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

Truman Doctrine

The Truman Doctrine was an American foreign policy whose stated purpose was to counter Soviet geopolitical expansion during the Cold War. It was announced to Congress by President Harry S. Truman on March 12, 1947, and further developed on July 12, 1948, when he pledged to contain threats in Greece and Turkey. Direct American military force was usually not involved, but Congress appropriated financial aid to support the economies and militaries of Greece and Turkey. More generally, the Truman Doctrine implied American support for other nations allegedly threatened by Soviet communism. The Truman Doctrine became the foundation of American foreign policy, and led, in 1949, to the formation of NATO, a military alliance that is still... Continue reading "Cold War Foreign Policies: Truman Doctrine, Deterrence, and Domino Theory" »

First World War 1914-1918

Reasons why it arose:

• Political tensions (colonization).
• Alliances.
• Industrial Revolution.

Alliances:

Germany is a new empire and they start to get a lot of power so Great Britain and France they were allies (Entente cordiale 1904)

• Germany + Italy + Austria + Hungary.
• Great Britain + France.

Great Britain and France they were allied (E.C. 1904) because Germany was taking away their power.

Russia joined Great Britain and France in 1914 and the Triple Entente emerged.

• Great Britain + France + Russia → Triple Entente 1914

Italy and Austria got along badly.

Italy wanted to invade Austria and Hungary so France tells them to ally with them and that if they won Austria and Hungary they would be for Italy, and Italy they accepted that.... Continue reading "Causes and Alliances of World War 1" »

The court sided With Zenger and determined that the press has a Right and responsability to keep the public informed of the truth. Freedom of The press gives journalists the right to publish the truth without restriction Or penalty. Libe lis the publishing of statements that damage a person´s Reputation. Benjamin Franklin was the founder Of the newspaper, Pennsylvania Gazette. Inventor of Stove, Street lamps, Lighting, rod and bifocals. Co-founder of first public hospital, library, fire Department, liberal arts academy. Albany Congress Was organized by the British government. British government called a meeting Amongst all the colonial leaders. This meeting would be held in Albany, New York. The British Government Goal was for the Colonies

Modern Age: From the Middle Ages to the Contemporary Age

The Modern Age is the historical period from the end of the Middle Ages until the Contemporary Age; from the discovery of America and the fall of Constantinople until the French Revolution. Sub-periods include:

• 16th Century: The Renaissance
• 17th Century: The Baroque
• 18th Century: Absolutism

Main Changes

• End of the Byzantine Empire: Constantinople was invaded by the Turks.
• Geographical Discoveries: In Africa, America, and Asia.
• Rivalry for Power: Significant competition among European powers.

Crisis of the Feudal System

Feudal kingdoms were substituted by the modern state and authoritarian monarchies. The feudal economy, which had been focused on the possession of land, gave way to the rising influence... Continue reading "Modern Age: Renaissance, Reformation, and Discoveries" »

It was the President of the USA Woodrow Wilson the most powerful advocate of the League, since his 14 points intended to serve as the basis for world peace. Point 14 says: “A general association of nations should be formed …to create mutual guarantees of the political independence and territorial integrity of States, large and small equally.”

Organs:

The Assembly (representatives of all Members of the League), The Council, The Secretariat, The Permanent Court of I Justice (the first attempt to create a global forum of justice) and The International Labor Organization

The League tried to establish a New global order: based on Multilateralism and Cooperation, members agreed to work together to maintain peace, to control national armaments... Continue reading "The League of Nations and the Failure of Global Cooperation" »

Geoffrey Chaucer (1343-1400)

Figure in the 14th century, 'father of English literature' because he went against the norm and wrote in the language of the people. Life experiences: wine merchant, royal household, spoke French, Latin, and Italian. Soldier and diplomat. Member of Parliament. Wrote the tales around 1385, wrote about all classes in the Canterbury Tales to show English society at the time. Went against tradition because he wrote in Middle English rather than French.

Hierarchy:

• Nobility (knight and squire)
• Clergy (monk, friar, parson, pardoner)
• Middle class (merchant, doctor, student, wife of bath)
• Peasants (miller, plowman, skipper)

Code of Chivalry:

A knight must be: true to his god, defender of the faith, loyal to his lord and king, true... Continue reading "Geoffrey Chaucer: Father of English Literature" »

The Rise of Asian Countries

China: The Birth of a Great Power

After Mao Zedong, the People's Republic of China was ruled by Deng Xiaoping (1978-1997). He promoted economic reforms known as "market socialism", which combined communism with some elements of capitalism. His reforms included:

1. Dismantling the communes.
2. Distributing land among the peasants.
3. Allowing peasants to sell their own products.
4. Encouraging the export of cheap products to foreign countries.
5. Opening China to foreign trade and investments.

Xiaoping's successors, Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao, have followed the same policy. The result has been the spectacular growth of the Chinese GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and its exports. Despite China being one of the greatest powers in the world, social... Continue reading "The Rise of Asia and the Modern Muslim World: Economic Growth, Political Conflicts, and Armed Conflicts" »

Melting Pot:

A place where a variety of races, cultures, or individuals assimilate into a cohesive whole. (Webster)

Salad Bowl:

A place where cultures are juxtaposed, like salad ingredients, but do not merge into a single homogeneous culture. Each culture keeps its own distinct qualities.

The American 'Melting Pot':

The phrase metaphorically describes the absorption of immigrants in America. It was originally the title of a play by London-born Jewish immigrant writer and political activist Israel Zangwill.

The Native-American Crack:

By the 15^th century A.D., it is estimated that 50 million people were already living in the Americas, 10 million of those in what became the United States. Between 1778, when the first treaty was made with the Delawares,... Continue reading "Models of American Multiculturalism: The 'Melting Pot' vs. 'Salad Bowl'" »

Sex and Gender in the Ancient World - Final Exam

Homer— patriarchal society: men hold positions of power and influence, the Iliad focuses on the actions of male warriors, leaders, gods, highlighting the dominance of men in both the mortal and divine realms. Glorifies the virtues associated with masculinity (bravery, physical strength, bravery in battle). The heroism of characters like Achilles and Hector is deeply tied to their adherence to a warrior code that values martial prowess and honor. Women were portrayed in domestic roles. Responsible for activities like weaving and managing the household. The women: Helen and Andromache, have limited agency in the public sphere and are largely defined by their relationships with men. Despite not... Continue reading "Ancient Gender Roles and Society: A Comprehensive Overview" »