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

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" »

SBQ: United Nations

1. Gulf War (1991)

Background: Tensions between Iraq and Kuwait.

Role of UN

• Swift and unanimous action by the Security Council with cooperation by the US and the Soviet Union.
• UN-sponsored coalition was able to gain widespread international support.

Operation Desert Storm was effective against the Iraqi army.

Effectiveness

• Military operations proved effective against Iraqi forces.
• Diplomatic unity in the Security Council enabled coordinated international action.

2. Somalia (1992-1995)

Background: Local conflicts worsened and led to a state of anarchy.

Role of UN

• Establishment of UNOSOM I and UNITAF to monitor ceasefires and ensure humanitarian assistance.
• Unwillingness of conflicting parties to accept UN mediation and peacekeeping.
• Factions

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" »

Revolutionary Changes — Political, Economic, Social

Political level: The revolutions brought an end to absolutism and promoted a liberal political system founded on respect for citizens and the separation of powers.

Economic level: They marked the end of a primarily agrarian economy and the rise of a new urban and industrial economic model.

Social level: The old three-estate system based on birthright gave way to a new class-based society, with values centered on personal merit measured by wealth. The bourgeoisie became the dominant social group.

American Revolution: Causes, Conflict, Creation and Constitution

Causes of the American Revolution

Causes: Colonial discontent arose because the colonists lacked representation in the British Parliament.... Continue reading "Political, Economic and Social Effects of the American & French Revolutions" »

The Renaissance and Early Modern Europe (1450-1600)

1450: Constantinople Falls, Renaissance Dawns

• Ottoman Turks seize Constantinople.
• The Renaissance begins.

1517: Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation

• The Reformation starts with Martin Luther, emphasizing inner-directed faith.

1534: Calvinism's Rise in France

• Calvinism emerges in France, defining the relationship with God as a legal covenant.

1545-1563: The Council of Trent and Catholic Reform

• The Council of Trent addresses education and strengthens the Inquisition.

1555: Peace of Augsburg

• The Peace of Augsburg establishes a religious settlement for 60 years, involving Charles V and the Schmalkaldic League.

1562-1598: Huguenot Wars in France

• Conflicts between Huguenots and French Catholics, including

Historical Context and Major Shifts

Pre-Revolutionary Russia

• Autocratic Government: The Tsar possessed unlimited power and authority before the revolution.
• Semi-Feudal Economy: Land ownership was concentrated among a wealthy minority, while the peasant majority worked the land.
• Social Unrest: Three-quarters of the population were peasants living in poverty and paying taxes. Factory workers endured low wages and long working days.

Bloody Sunday

A protest demanding improvements in working conditions and political reforms was brutally suppressed.

The Soviet Union (USSR)

• Political power was held by the Soviets.
• The Communist Party was the sole political party.
• The state controlled important economic sectors.
• It was established as a federal state.

New Economic