CHAPTER CONTENTS A. Ireland in the Early Twentieth Century B. The 1960s across the world C. The 1960s in Ireland Apply Your Learning
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A short history of the twentieth century The twentieth century was a century of huge change: two World Wars, a Cold War as well as many changes in how people lived. Looking at how people lived in the past is called social history. In this chapter we will examine some of the many changes that occurred during the twentieth century in Ireland and the world. The decade of the 1960s in particular was characterised by a growing economic improvement. Internationally, the populations of the Western countries increased for the first time since World War II, and the Civil Rights movement and anti-war protests emerged. In Ireland, the arrival of television in 1961 ensured that the Irish population could watch these international events and were exposed to international influences.