If the less developed world is called "The Third World," then what are "The First World" and "The Second World"?
A) The wealthiest countries are the First World; the middle-income countries are the Second World.
B) Capitalist, democratic countries are the First World; communist countries are the Second World.
C) Countries of the Americas are the First World; countries of Eurasia are the Second World.
D) The world leaders in technology comprise the First World; the world leaders in natural resources comprise the Second World.
E) There are no First and Second Worlds; the "Third World" designation is merely an indication of how poor these less developed countries are.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The terms "First World" and "Second World" were originally used during the Cold War era to describe political and economic alliances. The First World referred to capitalist, democratic countries aligned with the United States, while the Second World referred to communist countries aligned with the Soviet Union. The term "Third World" then emerged to describe countries that were not aligned with either side. So, choice B accurately reflects the historical use of these terms.

If the Less Developed World Is Called "The Third World