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

The Unification of Italy: The Risorgimento

Setting the Stage for Unification

In 1849, Italy was defeated by Austria. The 1850s saw intense development within the Italian states, highlighting significant differences between the North and the South. While perspectives favored the northern bourgeoisie, the internal borders and customs remained restrictive.

Giuseppe Mazzini started the national movement, which centered on the organization Young Italy and promoted a vision of a federal republic.

Key International Context

• Austria was isolated after the Crimean War.
• France, led by Napoleon III, sought to revise the Congress of Vienna and weaken Austria, thereby benefiting Italy.
• In 1858, Felice Orsini attempted to assassinate Napoleon III, influencing French

The Cádiz Cortes and the Constitution of 1812: Impact on Spain

Different groups appeared:

• the supporters of the Enlightenment ideas, who wanted the end of the Ancient Régime in Spain and establish a constitutional monarchy.
• the absolutists, who wanted the king to be restored as an absolute monarch.

On 9 March 1812, the Cádiz Cortes approved Spain's first constitution, the Constitution of 1812, that was a victory for the Enlightenment ideas of liberty and equality.

The Constitution of 1812: Established

• a constitutional monarchy
• popular sovereignty with limited male suffrage
• separation of powers: executive (monarch), legislative (monarch and the Cortes) and judicial (courts of justice)
• guaranteed rights and freedoms
• Catholicism as the official religion

Art:

Primo de Rivera's Dictatorship (1923-1930)

In 1923, General Primo de Rivera organised a military coup with the king's consent and the support of certain sections of the high bourgeoisie and conservative politicians. The new regime suspended the Constitution and the Cortes. Political parties and some trade unions were also banned. The reduction of freedoms also affected the press and education, while those opposed to the dictatorship were repressed. Catalan and Basque nationalism was suppressed and their languages were banned in public.

The dictatorship started a programme of public works and monopolies that revived the economy. This prosperity failed to silence the opposition of workers, students, intellectuals, and nationalists. After the crisis... Continue reading "Spain's Path to Republic: Dictatorship, Elections, and the 1931 Constitution" »

Political Repercussions: Spain and China

Repression

Spain

• Francisco Franco's regime showed no interest in reconciliation.
• Approximately 50,000 executions and 20,000 internment camps were established.
• The 1939 Law of Political Responsibilities was enacted.
• Around 250,000 people were exiled, including figures like Manuel de Falla.
• SJ Lee noted that repression relaxed over time.

China

• The 1951 Three-Anti Campaign and the 1952 Five-Anti Campaign continued the terror.
• These campaigns targeted those who believed in private property, labeling them as "class enemies" according to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
• These killings were referred to as the "neoplasm classified," implying they were seen as a cancerous growth to be eradicated.
• Approximately 90% of the

Lincoln Memorial

A Tribute to the 16th President

The Lincoln Memorial, a neoclassical temple located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., honors Abraham Lincoln, the 16th U.S. President. Dedicated in 1922, it stands as a testament to Lincoln's legacy. Designed by architect Henry Bacon, the memorial features a large seated sculpture of Lincoln by Daniel Chester French and interior murals by Jules Guerin. Inscribed within the memorial are Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and Second Inaugural Address.

A Site of Historic Speeches

The Lincoln Memorial has served as a backdrop for many significant speeches, including Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech during the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

Visiting the Memorial

Administered... Continue reading "Lincoln Memorial & Washington Monument: A Guide to Visiting" »

Fernando 7

Anglo Saxon Conquest - AS tribes came from Northern Germany. The first invaders were the Jutes who arrived in Kent in 449. Shortly after, bands of Saxons established themselves in the South. The Angles occupied East Anglia and Northumbria. Between their arrival and the 7th century, they occupied the whole of England, pushing the Celtic tribes to the margins. Therefore, the tribes were pushed to the borders. This caused the creation of seven kingdoms: The AS Heptarchy (Northumbria, Mercia, Wessex, East Anglia, Essex, Kent, Sussex). It marked the beginning of Britain as a country and the English language. Each kingdom established its own rule and there was constant power struggle, leading to the downfall of some kingdoms. Between 450-1066 (Norman... Continue reading "The Anglo-Saxon Conquest" »

The Revolutions of 1905 and 1917

In 1905, general discontent combined with the fact that Russia had been defeated by Japan in the Russo-Japanese war set off a revolution that forced the Tsar to create a parliament, or Duma, and implement certain reforms. However, the autocracy remained.

In 1917, the Russian army’s losses in the First World War and the mass suffering that was caused sparked two revolutions:

The bourgeois February Revolution of 1917 deposed Tsar Nicholas II and established a republic. The liberal and bourgeois provisional government promised reforms, but their sluggishness and decision to remain in the world war led to their downfall.

The Bolshevik October Revolution of 1917, organised by radical Marxists, or Bolsheviks, overthrew... Continue reading "The Revolutions of 1905 and 1917: Impact and Legacy" »

WW1:

1. Causes: Militarism: Build-up of armed forces to prepare for war. Alliance: Agreement between countries to defend or fight together. Imperialism: Belief of a country in building up an empire and controlling less powerful countries. Nationalism: Pride in a country with people wanting to govern themselves or defend themselves.

2. Main Events:

-1914 28 June → Archduke’s Assassination (TRIGGER EVENT)

-1914 29 July → Russia mobilizes its troops to defend Serbia

-Germany declares war on Russia (1st August)

-France declares war on Germany to help Russia (2nd August)

-Germany declares war on France (3rd August)

19th January 1915: Germany begins an aerial campaign against Britain

15th September 1916: The first use of tanks. Used by the British.

6th

The French Revolution: A Timeline of Key Events

The French Revolution began in 1789 when the Estates General was called to address increasing taxes and social and political problems.

The National Assembly

The Third Estate demanded a new voting system based on individual votes and formed the National Assembly.

When the King locked them out of the Estates General, they met at a tennis court and vowed to remain until France had a constitution.

The Constituent Assembly

The King eventually conceded, and the Constituent Assembly was formed to write a constitution. This marked a triumph for the bourgeoisie, as the monarchy's power was no longer absolute.

In 1791, the Assembly approved the constitution, which established:

• Constitutional Monarchy: The monarch'