Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for History

Camel Racing in the Gulf: A History and Evolution

Origins and Popularity

Camel racing has a long-standing tradition in the Gulf States, dating back to ancient times. Traditionally, races were held to mark special occasions such as weddings and celebrations.

In the 1960s, with the influx of oil wealth, the ruling sheiks of Abu Dhabi recognized the importance of preserving this cultural heritage. To maintain its popularity, they introduced lucrative cash prizes for winning camel owners.

The Rise of Child Jockeys

As camel racing became more competitive, owners sought faster times. This led to the illegal trafficking of children from impoverished communities in South Asia and Africa to serve as jockeys.

These children faced harsh conditions: they were... Continue reading "Camel Racing in the Gulf: From Child Jockeys to Robotic Innovations" »

The Berlin Wall: A History

The Berlin Wall was built by the communist government of East Berlin in 1961. The wall separated East Berlin and West Berlin. It was built in order to prevent people from fleeing East Berlin. In many ways, it was the perfect symbol of the "Iron Curtain" that separated the democratic western countries and the communist countries of Eastern Europe throughout the Cold War.

Division of Germany

After World War II, Germany ended up dividing into two separate countries. East Germany became a communist country under the control of the Soviet Union. At the same time, West Germany was a democratic country and allied with Britain, France, and the United States. The initial plan was that the country would eventually be reunited,... Continue reading "Berlin Wall: History and Fall of a Divided Germany" »

Ancien Régime and the Transition to Parliamentary Monarchy

Understanding the Ancien Régime

The Ancien Régime was a system characterized by:

• Political Absolutism: Kings and queens held absolute power.
• Social Hierarchy: Society was divided into estates with unequal privileges.
• Subsistence Economy: The economy focused on meeting basic needs.
• Cultural and Religious Influence: Culture and religion served the ruling class.

Factors Leading to Change

Several factors contributed to the decline of Absolutism and the rise of Parliamentary Monarchy:

• Bourgeoisie and Peasants: The bourgeoisie criticized the privileges of nobles and clergy, advocating for social recognition based on merit. Peasants opposed the manorial system and excessive taxes.
• Economic Challenges:

The Complex Origins of World War I: Germany's Role

Consequences of the Great War

When World War I ended, it had numerous consequences. It caused the downfall of four monarchies: Germany, Turkey, Austria-Hungary, and Russia. The Treaty of Versailles blamed Germany for World War I, imposing severe restrictions that led to a national crisis. Crucially, these punitive measures are often cited as a significant factor contributing to the outbreak of World War II.

Arguments for German Culpability

German Support for Austria-Hungary

When Austria-Hungary issued its ultimatum to Serbia, the Austrians consulted Germany for support in the event of war. Germany affirmed its backing.

Germany's Declarations of War

World War I officially began on July 28, 1914, when... Continue reading "World War I Origins: Assessing Germany's Role" »

SBQ: United Nations

1. UNGA

• Characteristics

> 193 members with one vote each → equality

> Tendency for voting groups/blocs/alliances, especially with superpower rivalry

> Composition of members will determine if a resolution is passed

> Struggle for power between the GA and SC in issues of peace and security

• 45-60: pro-West (Cold War context)

> Growth of GA

> Accelerating decolonization

> Increased influence, bypassing SC with Uniting for Peace Resolution in 1950

> Can recommend the use of force

> Easier for the US to push its own agendas

• 65-91: anti-West (↑ Third World, decolonization, pro-Soviet)

> 3rd world own agenda, members were unstable, poor & socially divided

• Post 1991: open universal membership

> Marginalization... Continue reading "Understanding the United Nations: Key Bodies and Functions" »

The NAACP's Fight Against Lynching

Introduction

During the 1930s, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) fought tirelessly to pass anti-lynching bills in the United States. However, their efforts were met with fierce resistance from Southern Democrats, who used a variety of tactics to ensure the defeat of these bills.

The New Deal and Civil Rights

The New Deal, a series of economic and social reforms enacted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, brought about significant political, social, and economic changes in the United States. However, African Americans were still not treated equally. New Deal agencies failed to provide work and welfare support for African Americans, and the main culprits were Southern Democrats... Continue reading "The NAACP's Fight Against Lynching: Obstacles and Setbacks" »

Historical Analogies and Key Terms

Exercise VI: Complete the sentences. Use the words below. One word will not be used.

Word Bank: mosaics, vassals, sagas, Orthodox Church, Justinian Code, Barbarians

1. Hot is to cold as vassals were to the Romans.
2. The Code of Hammurabi was to the Babylonians as the Justinian Code was to the Byzantines.
3. Epics were to the Greeks as Barbarians were to the Vikings.
4. The Catholic Church was to the Western Roman Empire as the Orthodox Church was to the Eastern Roman Empire.

Foundations of Islam: Key Figures and Beliefs

Exercise VII: Complete the paragraph. Use the words below. One word will not be used.

Word Bank: Hajj, fast, Medina, Mecca, Kaaba

Muhammad was born in Mecca in Arabia. Muslims believe that an angel appeared to... Continue reading "Ancient Worlds: Empires, Faiths, and Innovations" »

The Russian Revolution of 1917 and the Creation of the USSR

Causes of the Russian Revolution: Tsarist Empire Crisis

Tsar Nicholas II of Russia

At the dawn of the 20^th century, the Russian Empire faced significant turmoil, driven by widespread dissatisfaction across several levels:

Political Dissatisfaction

• Opposition of Political Parties:
  • Liberal bourgeois parties sought reform.
  • Marxist parties advocated for revolution.
  • Bolsheviks championed the dictatorship of the proletariat.
  • Mensheviks favored collaboration with bourgeois parties.

Economic and Social Disparities

• Marked class differences: extremely poor peasants, a very wealthy nobility, and a small bourgeois class.

Precursors: The 1905 Revolution

• Key events that fueled public discontent:
  • Russo-Japanese

Chapter 15: The American Civil War

Key Figures and Battles

Match the following items with their descriptions:

1. Maryland, Delaware, Kentucky, Missouri: These were the only slave states that remained in the Union.
2. Union naval blockade: This quickly choked off Southern commercial activity.
3. The First Battle of Bull Run: This was the first real battle of the Civil War.
4. Anaconda Plan: This refers to the initial three-pronged Union strategy that included, among other things, a blockade of the southern coast to strangle the South.
5. Britain: Much of the Confederacy’s diplomatic efforts were aimed at this nation.
6. Kansas-Missouri border: Fighting along this featured brutal guerilla warfare.
7. Battle of Antietam: This was the bloodiest single day of the Civil War.