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

The Crisis of 1973 and Its Consequences

In 1973, an economic crisis began that affected many countries.

Who?

The OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries), an organization to which several Arab countries belonged.

Why?

An attempt to pressure Western countries to convince Israel to abandon the Palestinian territories that had been occupied since the Yom Kippur War (1973).

What?

An embargo on the sale of oil. The price of oil tripled in Western countries and affected all sectors of production. The lack of crude oil led to an economic collapse.

Main Consequences:

• The uncontrolled rise of prices (inflation) caused by the increase in the price of oil.
• Reduction of demand.
• Many businesses had to close and unemployment grew.

Measures to Solve the Crisis

Some... Continue reading "The Crisis of 1973 and the Fall of Communism" »

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" »

Cuba suffered from its dependency on the U.S. and the reduced demand for sugar. In 1959, it became the scene of the most successful social revolution in Latin America.

Foundations of Cuban Independence

Key Figures and Early Resistance

José Martí was the leader and founder of El Partido Revolucionario Cubano (The Cuban Revolutionary Party). Afro-Cubans constituted the majority of the soldiers, known as the "Mambises". Women played an important role because they provided food and information, which led to the demand for women's rights.

Spanish Repression and Growing Unrest

General Valeriano Weyler killed many insurgents, fueling the Cubans' hatred for the Spanish rulers. Americans had many businesses in Cuba and were worried about the war because... Continue reading "Cuba's Revolutionary Path: From Colony to Nation" »

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

Key Historical Events: Early 20th Century Transformations

Prelude to Revolution: Early 20th Century Russia

• Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905): A significant defeat for Russia, exposing weaknesses in the Tsarist regime.
• Bloody Sunday (1905): Imperial guards opened fire on peaceful demonstrators in St. Petersburg, sparking widespread unrest and the 1905 Revolution.

The Russian Revolutions of 1917

The February Revolution (March 1917)

• February 23rd, 1917: Large demonstrations in Petrograd (St. Petersburg) escalated into a general strike and riots in military barracks.
• Tsar Nicholas II Deposed: The unrest led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II.
• Provisional Government Formed: A liberal Provisional Government was established, promising reforms and land distribution.

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" »

The National Convention (1792-1795)

This new parliament came into existence to address the ongoing war. Initially, the Girondins held sway within the parliament.

War and Royal Fate

The pressure from the coalition army was immense; they even invaded France. In September 1792, the decisive Battle of Valmy took place. Despite being a weaker army, France defeated the coalition forces.

In 1792, King Louis XVI attempted to escape but was captured near Paris, in Varennes, and subsequently taken back to Paris and imprisoned. The discovery of the King's correspondence with the enemy led to his trial and eventual execution in 1793.

Economic Hardship and the Reign of Terror

While the war was progressing favorably for France, prices increased significantly,... Continue reading "French Revolution's Aftermath: Convention, Directory, Consulate Eras" »

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" »

Key Figures & Concepts in History

Catherine the Great: Russian Monarch

A great monarch of Russia, Catherine the Great exchanged letters with Voltaire and initially sought to reform Russian laws. However, after a serf uprising, she granted nobles absolute power over their serfs. Ultimately, many of her reform goals remained unaccomplished.

Thomas Jefferson: US President & Drafter

The 3rd President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson favored a limited central government. He was also the chief drafter of the Declaration of Independence.

Federalists: Supporters of the Constitution

The Federalists were a political faction and movement that supported the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

Francis Bacon: Scientific Method Pioneer

Francis Bacon... Continue reading "Influential Historical Figures & Key Concepts" »