When we use the term “third world country”, we refer to developing countries that are usually the poor nations of Africa, Asia, Latin America and Oceania. But this was not always the case. Back in the 1950s when the term was coined, it had nothing to do with poverty. It was a part of the Three World model that was used in the post-WWII era and it just meant that a country’s views were not aligned with either capitalism of communism.
This so called Three World model, is an outdated geopolitical world model that was used during the Cold War. After World War II, the world basically split into two large groups: the American capitalists and the Soviet communists. These two contrary geopolitical spheres of influence, defined First, Second or Third world.
Here are the explanations: (the article continues after the ad)
First World Country: The countries that were under the American influence sphere and were supporting capitalism
Second World Country: The countries that were supporting communism and socialism and were under the Soviet influence
Third World Country: The remaining countries that did not align with either the Western US coalition or the Soviet bloc
Map of the world according to the Three World Model:
Nowadays, the meaning has changed and “first world countries” actually mean developed countries, “second world countries” are the former communist countries (the Eastern bloc) and “third world countries” are the developing, poorer countries.
If you like what you read, then you will definitely love this one: Why The Cold War Was Called… Cold War?
Main Article Photo: Reference.com
Photoshop: I’m A Useless Info Junkie
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