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

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" »

The Great Depression and its Impact

The Great Depression significantly affected industrialized countries, particularly Great Britain, Austria, and Germany in Europe. Countries and colonies exporting raw materials also suffered as industrial nations, facing reduced purchasing power, drastically cut imports. Various solutions, generally based on economic nationalism and state intervention, were implemented.

The New Deal in the United States

In 1933, US President Roosevelt introduced the "New Deal," a plan to revive the economy through state intervention. This involved promoting public works, subsidizing firms, controlling banking, and expanding social welfare.

Great Britain's Response

In contrast, Great Britain limited its intervention to devaluing... Continue reading "The Great Depression and the Rise of Dictatorships" »

The Steam Engine's Impact on the Industrial Revolution

The steam engine, initially invented by Thomas Newcomen and significantly improved by James Watt, was a pivotal innovation. Its development directly led to the creation of railways and steamships, revolutionizing transportation. This advancement made transport:

• Faster
• Cheaper
• Capable of carrying heavier cargoes

Spread of the Industrial Revolution Across Europe

Britain served as the primary model for industrialization, with other European nations soon following its example. Many countries adopted industrial practices and enhanced their transport systems. Nations like Belgium, France, Switzerland, and Germany developed their own industries at varying stages. Notably, Spain did not participate in... Continue reading "Key Historical Milestones: Industrial Revolution & Spanish History" »

William Henry Gates III

William Henry Gates III (born October 28, 1955) is an American business magnate, software developer, investor, and philanthropist. He is best known as the co-founder of Microsoft Corporation.^[2][3] During his career at Microsoft, Gates held the positions of chairman, chief executive officer (CEO), president, and chief software architect, while also being the largest individual shareholder until May 2014. He is one of the best-known entrepreneurs and pioneers of the microcomputer revolution of the 1970s and 1980s.

Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Gates launched Microsoft with childhood friend Paul Allen in 1975 in Albuquerque, New Mexico; it went on to become the world's largest personal computer software company.... Continue reading "Bill Gates: Microsoft Co-Founder & Philanthropist" »

At the beginning of the Modern Age, sixteenth century, Spanish monarchs (Catholic Monarchs, Charles I, Philip II) wanted more and more territories, power, money ... For that, they did a series of things within the country (internal politics) and outside the country (foreign policy) to improve their wealth and gain more power. They began to conquer more and more territories. They succeeded and built the "Spanish Empire". However, by the seventeenth century, it would have gotten worse.

The foreign policy of the Catholic Monarchs (the alliances of Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon) with the European Kingdom (Habsburg) for the movement policy with Portugal-England also, conquered the land in North Africa (Melilla, Algeria, and Libya).

Society in the Aftermath of WWI

During the war, men were conscripted or recruited into the armed forces. In European countries and their colonies, advertisements often encouraged patriotism and enlistment.

As soldiers went to war, women replaced them in many economic areas, such as offices and factories. Post-war, many women desired to continue working, but jobs were scarce. Additionally, working women were typically paid less than men. In some countries, the suffragette movement led to women gaining the right to vote soon after the war.

The Post-War World

After the armistice, representatives of the Allied Powers met at the Paris Peace Conference (1919-1920) to determine conditions imposed on the defeated Central Powers.

At the conference, U.S.... Continue reading "World War I Aftermath: Societal Shifts, Treaties, and League of Nations" »

Sculpture

New forms and materials. Subject matters no longer needed to be noble. Materials were frequently taken from industrial waste, such as iron and steel. Ex. Alexander Calder designed mobile sculptures always in motion. In painting (innovative movements) Surrealism: Inspiration in the subconscious and in dreams. Use absurd and irrational elements as subject matter. Dadaism: Suggested destruction of art. Marcel Duchamp proposed ready-made art. He transformed everyday objects into art by displaying them in an art gallery. He believed art was in the attitude of the spectator as much as in the object itself. Abstract movement: Painters explored the possibility of creating works that had no reference to the outside world. Colour and shape were... Continue reading "Innovative Movements in Art and Politics" »

Henry VIII (1491-1547)

England's Second Tudor Monarch

Henry VIII ruled England from 1509 and is best known for his six marriages and his efforts to annul his first marriage to Catherine of Aragon. When the Pope, the head of the Catholic Church, refused to allow the divorce, Henry challenged the Church's authority. He declared himself the Supreme Head of the Church of England through the Act of Supremacy (1534), solidifying his power and control over religious matters in England.

The Dissolution of the Monasteries

Henry VIII appointed Thomas Cromwell as his chief minister. Cromwell orchestrated the dissolution of Roman Catholic monasteries and convents between 1536 and 1540. During this period, Thomas More was beheaded for refusing to accept... Continue reading "A Brief History of England: From Henry VIII to the Virginia Company" »