This text provides a brief world history and aims to be absent of any ideological slant. It explores developments in science and technology, economics, political and social developments, international relations and religion and culture. The basic facts about the 20th century are provided, while the text weaves in sufficient analysis to enable the student to understand why major events in history have occurred. This edition features a new chapter on the post-Cold War period and sections have been added throughout the book to provide more of the whys of history. The book is divided into three main sections and each section is then organized with a thematic focus on the general trends". Excerpts from the diaries and autobiographies of 20th-century figures are also included."