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

Assyrian Occupation and Rebellion

The Assyrian army conquered nations, torturing and exiling those who posed a threat. The Jews in the south prepared for an attack by building a water tunnel to bring water into Jerusalem.

Assyrian Conquest and Jewish Salvation

The Assyrians conquered the northern kingdom of Israel, exiling many of its people. The Jews in the south were saved from an attack by a plague that killed the Assyrian army.

Babylonian Exile

The Babylonians conquered Assyria and expanded their empire. The wealthy and skilled Jews were exiled to Babylonia.

Life in Babylonia

Despite the exile, the Jews maintained their faith and did not assimilate with the Babylonians.

Life in Judea vs. Babylonia

The Jews in Judea were poor, while those in Babylonia... Continue reading "Jewish History: From Assyrian Occupation to the Hasmonean Dynasty" »

Symbolism and Satire in Gulliver's Travels

Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels is a masterpiece of satire, where nearly every element acts as a symbol, criticizing contemporary philosophies and customs of English society. Let's explore the allegories, metaphors, and satire Swift employs through Gulliver's various voyages.

Voyage 1: Lilliput

Gulliver's first voyage to Lilliput is rife with symbolism:

• The Egg Controversy: The debate over which end to break a boiled egg, Big-Endians versus Little-Endians, allegorizes the religious conflict between Catholics and Protestants in England.
• High Heels and Low Heels: The political parties of England, specifically the Tories (conservatives) and Whigs (liberals), are represented by the Lilliputians' footwear

Age of Exploration

• Movement in Spain during the 15-16 centuries inspired by the Italian Renaissance and focused on new ideas, art, literature, and science.
• The 'Reconquista' was a period when Muslims conquered most of Spain, and Christian kingdoms rushed to reconquer their territories. It ended with the conquest of Granada in 1492.
• The Alhambra Decree, issued by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella after the 'Reconquista,' expelled Jews from Spain. Many converted or left the country, while others practiced their faith in secret.
• The Spanish Inquisition was a method used by the Catholic Church and supported by the Spanish monarchy to punish blasphemy and people of different faiths.
• Christopher Columbus, a Spanish explorer, made several voyages across

Early Stages of the War

In the spring of 1940, the Germans launched a massive invasion known as the Blitzkrieg, meaning "Lightning War".

The Lend-Lease Act

The "Lend-Lease" plan in 1940 allowed the U.S. to lend or lease arms and other supplies to any country whose defense was vital to the United States.

Pre-Pearl Harbor Actions

In 1941, prior to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin Roosevelt froze all Japanese assets in the United States.

Declarations of War

Germany declared war on the United States before the U.S. declared war on Germany.

American Strategy Against Japan

The main American strategy in World War II to fight Japan was to mount two offensive campaigns, attacking the Japanese from two directions.

Pacific Theater

One of the... Continue reading "Key Events of World War II: A Concise Overview" »

Text Commentary: The 1978 Spanish Constitution

This text is a legal document whose target readers are all Spanish citizens. The authors are the representatives of the UCD, the Socialists, the Communists, the right-wing parties, and the autonomous regions. It was written in 1978. This constitution was approved in the courts on the 6th of December and finally published on the 29th of December.

The Transition to Democracy

After Franco's death, Arias Navarro continued as the head of the government, and the King wanted to break with the previous regime. Initially, the King didn't dismiss Arias Navarro but asked him to introduce some reforms. However, the reforms were rejected by the courts. In that complicated situation, Arias Navarro resigned, and... Continue reading "Understanding the 1978 Spanish Constitution: A Detailed Analysis" »

World War I

The First World War was a military conflict that took place between 1914 and 1918. Various European countries were involved, as well as Asian and African colonies. The USA, Japan, China, and some Latin American republics also took part.

Causes of the War

The war started due to various crises between European powers over the control of areas like Morocco or the Balkans during the Armed Peace in Europe. These caused tension in international relations and brought Europe to the brink of war.

Phases of the War

1. Initial German Offensives: The Schlieffen Plan was put into effect, a rapid offensive. When France was defeated, troops advanced to fight the Russians, but this plan did not succeed.
2. Trench Warfare: Unable to advance, both sides defended

Key Events & Figures of the American Revolution

Series of articles of the BAS of 79 (still in use). Legal text. Signed by Adolfo Suarez. The author was usually the autonomous governor of the region. The document is the confirmation of the BAS. First level.

Context: Back to the end of Franco's reign and transition. After Franco's death, the government changed. Suarez was introduced as a co-operator and started making reforms. First, the Political Reform Bill was submitted to a referendum. Once approved, it marked the opening to democracy. Elections were held. In the central government, UCD was the winner. In the Basque Country, PNV won. They began writing the 78 Constitution, which established a democratic national sovereignty and a constitutional monarchy. The two chambers, Congress and Senate,

Usa religion

The two key Features of religion in the USA are it’s importance in the foundation of the Country and it’s current diversity in the 21st century. Many of the Thirteen Colonies were founded by religious groups fleeing persecution in Europe, who Wished to be free to practice their faith in the New World (Plymouth colony Founded by pilgrims, maryland by catholics). There appears to be relative loss Of religious belief and practice nowadays in line with most of the rest of the Western world. The increased secularization in modern USA has been attributed to The effect of consumerism, materialism and individualism. 

Causes of the French Revolution

• The influence of the Enlightenment: French thinkers and the bourgeoisie supported the Enlightenment and tried to put these ideas into practice
• The economic crisis -> the French state was bankrupt caused by:
  • The participation in wars
  • The royal extravagance (luxury parties and luxury goods)
• The social crisis -> the 3 estates were discontented:
  • The nobility and the clergy wanted to protect their privileges. They refused to pay. Ministers were demanding this reform
  • The bourgeoisie wanted to abolish absolutism and vote
  • Petite bourgeoisie and the peasantry suffered economic crisis -> causes:
    • Poor harvest
    • Wars
    • High taxes
• Political crisis -> Louis XVI governed France as an absolute monarch and opposed meetings of the