wage gaps). Global movements like #MeToo highlight both gains and ongoing struggles, proving empowerment remains incomplete but far greater than in 1900. Click here to print. Answers will vary. |
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Patterns of Change Writing Exercises Handout #3 1. How have medical, scientific, and technological advances contributed to an increase in average life expectancy? Medical, scientific, and technological advances have boosted global life expectancy by eradicating diseases (e.g., smallpox), improving vaccines, and advancing antibiotics. Innovations like clean water systems, nutrition science, and maternal care reduced infant mortality. Medical imaging, organ transplants, and chronic disease management (e.g., insulin, statins) extended adult lives, while public health policies and AI-driven diagnostics further optimize care. Since 1900, average lifespans have more than doubled, from ~32 to ~73 years. 2. Compare and contrast modern global migrations and earlier migrations to the United States (circa 1870-1920). Similarities: Both waves were driven by economic opportunity and escape from hardship (e.g., famine, war). Migrants faced xenophobia and labor exploitation, enriching host cultures. Differences: Early migrations (1870-1920) were mostly unregulated, with Europeans dominating flows. Today's migrations are globally diverse (Latin America, Asia, Africa) and tightly controlled via visas/borders. Modern migrants also face climate displacement and skilled labor demands, unlike the agrarian/industrial focus of the past. 3. How is overpopulation a problem in some areas, while depopulation is a problem in other areas? Overpopulation strains resources in developing regions (e.g., Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia), causing food/water scarcity, unemployment, and slum growth. Conversely, depopulation in developed nations (e.g., Japan, Italy) leads to labor shortages, aging societies, and economic stagnation as birth rates fall below replacement levels. While overcrowding fuels poverty and environmental stress, shrinking populations threaten pensions and healthcare systems—highlighting a global demographic divide with no one-size-fits-all solution. Click here to print. Answers will vary. |
| Student Handouts > World History > Modern Global Issues> Modern Global Issues Worksheets |
