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

Key Historical & Political Concepts

Blitzkrieg

Blitzkrieg was a revolutionary war tactic consisting of a concentration of tanks and air power. Its success lay in an overwhelming force at high speed that broke through and flanked enemy lines.

The Wehrmacht

The Wehrmacht was the unified armed forces of Germany from 1935 to 1945. It consisted of the Heer (Army), the Kriegsmarine (Navy), and the Luftwaffe (Air Force).

The Royal Air Force (RAF)

The Royal Air Force (RAF) is the Air Force of the United Kingdom.

The Phony War

The Phony War was a phase early in World War II—in the months following Britain's declaration of war on Germany (shortly after the German invasion of Poland) in September 1939 and preceding the Battle of France in May 1940—that... Continue reading "Key Historical & Political Concepts Explained" »

What is the Meaning of City-States?

Political units made up of a city and all the surrounding lands.

What is a Colony?

Some city-states established new outposts around the Black and Mediterranean seas.

What is the Golden Age of Greece About?

A period in a society's history marked by great achievements.

What is the Parthenon?

The Parthenon is often seen as a symbol of ancient Athens. It was a beautiful temple to the goddess Athena, whom the people of Athens considered their protector.

What was Inside the Parthenon?

Inside the Parthenon was a magnificent statue of Athena by the sculptor Phidias.

Who was Pericles?

Pericles, the most famous leader in all of Athenian history, wanted the city's people to be proud of their city. In his speeches, he emphasized... Continue reading "Ancient Greece and Rome: Key Concepts and Figures" »

France

Origin

• Began with Napoleon Bonaparte
• Overthrew the monarchy and established the empire

Politics & Economics

• Established two Napoleonic Republics
• Relied heavily on taxation
• Conquests fueled by financial need
• Possessed a formidable military
• Defeated in the Franco-Prussian War
• Lost territory and military power
• Battle of Waterloo marked a turning point
• Focused on conquest rather than rebuilding France
• Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were the last monarchs
• Economy suffered after the Franco-Prussian War

Expansion

• Conquered territories both within and outside Europe
• Lost many territories after the Franco-Prussian War

Britain

Origin

• Formed in the 18th century under Queen Victoria
• Established an empire through extensive conquests
• Queen Victoria's leadership and

Let me show you this well-known painting called “The young boy with fruit basket” which was painted by the famous Italian artist Caravaggio. This work of art dates from 1593 and belongs to the Baroque movement. To be more accurate, this masterpiece is one of the finest examples of the Italian Baroque movement. Currently, this piece can be admired at Borghese Gallery which is located in Rome, Italy. This painting depicts a handsome young boy who is sitting and at the same time he is holding a basket of bright and delicious fruits. This picture portrays an exquisite combination of different artistic influences as well as a great combination of dark and bright colours. The use of bright and dark colours is one of the most popular and important... Continue reading "The Young Boy with Fruit Basket: A Masterpiece of Italian Baroque Art" »

HUAC: The House Un-American Activities Committee

The House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) was formed to uncover citizens with Nazi ties within the United States. It also investigated allegations of communist activity in the US during the early years of the Cold War.

Arms Race: Military-Industrial Complex and Nuclear Power

Military-Industrial Complex: The US economy became dependent on military supplies production.

Nuclear Capabilities: Both the US and the USSR produced nuclear weapons to deter the other side from attacking. This led to the concept of MAD (Mutually Assured Destruction).

Korean War: A Nation Divided

• The US, with support from the UN, helped the capitalist South, pushing communists back to the border with China.
• China intervened,

The Origins and Consequences of World War II

The Failure of the Treaty of Versailles

The Treaty of Versailles poorly resolved the First World War due to its harsh terms on Germany, leading to resentment and economic instability. Unstable borders and ethnic tensions in other regions also contributed significantly to future conflicts.

Key Factors Leading to Conflict

Militarism and Expansionist Foreign Policies

Germany and Japan pursued militaristic and expansionist foreign policies. Britain and France initially responded with appeasement but later declared war as Germany and Japan continued aggressive actions.

German Territorial Gains (1933–1939)

From 1933 to 1939, Germany achieved territorial gains through diplomatic maneuvers and military aggression,... Continue reading "Causes, Events, and Aftermath of World War II" »

Who is the winner?

Sexism was the winner.

It is clear by now that the United States was willing to open the doors of the White House to an African American, but not to a woman. A lot of racial wounds may have been healed during Barack Obama’s eight-year tenure, but gender wounds are still open and bleeding profusely. There is no other explanation for the fact that the same nation that was bold enough to give Obama a well-deserved opportunity in 2008 has now preferred an extravagant mogul without the necessary education or experience over the best-prepared candidate in the entire electoral history of the United States – one who also happens to be a woman.

Hillary Clinton managed 445,000 more votes than Trump, but not with the kind of distribution... Continue reading "Gender Inequality in US Politics: The Case of Hillary Clinton" »

Post-World War II Global Landscape

• End of World War II (1945): Emergence of USA and USSR as adversaries, leading to nuclear and military buildup.
• Ideological Divide: Capitalist West (USA, UK) vs. Communist East (USSR).
• Rise of New Superpowers: USA and USSR sought global leadership.
• Decolonization: Significant decolonization movements in Africa and Asia.
• Economic Regression: Widespread economic challenges in the post-war period.

Immediate Consequences of World War II

• United Nations Security Council: Established with 15 countries, including 5 permanent members (China, France, USSR, UK, USA) as the victors of WWII.
• Consolidation of Superpowers: USA and USSR solidified their positions as dominant global powers.
• Onset of the Cold War (1947-1991): A period

Cadiz Courts: Provincial Juntas and Central Juntas

The Bayonne Abdications and the uprising against Joseph marked the end of the Old Regime and left the Spanish authority in disarray.

At that time, citizens rose to power through assemblies known as Provincial Juntas. These juntas were created in all the provinces to confront the French invaders. They assumed sovereignty in the name of the absent king, Ferdinand VII.

On the 8th of September, representatives from each Provincial Junta gathered to constitute the Central Junta (the highest organization at that moment). Although they initially supported the Old Regime, they eventually realized that revolutionary measures were necessary. Consequently, they called for the Cortes.

On the 24th of September,... Continue reading "The Impact of Cadiz Courts on Spanish Liberalism" »

1. Causes of the Demographic Revolution in Britain

Nutrition: Better nutrition made people more resistant to illness, thanks to advances in agriculture and improved diets.

Personal and Public Hygiene: People used soap and cotton clothes, had access to clean water, and streets were cleaner.

Public Health: In 1796, Edward Jenner invented the vaccine. New hospitals were built.

Epidemics: Fewer deaths occurred due to better nutrition, hygiene, and healthcare.

2. Factors Influencing the Demographic Revolution

Factors:

• Extensive markets
• Abundance of iron and coal
• New mentality

3. Industrial Revolutions

First Industrial Revolution

• Textile industry
• Railways
• Coal

Second Industrial Revolution

• Oil
• Large businesses

4. Social Classes

Higher Class

• Industrialists

Middle Class

• Tradesmen
• Army