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

The 9/11 Attacks and the Ensuing War on Terror

On the morning of September 11, 2001, the world experienced a profound shift. Terrorists hijacked four airplanes, resulting in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people. This catastrophic event was a deeply shocking moment for the United States and the international community.

The "War on Terror" refers to the comprehensive military and political responses initiated by the United States following the 9/11 attacks. This global campaign commenced with the war in Afghanistan and later expanded to include the war in Iraq, alongside numerous other operations aimed at combating terrorism worldwide. Understanding this period is crucial for comprehending the significant transformations in U.S. foreign policy and... Continue reading "9/11's Enduring Impact: U.S. Policy and the War on Terror" »

American Space Travel: Milestones and Missions

In 1958, the U.S. Government formed the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to be responsible for the American space program. However, the Americans weren't the first people to fly into space. In 1961, a Russian cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin, became the first person to fly around the Earth. His flight took 108 minutes.

In 1961, President Kennedy challenged NASA to send a man to the Moon and return him safely to Earth. In 1969, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins started their journey to the Moon in Apollo 11. On July 20th, 1969, the entire world watched as Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the Moon.

In 1996, NASA sent a spacecraft to Mars, named Mars Pathfinder.... Continue reading "Pioneers, Pirates, and Paranormal Tales" »

US and Global Political Developments

Senate Democrats and the Filibuster

After making a deal with Republicans over the filibuster at the beginning of the current session, some Senate Democrats are threatening once more to eliminate the procedural tactic.

Texas and Driver's Permits for Undocumented Immigrants

The amendment was a bill by Rep. Roberto Alonzo, D-Dallas, that would allow undocumented immigrants to have driver's permits for the purpose of purchasing insurance.

President Obama Hosts Naturalization Ceremony

In a Fourth of July ceremony at the White House, brimming with political undertones, President Obama hosted a naturalization ceremony for more than two dozen active-duty service members.

Italy's Presidential Election

Italy's Parliament... Continue reading "US and Global Political Developments in Recent Years" »

University Baseball Team 2025 Season Schedule

All times Eastern. An asterisk (*) denotes a conference game.

February 2025 Games

• Friday, February 13: Seton Hall (Chapel Hill) – 3 p.m.
• Saturday, February 14: Seton Hall (Chapel Hill) – 2 p.m.
• Sunday, February 15: Seton Hall (Chapel Hill) – 1 p.m.
• Friday, February 20: UCLA (Chapel Hill) – 3 p.m.
• Saturday, February 21: UCLA (Chapel Hill) – 2 p.m.
• Sunday, February 22: UCLA (Chapel Hill) – 1 p.m.
• Tuesday, February 24: St. John’s (Chapel Hill) – 3 p.m.
• Wednesday, February 25: Winthrop (Chapel Hill) – 3 p.m.
• Friday, February 27: Rhode Island (Chapel Hill) – 3 p.m.
• Saturday, February 28: Rhode Island (Chapel Hill) – 2 p.m.

March 2025 Games

• Sunday, March 1: Rhode Island (Chapel Hill) – 1 p.m.

The Second Spanish Republic (1931–1939)

Proclaimed after King Alfonso XIII went into exile.

First president: Niceto Alcalá-Zamora; government led by Manuel Azaña.

Key reforms:

Education: More public, secular, and free schools; aimed to reduce illiteracy.

Church-State separation: Religion removed from schools (secularization).

Women’s rights: Women gained the right to vote in 1933.

Land reform: Attempt to redistribute land from large landowners to poor farmers—slow and controversial.

• Opposition: The Church, army, landowners, and right-wing groups opposed the reforms, increasing social tension.

Main Political Parties

Left-wing:

CNT: Anarchist; anti-state, pro-worker strikes.

PCE: Communist; inspired by the USSR, promoted proletarian dictatorship.... Continue reading "Understanding the Spanish Civil War: A Concise Analysis" »

The American Revolution: Q&A

Key Events and Figures

1. Purpose of the Declaration

The main purpose of the Declaration of Independence was to declare the separation of the United States from Britain.

