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

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

The Catholic Monarchs: Foundations of Spanish Power

Foreign Policy Achievements

• Established alliances with other European kingdoms, such as the Holy Roman Empire, controlled by the Habsburg dynasty.
• Carefully planned matrimonial policies, marrying their sons and daughters to the princes and princesses of Portugal, the Habsburg Empire, and England.
• Conquered land in North Africa.
• Recovered the Kingdom of Naples after the war against France.
• Significant geographical expeditions led to the discovery of America in 1492.

Habsburg Spain: A Golden Age and Its Challenges

Key Monarchs of the 16th Century

The 16th century in Spain saw the reign of the Habsburg dynasty monarchs: Carlos I (son of Felipe I and Juana I) and Felipe II.

Carlos I (Charles V): Emperor

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" »

Early America (35,000 Years Ago)

• A 1,500 km land bridge connected Asia with America.
• Migratory groups moved from Alaska to what is now the U.S.A.
• Key groups: Hohokam, Adenans, Hopewellians, and Anasazi.
• They built earth mounds in the shapes of pyramids, birds, or serpents.
• Life was closely tied to the land; society was clan-oriented.
• These groups were eventually replaced by the Hopi and Zuni.

European Exploration

• Norse: The first Europeans to arrive in North America; Erik the Red established a settlement in Greenland in 985.
• Christopher Columbus: Landed in the Caribbean Sea in 1492.
• John Cabot: Provided the basis for British claims to America.
• Spanish Explorers: Juan Ponce de León (Florida), Hernando de Soto (Florida, Mississippi), Francisco Vázquez

Long-Term Causes of World War I (WWI)

1. Militarism: The build-up of armed forces and the preparation for war.

   Example: Germany significantly increased her armed forces, ostensibly to defend herself against other European countries.

2. Alliances: Agreements between countries to defend or fight together.

   Example: Many European countries made agreements or promises to help each other if a third country invaded them.

3. Imperialism: The belief of a country in building up an empire and controlling less powerful nations.

   Example: Following unification, Germany sought to expand her Empire and global influence.

4. Nationalism: Intense pride in one's country, often leading people to desire self-governance or strong national defense.

   Example: Many countries in Europe were