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 the level of poverty in these less developed countries.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

"The First World" originally referred to the capitalist democracies of the Western Hemisphere, including Europe, North America, and Australia. "The Second World" referred to the communist countries, such as the Soviet Union and China. This terminology is now considered outdated and offensive, especially since the fall of the Soviet Union, but the terms are still occasionally used in discussions of international relations. Option A and D are inaccurate, while option C is too geographically restrictive. Option E is partially true but doesn't fully answer the question.

If the Less Developed World Is Called "The Third World