World History: Patterns of Interaction: Chapter 31

Space and time can change when measured relative to an object moving near the speed of light—about 186,000 miles per second. Since relative motion is the key to Einstein’s idea, it is called the theory of relativity.

In their search for meaning in an uncertain world, some thinkers turned to the philosophy known as existentialism.

Surrealism, an art movement that sought to link the world of dreams with real life, was inspired by Freud’s ideas. The term surreal means “beyond or above reality.”

A new popular musical style called jazz emerged in the United States. It was developed by musicians, mainly African Americans, in New Orleans, Memphis, and Chicago.

When no single party won a majority, a coalition government, or temporary alliance of several parties, was needed to form a parliamentary majority.

Within months of the crash, unemployment rates began to rise as industrial production, prices, and wages declined. A long business slump, which would come to be called the Great Depression, followed.

Fascism was a new, militant political movement that emphasized loyalty to the state and obedience to its leader.

Hitler also declared that Germany was overcrowded and needed more lebensraum, or living space.

On March 7, 1936, German troops moved into the Rhineland. Stunned, the French were unwilling to risk war. The British urged appeasement, giving in to an aggressor to keep peace.

Many Americans supported isolationism, the belief that political ties to other countries should be avoided.