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

The Writer's Secret Mission

Motives for Traveling to Poland

The writer traveled to Poland for revenge, intending to assassinate a political leader. This mission followed a two-week hunting trip.

True Motive: Revenge for a Beloved

His true motivation for attempting to kill the leader of Quive-Smith's country was revenge for the harm inflicted upon his beloved.

Assassination Preparation: The Catapult

The writer prepared to kill Quive-Smith by constructing a primitive catapult. This device was designed to shoot a sharp piece of metal at high speed through a ventilation hole, aiming to strike Q-S.

Survival and Escape

Surviving the Cliff Fall

He survived his fall by landing in a small, deep marsh.

The Trousers Incident

He took all the trousers to make it appear... Continue reading "A Quest for Vengeance: A Hidden Narrative of Survival" »

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" »

Bartolomeu Dias

Portuguese explorer who, in 1488, led the first expedition to sail around the southern tip of Africa from the Atlantic Ocean and sight the Indian Ocean.

Prince Henry

Portuguese prince who started a school for sailors and sponsored early voyages of exploration.

Vasco da Gama

Portuguese explorer. In 1497-1498, he led the first naval expedition from Europe to sail to India, opening an important commercial sea route.

Treaty of Tordesillas

A 1494 agreement between Portugal and Spain, declaring that newly discovered lands to the west of an imaginary line in the Atlantic Ocean would belong to Spain, and newly discovered lands to the east of the line would belong to Portugal.

Dutch East India Company

A company founded by the Dutch in the early... Continue reading "Defining Moments and Personalities in World History" »

European Union Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP)

Challenges in EU Defense Policy

The realm of defense policy within the European Union is inherently complex and often conflictive due to several critical factors:

1. It is intrinsically linked to national sovereignty, making common decision-making challenging.
2. Not all Member States possess the same military capabilities or resources.
3. There is not always unanimous agreement among Member States regarding the use of force when necessary.
4. Six Member States (Austria, Cyprus, Finland, Ireland, Malta, and Sweden) are not part of NATO, which adds another layer of complexity to coordinated defense efforts.
5. A wide range of opinions exists concerning the United States' role in European security, with some

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 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" »