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

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.

Key Concepts and Timeline of 20th Century Spanish History

Defining Moments and Terms

Tragic Week

A protest in 1909 against sending troops to Morocco, which led to a general strike followed by a popular uprising in which convents were attacked and burned. The army suppressed the rebellion, resulting in many deaths and executions.

Casas Viejas Incident

The Civil Guard and Assault Guard suppressed an anarchist uprising in Cádiz in 1933, resulting in many deaths and contributing to the overthrow of the Azaña government.

Popular Front

A political coalition formed in 1936, composed of left-wing Republicans, Socialists, and Communists. Its goals included resuming the reforms of the 'Reformist Biennium' and declaring amnesty for political prisoners.

Autarky

An... Continue reading "Key Events and Concepts of 20th Century Spanish History" »

The Tsar's Abdication: A Direct Consequence of the February Revolution

The Tsar's abdication in 1917 was a direct consequence of the February Revolution. Forced to relinquish his position, and with his son's grave health concerns, he offered the throne to his brother. However, his brother's refusal marked the end of tsarism in Russia.

The February Uprising

In February 1917, the citizens of Petrograd took to the streets in a primarily peaceful strike, aiming to make their grievances heard by the Tsar. Unfortunately, the Tsar, ill-prepared for leadership and overwhelmed by the situation, remained indecisive. His only desire was to reunite with his family in Petrograd. This lack of action prompted a harsh response from the army, resulting in numerous... Continue reading "The Tsar's Abdication: Causes and Consequences of the February Revolution" »