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

The Francoist Period: Main Phases

First Stage: Early Francoism and Autarky (1939-1959)

Autarky (1939-1950)

The State

• Severe repression marked the early years of the regime, as Franco wanted to impose absolute political control. Repression and retaliation were approved by the Law of Political Responsibilities (February 1939) and the Law for the Repression of Masonry and Communism (May 1940). Many people went into exile, others were imprisoned, there were executions, and penal labor camps.
• These repressive measures engendered an atmosphere of fear.
• The military played a major role during the first years of the regime.
• The Falange's ideology and symbols played an important role in the new state.

Foreign Policy

• The need to strengthen the regime determined

China's Transformation Under Mao Zedong

For many centuries, China had been an imperial monarchy. In 1911, a revolution deposed the last emperor and established a republic in 1912. Conflicts with Japan were frequent, especially for the control of Manchuria, leading to various wars. During World War II, China had to defend itself from Japanese attacks.

Internally, two sides opposed each other in China: the Nationalists and the Communists. They soon engaged in a civil war. The Nationalists—led by Jiang Jieshi—were at first better equipped and received the support of the U.S. in the late 1940s, as a means to prevent the advance of Communism. However, corruption among Nationalist leaders and the growing strength of the Communists ultimately led... Continue reading "Mao Zedong's China: Transformation and Turmoil" »

Popular Front Program

Introduction

This document analyzes the program of the Popular Front, a coalition of left-wing political parties in Spain's Second Republic. It addresses the program's objectives, the agreements and disagreements within the coalition, and the broader political context.

The Program's Objectives

The Popular Front aimed to win the elections and form a left-wing government to reinstate the reforms initiated during the Reformist Biennium (1931-33). The program outlined a common plan of action for the coalition parties.

Agreements and Disagreements

The coalition partners agreed on key issues, such as granting amnesty to political prisoners from the 1933 elections and restoring the principles of the 1931 Constitution. However, disagreements... Continue reading "Popular Front Program: A Path to Reform in Spain's Second Republic" »

European Colonization in America

Colonization is the act of dominating or conquering a country or territory. This domination can be political, military, or cultural in nature and can develop violently or peacefully. America, for instance, was colonized by various European countries, including France and England.

The English and French colonized America less for gold and more for reasons such as establishing a new life, distinct from their homeland. Typically, the English settlers stayed along the coast, while the French ventured into the forests to expand their commercial and religious frontiers.

Racism and Segregation in the Narrative

Mainly, it is important to differentiate between racism and segregation. Segregation consists of the separation... Continue reading "Race, Gender, and Power Dynamics in Colonial America" »

WATERLOO

Waterloo was fought on Sunday, 18 June 1815 near Waterloo in Belgium, part of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands at the time. A French army under the command of Napoleon Bonaparte was defeated by two of the armies of the Seventh Coalition: a British-led allied army under the command of the Duke of Wellington, and a Prussian army under the command of Field Marshal Blücher. The battle marked the end of the Napoleonic Wars.

HOLY ALLIANCE

The Holy Alliance was a coalition linking the monarchist great powers of Russia, Austria, and Prussia. It was created after the final defeat of Napoleon at the behest of Tsar Alexander I of Russia and signed in Paris on 26 September 1815. The alliance aimed to restrain liberalism and secularism in Europe... Continue reading "The Impact of Waterloo and the Holy Alliance on European History" »

The Cold War Defined

The Cold War was a period of constant tension between the United States and the Soviet Union, primarily from 1946 to 1949 (though the era extended much longer). Each superpower aimed to demonstrate and increase its own power, while simultaneously limiting or reducing the influence of the other. Americans and Soviets wanted to avoid a direct military confrontation, which could have led to a nuclear war.

Origins of the Conflict

The United States and the Soviet Union failed to agree on many things related to the organization of the world after World War II. Each wanted to impose their own ideas about foreign policy. The USSR represented a communist dictatorship, while the USA was a democracy that supported capitalism.

Key Early

World War I: 1914

• June 28: Archduke Franz Ferdinand, prince to the Austria-Hungary throne, is assassinated in Sarajevo by a Serbian named Gavrilo Princip.
• July 23: Austria-Hungary makes demands on Serbia for retribution. Serbia does not meet demands.
• July 28: Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia. Russia begins mobilizing its troops.
• August 1: Germany declares war on Russia.
• August 3: Germany declares war on France as part of the Schlieffen Plan.
• August 4: Germany invades Belgium. Britain declares war on Germany.
• August 23 to 30: The Battle of Tannenberg is fought between Germany and Russia. The Germans defeat the Russian Second Army.
• September 5 to 12: The advancing German army is stopped before Paris by the British and French at the First Battle

             3. THE THIRTY YEARS WAR

Causes:  

1. This war was caused because of the cinflict between Catholics and protestants in the Holy Roman Empire
2. Gradually it developed into a more general conflict for Europe political dominance

The main problems of the war and the different participants:

1. Protestants uprising in Bohemia: Some protestants nobles expelled the Cathilics and appointed a protestant kink in Bohemia. The emperor who was king of Bohemia too fought against them.
2. Two sides were formed: 1. The emperor had the support of the German Catholics and the king os Spain and Portugal 2. The protestants allied with German but they were defeated
3. Swedish participation: 1. After the Surrunder of Breda the German Catholic took the protestants

(h2)Which is the only directly elected organ of the EU? When were the last elections? And the next ones? (h3)The EU parliament, elected every 5 years, 2014 last elections, 2019 next(h2)Which four institutions of the EU play the most important role in the decision-making process? (h3)The European Parliament, European Commission, European Council and the Council of the European Union (Ministers)(h2)What does art. 5 of the Washington Treaty outline? When was it invoked in the past? When could it be invoked in the future? (h3)Art. 5 of Washington Treaty outlines the alliance of members when it comes to defense: The principle of collective security; It was invoked after 9/11. The Washington Treaty is the founding Treaty of NATO. NATO has taken collective... Continue reading "Key Institutions and Treaties in International Relations" »