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

Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) and Leviathan (1651)

Context

To understand the reasons behind Hobbes' actions and way of thinking, it is essential to first know the context in which he grew up. This context reveals the great instability that existed in England at the time, particularly the English Civil War (1642-1649).

Charles I and the Road to War

Charles I (1625-1649) became increasingly estranged from his people. He waged war against both France and Spain, faced conflicts with Parliament, and created significant religious divisions within the country.

Oliver Cromwell and the New Model Army

Oliver Cromwell emerged as a powerful figure, ruling as a dictator. He reformed the army based on merit, with the clear objective of creating an efficient fighting... Continue reading "Thomas Hobbes' Leviathan: Impact of the English Civil War" »

The Weimar Republic and Early Nazism

After World War I, elections for a constituent assembly were held in Germany. The assembly passed a constitution, and Germany became a democratic republic known as the Weimar Republic. From its inception, the new republic faced significant opposition from extremist groups, particularly from the extreme right, who felt betrayed by the Treaty of Versailles.

Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party

Adolf Hitler (1889-1945) emerged as the most prominent leader of this extreme right. He reorganized the National Socialist German Worker’s Party (NSDAP), commonly known as the Nazi Party, and established a paramilitary wing, the Assault Division (SA). As the leader of the Nazi Party, Hitler orchestrated a failed coup attempt,... Continue reading "The Rise of Nazism and Hitler's Dictatorship in Germany" »

FRANKS: after the fall of  W.R.E (476) the franks assumed the power in north gaul. The first frankish king was clovis, an impressive military commander from the merovingian dynasty.

507: Clovis expelled the visigoths from southern gaul b. Of vouille who moved south of the pyrenees. 

THe merovingian left government affairs in the hands of the mayors of the palace ; who became the real power.

732: the mayor of the palace charles mantel (Charlemagne´s grandfather) defeated the muslims at the battle of poitiersforcing them to retreat to the iberian peninsula. This victory reinforced the power of the mayors of the palace (who were ancestors of Charlemagne).

751: Charles 

W.B. Yeats and the Irish Literary Revival

W.B. Yeats was an Irish poet whose work often referenced Maud Gonne, an Irish patriot and revolutionary woman. During the early part of his career, he devoted himself to the Irish Literary Revival and Irish patriotism, seeking to develop a new religious iconography based on Irish mythology. He rose to literary prominence and helped to found the Abbey Theatre.

In 1923, Yeats reached the height of his poetic power between the ages of 50 and 70. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest poets of the 20th century. The Waterboys, a popular band, adopted 14 of Yeats' poems for their album "An Appointment with Mr. Yeats." Mike Scott, the band's lead singer, described Yeats' verses as "a gift for any songwriter.... Continue reading "Literature, Architecture, and Libraries: Intertwined Worlds" »

The Provisional Government's Initial Steps

Following the February Revolution, the Provisional Government established liberal credentials, for example, by abolishing the death penalty. Russia became, in theory, the freest of all the warring states.

Challenges Facing the Provisional Government

Unmet Expectations

• Elections were postponed due to World War I.
• The Provisional Government was reluctant to embark on significant land reform, disappointing peasant expectations.

Dual Power Structure

• A major conflict, known as Dual Power, existed between the Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet (and other left-wing workers' and soldiers' councils across the country).

Breakdown of Law and Order

• Widespread rural disturbances occurred as peasants seized

NATIONALISM: devotion to the interests and culture of one's nation.

1. THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY The most democratic organ, in which each state (193) gets one vote, no matter how big or small, rich or poor. The General Assembly has the competence to discuss and make recommendations on all matters that fall within the scope of the UN Charter.

2. THE SECURITY COUNCIL The most powerful organ. Its primary responsibility is to maintain peace and security.

It is composed of 15 members, 5 permanent with veto power (United States, China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom) and 10 elected by the GA for 2 years.

The Security Council is the only organ that can impose sanctions on states or deploy military forces on behalf of the international community to keep the peace in certain areas, regions, or countries.

3. THE SECRETARIAT

Book

Author: Josiah Gregg

Date: 1831

After the Mexican Revolution in 1821, U.S. merchants began trading in the Santa Fe, New Mexico, area. Josiah Gregg was one of those early traders. Based in Independence, Missouri, Gregg began his southwestern travels in 1831. Commerce of the Prairies, a record of Gregg's experiences, was a complete success. His descriptions of the region's human and physical geography and the maps he made were the best available at the time. Nowadays, it is still considered a classic description of the North American Southwest before the coming of the railroads and an excellent history of the early Santa Fe trade.

Gregg died of exposure and starvation while on an exploratory trip in California's Coast Range in 1850.

Gregg's 1839

The Persian War

The Persian War began in the 6th century BC. They conquered many of the polis in Asia Minor and in the eastern Mediterranean. These cities rebelled against the Persians. The first Persian War ended when the hoplites defeated the Persians at the Battle of Marathon. King Xerxes I began the second Persian War but was defeated at the Battle of Salamis.

The Peloponnesian War

Under the leadership of Athens, many polis formed a union called the Delian League. The domination of Athens threatened other polis such as Sparta, which opposed the Delian League of Athens and its allies. The two sides fought against each other in the Peloponnesian War. Sparta won the war and became the leading polis.

Alexander the Great

Philip II of Macedon took... Continue reading "The Persian War, Peloponnesian War, and Alexander the Great" »