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

Post-War Monetary System Talks

The initial talks on reconstructing a postwar international monetary system started between the United States and United Kingdom as early as 1941. The lead negotiators were Harry Dexter White for the USA and John Maynard Keynes for the British. Given the US economic and political dominance at the end of the war, it is not surprising that the eventual system reflected more the US proposals. The system that emerged was ratified at an international monetary conference held at Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, attended by some 44 countries, although some commentators dubbed the conference as a meeting of 1.5 nations (the USA and the UK!).

Bretton Woods Institutions

The Bretton Woods Agreement created three institutions:

• The

ECONOMY europe--> 1st half crisis bc destruction & debt 2nd half distention bc of better international relationshipsh+prosperity- germany = worst state PRIMER CÍRCULO way out = Dawes plan (ends ruhr occupation, lowers war reparations, gives money for economic recovery)/ USA--> industrial growt, increase in exports, europe pays dawes plan + mass consumer society "american livestyle" (car + house appliances) / 1929 crisis growth based on consmption development by credits, increase in speculation=increase in stock market value, SEGUNDO CÍRCULO , globalisation of crisis=great depression (that ends w/WWII) / way out great depr economic nationalism & state intervention - USA elections 32' hoover (economic liberalism) vs roosevelt

When the war started, the British Prime Minister said that the First World War was a 'modern war,' which meant that it wasn't all about the soldiers. The government also played an important role in keeping people at home happy. This was useful in maintaining support for the Tsar and the war, as it encouraged people to produce enough resources for the country and contribute to the war effort.

However, the Tsar did not share the same attitude. During the war, government expenditure increased, leading to inflation in Russia. But this was not the only cause of inflation. The Tsar decided to ban all alcohol production to keep soldiers sober, which significantly reduced the country's income as vodka was a major source of revenue. Additionally, foreign... Continue reading "The Impact of World War I on Russia's Economy and Society" »

Why Were Virginia's Frontier Settlers Frustrated With Their Government?

The frontier lacked representation in Virginia's legislature.

What Principles Did the Government of Providence Differ From That of Massachusetts?

Providence differed from Massachusetts in its emphasis on religious tolerance and separation of church and state. Providence also had agreements with Native American tribes and promised religious freedom to its inhabitants.

Social Structure of Southern Societies

Southern society was stratified into three main groups:

1. Small farmers
2. Plantation owners
3. Enslaved Africans

How Was the French Colony in North America Unlike the British Colonies?

The French had friendlier relations with Native Americans than the British and established stronger... Continue reading "A Comparative Study of Early American History: From Colonial Frustrations to National Identity" »

THE RESTORATION OF THE ANCIENT REGIME

The 17th century. Transformations and conflicts.

1.1.The transformations of the 17th century

• Political transformations: Authoritarian monarchy was substituted by absolute monarchy and the first parliamentary systems emerged.
• Economic transformations: The rise of commerce encouraged financial capitalism and the majority of states imposed mercantilism, a new economic doctrine based on the accumulation of wealth and precious metals.
• Social transformations: The society of the three estates began to rupture due to the rise of the bourgeoisie, who became wealthier through colonial trade.
• Cultural and artistic transformations: The 17th century witnessed the birth of modern science. In terms of art, the Baroque arose in Italy and spread to other European

Electronic Devices

Camcorder

Cordless Phone

Desktop Computer

Digital Camera

DVD Player

Games Console

Handheld Games Console

Hi-Fi

Laptop Computer

Netbook

Mobile Phone

Remote Control

Widescreen Television

Computing

Base Unit

Monitor

Printer

Router

Scanner

Speakers

Home Appliances

Microwave

Mobile Phone

Stereo

Video Recorder

Cooker

Fridge

Cassette Player

Freezer

Hairdryer

Washing Machine

Radio

TV

Technology

Fax Machine

CD-ROM

Disc

Printer

Smart Card

Screen

Vocabulary: Black History

African-American

Black American of African descent

Slaves

People who are owned and forced to work by someone else

Discrimination

Unfair treatment of a person or group on the basis of prejudice

Prejudice

An opinion or strong feeling formed without careful thought

Civil Rights

Human rights

Justice

The administration of... Continue reading "Electronic Devices and Black History Vocabulary" »

The 1905 Revolution

In January 1905, industrial workers in St. Petersburg peacefully marched on the Winter Palace, the Tsar's residence, to request improvements in working conditions and political reform. The protesters were brutally suppressed, and the protest became known as "Bloody Sunday."

The 1917 Revolutions

In 1917, a revolution took place in two phases: the liberal-bourgeois revolution in February and the socialist-proletarian revolution in October.

The February Revolution: The Provisional Government

In February 1917, there was a successful revolution of workers in Petrograd (previously called St. Petersburg), supported by soldiers and peasants. They protested the disasters of the war and the shortage of food and demanded Russia's withdrawal... Continue reading "Revolutions and Restorations: A Historical Overview" »

EU policy involvement varies not just in its extent but also in its nature. The most important aspect of this varying nature is whether policies rely heavily on EU law or are more based on forms of intergovernmental cooperation.

It used to be the case that in those policy areas where the EU exercised significant responsibilities, well-established and effective policy instruments resting on EU law were almost invariably in place. It also used to be the case that where EU policy involvement was very limited, policy instruments tended mostly to be of the voluntary and persuasive kind.

However, over the years these two generalised statements, and especially the first, have become increasingly less accurate as the EU has made use of an increasing

Enlightenment

The Enlightenment was an intellectual movement that emerged in France in the 18th century. The most important ideas were:

• Confidence in reason
• Faith in human progress through science
• Criticism of the Old Regime

Old Regime

The Old Regime refers to the political, economic, and social system in Europe from the 15th century to the 18th century. It was characterized by:

• Political: Absolute monarchy
• Economic: An economy based on agriculture
• Social: A stratified society

Salons

Salons were meetings in private homes where intellectuals discussed politics, culture, and other topics. These gatherings contributed to the spread of Enlightenment ideas.

Encyclopaedia

The Encyclopaedia was a 28-volume work that summarized the knowledge of its time and included... Continue reading "The Enlightenment and its Impact: A Comprehensive Guide" »