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

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" »

1. What Was the Cold War?

The Cold War was a period of permanently tense international relations between 1945 and 1991. During this time, the world was divided into two opposing blocs:

1.1. Western Bloc

Led by the USA, these countries had a political system based on democracy and a capitalist economy.

1.2. Eastern Bloc

Led by the Soviet Union, these countries had a totalitarian regime and a centrally planned economy.

2. Characteristics of the Cold War

A. Bipolar Order: The two superpowers had similar military and destructive capabilities. They maintained international tensions based on distrust and threats.

B. The Arms Race: Rivalry between both superpowers to have the greatest weapons: atomic bombs, hydrogen bombs, and chemical weapons.

C. Areas of

The American Revolution (1775-1783)

Causes of the War (Caused by a Combination of Factors)

Chapter 16

1. Lincoln's Reconstruction Plan

2. Wade-Davis Manifesto

3. Freedmen's Bureau

4. John Wilkes Booth

5. Proclamation of Amnesty

6. Radical Republicans

7. Military Reconstruction Act

8. Tenure of Office Act

9. Union League

10. Baptist

11. African Americans

12. Carpetbaggers

13. Scalawags

14. Ku Klux Klan

15. Liberal Republicans

16. Republicans

17. Samuel Tilden

18. Grant

19. 1876 Presidential Election

20. Compromise of 1877

21. Reconstruction

22. Andrew Johnson

23. Fifteenth Amendment

24. Susan B. Anthony

25. Horace Greeley

26. Pinckney Pinchback

27. Hiram Revels

28. Edwin M. Stanton

29. Charles Sumner

A. Most Popular Religious Denomination Among Blacks

This was the most popular religious denomination among blacks in the postwar South

B. Group Opposed Grant

This group... Continue reading "Reconstruction Era: Key Figures and Events" »

Key Events of WW2

1939 September → Invasion of Poland (Trigger event)

1940 June → Germany invades France and defeats her in six weeks

1941 June - December → OPERATION BARBAROSSA

- Germany invades Russia. It is the largest military operation in history

1941 December → PEARL HARBOR

- Japan attacks on Pearl Harbor

1942 June → Battle of Midway

- The US Navy defeats the Japanese Navy.

1943 February → Stalingrad

- The German army surrenders at Stalingrad. One of the bloodiest battles, Hitler suffers a major defeat.

1944 June → Operation Overlord

- The Allies launch the largest assault in history on Normandy

1945 August → Hiroshima and Nagasaki

- The USA drops atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. 200.000 killing. Japan announces its surrenders.... Continue reading "Key Events, Causes, and Consequences of World War II" »

The Reformist Biennium (1931–1933)

The Reformist Biennium marked a period of intense legislative activity under the Second Spanish Republic, aimed at modernizing the state and addressing deep-seated social, military, and religious issues. These Republican reforms, however, generated significant opposition across various sectors of society.

Opposition to Republican Reforms

The major reforms and the groups that opposed them included:

• Military Reforms: Parts of the military, the Catholic Church, and some middle and upper-class citizens.
• Religious and Educational Reforms: The Catholic Church and some middle and upper-class citizens.
• Territorial Reforms (Catalonia, Basque Country, and Galicia): Parts of the military and some middle and upper-class citizens.

A Woman's Wartime Journey

London, December 12, 1917

My Dearest Sister,

I hope this letter finds you and your family well, and that you are managing the farm despite your husband and son's absence.

Here in London, rationing is stricter than ever, but I am keeping well and have ways of obtaining enough food through the black market. I am now employed at my husband's factory, ensuring his job remains secure until his return.

Many women from my organization have found similar work. Some are working in their husbands' offices, while others have taken on unexpected roles like grave diggers, road layers, and bus drivers. A few are even considering joining the Salvation Army, hoping to serve as nurses, cooks, or helpers in France.

Our lives have changed... Continue reading "A Woman's Wartime Journey: From Suffragist to Factory Worker" »