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

The Popular Front in Spain: February-July 1936

Formation and Political Context

In February 1936, elections took place in Spain, following the dissolution of the Cortes by President Alcalá-Zamora, who believed the Republic needed to shift towards the center. The preceding four years had seen a political pendulum swing: the first two years were governed by left-wing parties, while the subsequent two were dominated by the CEDA and Lerroux's Radical Party.

The rising tide of fascism and Nazism across Europe, coupled with the Comintern's (Third International, ruled from Moscow) rejection of an immediate move into class struggle, significantly favored the creation of left-wing party alliances. The term Popular Front was coined by communists, notably... Continue reading "Spain's Popular Front: Formation and Political Impact 1936" »

The Dutch Republic's Independence

The United Provinces gained independence from Spain in 1648, establishing a republic comprised of seven provinces, each with its own Parliament. Representatives from each province convened at the States General to make collective decisions.

The Rise of Parliament in England

The Road to a Parliamentary System

In the early 17th century, Stuart kings sought absolute rule over Great Britain and Ireland, rejecting Parliament. This unpopular move, coupled with religious revolts in Scotland, ignited a revolution in 1640.

Civil War and the Fall of the Stuarts

Confrontations escalated into the Civil War in 1642, culminating in the downfall of the Stuart dynasty. Charles I's execution marked the end of the monarchy. Parliamentarian... Continue reading "17th Century Revolutions: Rise of Parliament and Scientific Method" »

The Cold War: Definition and Origins

The Cold War was the most important political issue of the early post-war period. It originated from long-lasting disagreements between the Soviet Union and the United States regarding their political and economic ideologies.

The Western Bloc defended a liberal democratic political regime within a capitalist economy, where corporations were the beneficiaries. The Soviet Union and its allies defended a form of state socialism. In reality, this system often resulted in a group of dictatorships within a state-based economic system where the hierarchy of the sole party, the Communist Party, became the new dominant class.

Key Events Triggering the Cold War

1. The Abandonment of US Isolationism: The Truman Doctrine.

Beer

Brewing Process

1. Malting
2. Mashing
3. Wort Separation
4. Wort Boiling
5. Fermentation

Beer Styles and Ingredients

• Older styles like ale and stout use top fermentation.
• The most common grain used for beer is barley.
• Hops are added during wort boiling for bitterness and aroma.
• The two main categories of wheat beer are Kristallweizen and Hefeweizen.
• Bitter is a type of beer usually hand-pumped in pubs.
• IPAs are known for their strong, hoppy character.
• Pale Lager is the most popular beer category.

Rum

Production and History

• The evaporation of spirit during aging is called Angel's Share.
• Rhum Industriel is made from molasses, a by-product of sugar refining.
• Brazil's national spirit is Cachaça, made from sugarcane juice.
• Rhum Agricole is made directly from sugarcane juice.

Constitution of the USA and Amendments (1789)

Classification

• Legal act: Represents the supreme law of the country.
• Origin: Written in 1787 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
• Federal System: Established the federal government system that exists today.
• Effective Date: Went into effect in March 1789.

Authorship

• Delegates: A collective of delegates from 12 states.
• James Madison: Known as the "Father of the Constitution" due to his significant contributions and authorship of the Preamble.

Structure

• 7 Original Articles:
  • 1. Legislature
  • 2. Executive
  • 3. Judiciary
  • 4. The States
  • 5. Amendments
  • 6. Federal Government
  • 7. Ratification
• 37 Amendments: The first 10, known as the Bill of Rights (added in 1791), protect natural rights of liberty and property.

Historical Context

• British

Humanism was a cultural movement that first began in the 14 century. It developed fully in the 15 and 16 centuries in the rich city-states of the northern parta of the italian peninsula.

humanists developed an anthropocentric wold view as an alternative to the God-centred world view of medieval christians. Humans and their intelligence became the main concerns of the humanists.

17th Century Transformations

Political Shifts: Decline of Spain & Rise of Absolutism

Serious international confrontations led to the decline of Spain's hegemony in Europe. Authoritarian monarchy was replaced by absolute monarchy.

Economic Changes: Mercantilism and Financial Capitalism

The rise of commerce encouraged financial capitalism, and most states imposed mercantilism as their economic policy.

Social Upheaval: The Rise of the Bourgeoisie

The traditional society of the three estates began to fracture due to the rise of the bourgeoisie.

Cultural & Scientific Revolution: Birth of Modern Science

The 17th century witnessed the birth of modern science. The application of experimental methods gave rise to a scientific revolution.

Political Systems

The Triple Alliance (1882)

In 1882, political tensions between France and Germany resulted in Chancellor Bismarck signing the Triple Alliance between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy, effectively isolating France.

The Triple Entente (1904)

After the failure in 1870, the French Empire was dissolved. In 1904, France managed to sign the Triple Entente between Russia, Britain, and France.

The Schlieffen Plan

• Defeat France as quickly as possible.
• Fight Russia, who would stand alone.

President Wilson's Fourteen Points

1. The evacuation of all Russian territory.
2. Belgium must be evacuated and restored.
3. The removal, as far as possible, of all economic barriers.
4. Absolutely impartial adjustment of all colonial claims.

Consequences for Germany

• Germany had to pay for

Mao Zedong's Social Policies

Mao Zedong implemented a series of social policies aimed at transforming Chinese society. These policies included:

1. Organic Law: Served as the constitution until 1954, establishing a coalition government.
2. Mass Line: Involved CCP officials working closely with the people.
3. Continuous Revolution & Rectification: Encouraged criticism and self-criticism to shape people's thoughts.
4. Hundred Flowers Campaign (1957): Initially removed censorship for six weeks but ended in purges of intellectuals and opposition during the Anti-Rightist Campaign.
5. Thought Reform Movement (1951): Focused on arts, documents, and literature.
6. Land Reforms: Aimed to remove the bourgeois class.
7. Organizations: Established groups like the National Women'