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

20th Century History: The New Deal and World War II

The New Deal and the Great Depression

1. All the options below describe what the New Deal was, except:

   • a. A full reform in the economic system of the United States after the Great Depression
   • b. Programs interested in reactivating the economy and giving social security to people in the United States.
   • c. Series of reforms conducted in the United States from 1933 to 1938.
   • d. A new way of viewing economics and policy in the United States.

2. This was one of the most severe consequences of the Great Depression:

   • a. Massive suicides as people lost everything on the stock market.
   • b. Attempt of invasion by European superpowers in the United States.
   • c. 25% unemployment rate across the country.
   • d. Depreciation of the

Things Fall Apart: Key Conflicts & Character Insights

Clashes in Values: British Courts vs. Igbo Society

The functioning of the British courts created significant clashes with the traditional values of family, unity, and tradition held by the Igbo people. The imposition of foreign laws and customs disrupted the established social order, leading to a breakdown of indigenous customs and threatening to tear the entire society apart.

Why Villagers Welcomed the British

Some villagers, even those not converted to Christianity, welcomed the British primarily because they introduced new opportunities for trade and market access. This economic incentive offered an alternative to traditional systems, appealing to those seeking new avenues for prosperity... Continue reading "Things Fall Apart: Colonialism's Impact on Igbo Society" »

The Kashmir Conflict: A Historical Perspective

The Kashmir conflict is one of the most long-standing and contentious territorial disputes in the world, primarily between India and Pakistan. Emerging at the time of the partition of British India in 1947, the issue of Kashmir has not only affected bilateral relations between the two nations but has also threatened peace and security in the South Asian region. In an attempt to mediate the dispute, the United Nations (UN) has played a significant, though largely inconclusive, role in trying to facilitate a peaceful resolution.

Origins of the Kashmir Dispute

The origins of the Kashmir issue lie in the partition of India, when princely states were given the choice to accede to either India or Pakistan.... Continue reading "Kashmir Conflict: UN's Historical Role and Resolution Efforts" »

Foundations of Modern Thought: The Enlightenment

The Enlightenment introduced new ideas that fundamentally changed the world.

Core Principles

• Sovereignty of Reason: Reason was elevated above religion, encouraging people to think logically.
• Political Reform: A movement advocating for fair and just governments.
• Natural Rights: Rights inherent to individuals simply by virtue of being alive.
• Liberty, Equality, Fraternity: The core values of freedom, equality, and brotherhood for all.
• Tolerance: Respect for all opinions and religious beliefs.

Dissemination of Ideas

• Spread of Ideas: New concepts were widely distributed through books and newspapers.
• Salons: Important meeting places where thinkers and intellectuals gathered to discuss philosophy.
• The Encyclopedia:

The Cold War: A Summary

The Cold War was a long period of tension between the democracies of the Western World and the communist countries of Eastern Europe. The West was led by the United States, and Eastern Europe was led by the Soviet Union. These two countries became known as superpowers. Although the two superpowers never officially declared war on each other, they fought indirectly in proxy wars, the arms race, and the space race.

Key Events and Turning Points

The Yalta Conference

At Yalta, the future of Poland was discussed. Stalin wanted control of Poland, but the U.S. and U.K. were strongly against it. Britain pointed out that they had entered the war in defense of Poland and could not accept anything but free elections in an independent... Continue reading "Cold War: US-Soviet Tensions & Proxy Conflicts" »

How Did Stalin Impose His Power?

In 1929, Stalin took control of the government and established a personal dictatorship, based on:

Cult of Personality

• Propaganda was used to depict Stalin as the "great benefactor" and "father" of the people. Any positive traits in his enemies were eliminated from public view.

Terror and Repression

• All opposition was silenced. This was enforced by a secret police force called the NKVD. The public also contributed by denouncing alleged "counter-revolutionaries".
• The most intense purges took place between 1933 and 1939. At the Moscow Trials, former party leaders were forced to confess to crimes that they had not committed.
• Thousands of people were killed or sent to concentration camps (gulags), located mainly in Siberia,

Dictatorship of Primo de Rivera (1923-1931)

The dictatorship of Primo de Rivera (1923-1931) was a military regime that began after a coup d'état on September 13, 1923, supported by King Alfonso XIII. The coup was driven by political instability, corruption, social unrest, and the weakness of the parliamentary system, worsened by the Disaster of Annual (1921) and the Picasso Report, which blamed high-ranking military officials and the king for the defeat in Morocco.

Primo de Rivera suspended the 1876 Constitution, dissolved Parliament (Cortes), and banned political parties and labor unions, establishing an authoritarian government. His regime promoted public works, modernized the economy, and created state-owned companies such as CAMPSA and Telefónica.... Continue reading "Primo de Rivera Dictatorship and Spain's Reformist Biennium 1923–1933" »

The Reconstruction Era: Redefining Freedom and Citizenship

The period following the Civil War, known as Reconstruction, was a revolutionary and highly contested era dedicated to rebuilding the shattered American nation and fundamentally redefining American freedom and citizenship. Initiated by the end of slavery, which freed four million formerly enslaved African Americans, Reconstruction became a crucial struggle between contrasting visions for the postwar South.

The ensuing conflicts involved momentous constitutional changes intended to recognize Black Americans as citizens and guarantee equality before the law, ushering in a brief period of interracial democracy. However, these transformative efforts faced persistent violent resistance from... Continue reading "America's Unfinished Revolution: The Reconstruction Era" »

Vietnam's Economic Future: Growth and Stability

Vietnam’s political stability is closely tied to its economic performance. Unlike other one-party regimes that base their legitimacy on ideology, the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) derives its authority from delivering sustained prosperity—a reflection of the Confucian notion that rulers remain legitimate as long as they ensure national well-being.

Today, Vietnam’s economic fundamentals are strong: unemployment is low, poverty is declining, and growth remains steady. These outcomes reinforce the Party’s image as an effective steward of development.

But as Vietnam climbs toward middle-income status, the stakes grow higher. The country now faces the classic dilemma of the middle-income trap—where... Continue reading "Vietnam's Economic Future: Scenarios for Growth and Stability" »