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

W.B. Yeats and the Irish Literary Revival

W.B. Yeats was an Irish poet whose work often referenced Maud Gonne, an Irish patriot and revolutionary woman. During the early part of his career, he devoted himself to the Irish Literary Revival and Irish patriotism, seeking to develop a new religious iconography based on Irish mythology. He rose to literary prominence and helped to found the Abbey Theatre.

In 1923, Yeats reached the height of his poetic power between the ages of 50 and 70. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest poets of the 20th century. The Waterboys, a popular band, adopted 14 of Yeats' poems for their album "An Appointment with Mr. Yeats." Mike Scott, the band's lead singer, described Yeats' verses as "a gift for any songwriter.... Continue reading "Literature, Architecture, and Libraries: Intertwined Worlds" »

Biscay Miners' Petition and Strike Threats

The workers of the Biscay mines appointed a commission to demand that public authorities end the system of quarters and compulsory shops. The reasons they presented were the broken promises from the bosses about closing compulsory shops and quarters, promises made during the 1890 strike, and the fact that this situation ran counter to the liberal spirit of the century, which favoured individual freedom and freedom of work. The miners threatened to go on strike if the government did not accept their petitions.

Context: Restoration and Industrialization

At the end of the century the Restoration system was set up. This system was rooted in the 1876 Constitution. The system presented itself as the only... Continue reading "Biscay Miners' Labor Movement and Strike Demands" »

The Contemporary Age: A Historical Period

It started in 1789 with the French Revolution. It still continues nowadays.

We will divide the Contemporary Age in two parts to understand better the changes that happened during this stage of history: the 19th century and the 20th and 21st centuries.

The World in the 19th Century

The main events that happened in the 19th century in the world were:

• The French Revolution, which led to a new form of government called liberalism.
• The Industrial Revolution, which is the name given to the technical and economic changes that happened during this century.
• The changes in society that the two previous events caused: the creation of two new social classes: middle class and workers.

Spain in the 19th Century

The main events... Continue reading "The Contemporary Age: 19th Century Transformations" »

The Rise of Neville Chamberlain and Appeasement

In May 1937, Neville Chamberlain became Prime Minister of Britain. He believed that the Treaty of Versailles had treated Germany badly and that there were a number of issues associated with the Treaty that needed to be put right. He felt that giving in to Hitler's demands would prevent another war.

This policy, adopted by Chamberlain's government, became known as the policy of Appeasement. The Munich Agreement, signed by the leaders of Germany, Britain, France, and Italy, agreed that the Sudetenland would be returned to Germany and that no further territorial claims would be made by Germany.

The Czech government was not invited to the conference and protested about the loss of the Sudetenland. They... Continue reading "Neville Chamberlain and the Policy of Appeasement" »

The Provisional Government's Initial Steps

Following the February Revolution, the Provisional Government established liberal credentials, for example, by abolishing the death penalty. Russia became, in theory, the freest of all the warring states.

Challenges Facing the Provisional Government

Unmet Expectations

• Elections were postponed due to World War I.
• The Provisional Government was reluctant to embark on significant land reform, disappointing peasant expectations.

Dual Power Structure

• A major conflict, known as Dual Power, existed between the Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet (and other left-wing workers' and soldiers' councils across the country).

Breakdown of Law and Order

• Widespread rural disturbances occurred as peasants seized

NATIONALISM: devotion to the interests and culture of one's nation.

1. THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY The most democratic organ, in which each state (193) gets one vote, no matter how big or small, rich or poor. The General Assembly has the competence to discuss and make recommendations on all matters that fall within the scope of the UN Charter.

2. THE SECURITY COUNCIL The most powerful organ. Its primary responsibility is to maintain peace and security.

It is composed of 15 members, 5 permanent with veto power (United States, China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom) and 10 elected by the GA for 2 years.

The Security Council is the only organ that can impose sanctions on states or deploy military forces on behalf of the international community to keep the peace in certain areas, regions, or countries.

3. THE SECRETARIAT

Book

Author: Josiah Gregg

Date: 1831

After the Mexican Revolution in 1821, U.S. merchants began trading in the Santa Fe, New Mexico, area. Josiah Gregg was one of those early traders. Based in Independence, Missouri, Gregg began his southwestern travels in 1831. Commerce of the Prairies, a record of Gregg's experiences, was a complete success. His descriptions of the region's human and physical geography and the maps he made were the best available at the time. Nowadays, it is still considered a classic description of the North American Southwest before the coming of the railroads and an excellent history of the early Santa Fe trade.

Gregg died of exposure and starvation while on an exploratory trip in California's Coast Range in 1850.

Gregg's 1839

The Persian War

The Persian War began in the 6th century BC. They conquered many of the polis in Asia Minor and in the eastern Mediterranean. These cities rebelled against the Persians. The first Persian War ended when the hoplites defeated the Persians at the Battle of Marathon. King Xerxes I began the second Persian War but was defeated at the Battle of Salamis.

The Peloponnesian War

Under the leadership of Athens, many polis formed a union called the Delian League. The domination of Athens threatened other polis such as Sparta, which opposed the Delian League of Athens and its allies. The two sides fought against each other in the Peloponnesian War. Sparta won the war and became the leading polis.

Alexander the Great

Philip II of Macedon took... Continue reading "The Persian War, Peloponnesian War, and Alexander the Great" »