2. The Patriot Spy

Nathan Hale was the patriot spy during the fight for New York.

3. Turning Point Battle

The Battle of Saratoga was a major turning point in the Revolution in the Middle States.

4. First Treaty of Alliance

France was the first country to sign a treaty of alliance with the U.S.

5. Sections of the Declaration

The Declaration of Independence is divided into the Preamble and three main sections that state some general ideas about society and government.

6. Native American Actions

Most Native American groups sided with the British during the... Continue reading "American Revolution: Key Battles, Figures, and Impact" »

Madrid's Urban Evolution: Walls and Planning

Initial Urban Planning and Context

José López Sallaberry and Francisco Andrés Octavio created the initial layout of the Gran Vía in 1910, which included the relocation of the Cibeles Fountain.

Olgyay's diagram shows the type of materials and construction systems suitable for achieving thermal comfort, taking into account the external climatic conditions.

The Foundations of Mayrit (Arab Madrid)

The Mayrit of the Arabs

• Origin: Madrid (Mayrit) was originally an Arab settlement, established around 850 by order of the Umayyad emir Muhammad I.
• Fortifications: The initial defensive structure included a fortress and a military citadel. The Arab wall, remnants of which can be seen near the Almudena Cathedral,

World War II: Major Combatants & Events

Sides and Leaders of WWII

• Allied Powers:
  • Countries: U.S., U.K., France, China, Soviet Union
  • Leaders: Winston Churchill (U.K.), Franklin D. Roosevelt / Harry S. Truman (U.S.), Joseph Stalin (Soviet Union), Charles de Gaulle (France), Chiang Kai-shek (China)
• Axis Powers:
  • Countries: Germany, Japan, Italy
  • Leaders: Adolf Hitler (Germany), Benito Mussolini (Italy), Emperor Hirohito / Hideki Tojo (Japan)

Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact (1939)

Signed in 1939 by Germany and the Soviet Union, this pact included a secret protocol that divided territories:

• Germany: Western Poland and part of Lithuania
• Soviet Union: Eastern Poland, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and parts of Romania

Nuclear Bombings of Japan (1945)

Hiroshima was bombed... Continue reading "Major World Conflicts and Historical Turning Points" »

The Bharatiya Janata Party: India's Political Powerhouse

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is one of the two major parties in the Indian political system, the other being the Indian National Congress. Established in 1980, it stands as India's second-largest political party in terms of representation in both the Parliament and various state assemblies.

Core Ideology and Principles

The BJP designates its official ideology and central philosophy as "Integral Humanism," based upon a 1965 book by Deendayal Upadhyaya. The party advocates for:

• Hindu nationalism
• Social conservatism
• Self-reliance, as outlined by the Swadeshi movement
• A foreign policy centered around key nationalist principles.

The party's platform is generally considered to be on the right-wing... Continue reading "Bharatiya Janata Party: India's Political Powerhouse" »

Australian and New Zealand English

Australian English

• Pronunciation:
  • Non-rhotic, similar to Southeast of England.
  • Long vowel /aː/ in half, as in Received Pronunciation (RP).
  • Intervocalic /t/ as a flap /d/ in city, as in US English.
  • Speech rhythms are slow.
  • Use of schwa rather than short /ɪ/ in naked, acid, etc.
  • No significant regional differences.
• Vocabulary:
  • Aussie: Australian slang.
  • Larrikin: Hooligan.
  • Sheila: Girl.
  • Aboriginal words: boomerang, corroboree (dance).

New Zealand English

• Pronunciation:
  • Non-rhotic, similar to RP (in the South Island, some rhotic speakers of Scottish origin exist).
  • Vowels in ham and pen perceived like 'hem', 'pin'.
  • Centralization of short /ɪ/ to schwa.
  • Schwa preferred in unstressed syllables.
  • Use of /iː/ in very, many, etc.
• Vocabulary: