Final answer:
New political forms emerged after the collapse of empires, including nation-states and alterations in political power structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
After the collapse of empires, new political forms emerged as rulers and societies adapted to changing circumstances. This transition to new forms of governance occurred in various ways:
- Nation-states with democratic constitutions rose from the ashes of fallen empires, yet their adherence to democracy varied, with some experiencing periods of authoritarian rule.
- In Europe, demands for autonomy led to the decline of multiethnic empires and the rise of independent nation-states, often in the context of nationalism.
- The end of the Russian, Habsburg, and Ottoman Empires gave way to new countries, such as the emergence of the USSR and modern Turkey, while the post-WWI landscape in Europe significantly altered the political map with the creation of new mandates and nation-states.
Amid the collapses, colonialism added a layer of complexity, imposing or malforming local political systems. These transformations were driven by factors like nationalism, liberalism, and conservatism, reshaping the Atlantic world's political order.