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

Historical Source Evaluation

Understanding Historical Source Evaluation

Timeline of Key Events (American & French Revolutions)

• American War of Independence: 1775 - 1783 (French involvement)
• Assembly of Notables: 22 Feb - 25 May 1787
• Lit De Justice: 6 Aug 1787, 8 May 1788
• Day of Tiles: 10 June 1788
• Harvest Crisis: 1788
• Pamphlet War: 1788-1789
• Cahiers De Doléances: 1789 (List of grievances)
• Rural Revolt: March 1789
• Réveillon Riots: 27-28 April 1789
• Estates-General: May 1789
• Declaration of the National Assembly: 17 June 1789
• Tennis Court Oath: 20 June 1789
• Royal Session: 23 June 1789
• Necker’s Dismissal: 11 July 1789
• Fall of the Bastille: 14 July 1789
• Municipal Revolutions: 13-17 July 1789
• The Great Fear: 20 July - 6 Aug 1789
• Night of 4 August: Abolition of

Italian Unification:

Political and social movement through which the entire It.Peninsula was unified in one single state, it was divided in:

• Reino Piamonte - Cerdeña
• Reino Lombardía - Venecia
• Duchies of Parma, Módena and Toscana
• Estados Pontificios
• Reino de las Dos Sicilias

Many italians believe that the north and south of Italy should be united, for economic strength, greater influence and larger market.

The ones who led this were Victor Manuel II (King of Piamonte and Cerdeña) and Conde Cavour (1º Minister)

There were 5 phases

1. War with Austria(1859)

• Austria controlled nth Italy, particularly Lombardy and Venetia
• Victor Emmanuel II and Cavour allied with France to defeat Austria
• The italian-french army won, forcing Austria to cede Lombardy to Piedmont

2.

Origins and Early Naval Missions

The Marine Corps was founded to serve as an infantry unit aboard naval vessels and was responsible for the security of the ship and its crew by conducting offensive and defensive combat during boarding actions and defending the ship's officers from mutiny. To the latter end, their quarters on ship were often strategically positioned between the officers' quarters and the rest of the vessel.

Continental Marines manned raiding parties, both at sea and ashore. America's first amphibious assault landing occurred early in the Revolutionary War on 3 March 1776, as the Marines gained control of Fort Montague and Fort Nassau, a British ammunition depot and naval port in New Providence, the Bahamas.

Evolution of Combat

Lesson 1: Chinese Dynasties and the Mandate of Heaven

Mandate of Heaven

• Gave emperors the right to rule.
• It was *not* a physical object.
• If the ruler was fair, they kept the Mandate.
• Natural disasters signaled they had lost it.

Dynastic Cycle:

1. A new ruler takes over.
2. The dynasty becomes strong and prosperous.
3. The ruler becomes greedy or lazy.
4. Disasters and rebellions occur.
5. A new dynasty takes over.

Major Dynasties (Since 600 AD)

• Tang (618–907)
• Five Dynasties (907–960)
• Song (960–1279)
  • Northern Song (960–1127)
  • Southern Song (1127–1279)
• Yuan (1271–1368)
• Ming (1368–1644)
• Qing (1644–1911)

Lesson 2: The Opium Wars

Opium Wars (1800s)

• Britain sold opium to China to correct trade imbalances.
• Opium proved highly addictive.

First Opium War (1839–1842)

• Lin Zexu

Historical Context of the 1937 Decree

This decree-law, issued in 1937, concerns the Basque Economic Agreement abolition, drafted by Francisco Franco. Franco joined the 1936 military uprising that sparked the Civil War and became the sole Nationalist leader following the deaths of Sanjurjo and Mola. He ruled Spain as a dictator from 1939 until 1975. The document was a public decree addressed to all Spaniards, specifically the Basque people.

The law was published on June 24, 1937, in the Spanish Official Bulletin (formerly the Gazette of Madrid) after the Civil War concluded in the Basque Country, following the fall of Biscay to the Nationalists. It was issued in Burgos, the seat of the Nationalist command control during the war.

Key Terminology

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" »

Key Agreements and Legal Milestones

The Moncloa Pacts

The Moncloa Pacts were agreements signed in 1977 between the Spanish government, political parties, and unions. Their goal was to control the economic crisis and support the transition to democracy. They included economic reforms and social improvements.

The Political Reform Law

The Political Reform Law was passed in 1976. It was a key step to change the Franco dictatorship into a democracy. It allowed free elections, created a parliament with two houses, and gave more rights to citizens.

The Spanish Constitution of 1978

The Spanish Constitution of 1978 is the most important law in Spain today. It created a parliamentary monarchy, established basic rights and freedoms, and allowed autonomy for... Continue reading "Key Milestones and Figures of the Spanish Transition" »

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" »

Introduction

Introduction: Architecture emerged as a powerful tool for social and cultural manipulation during interwar Nazi Germany. How architecture shaped social interactions, constructed identities, and reflected broader cultural values under totalitarian rule (total control of public and private life) is central to understanding the period.

1. Architecture as Propaganda Tool

RC=1938 NRG=1933-1938 Monumental structures like the Reich Chancellery and the Nuremberg Rally Grounds served as symbols of strength and superiority. RC=office of Hitler NRG=Zeppelinfeld Stadium and the Congress Hall were used for rallies and propaganda events. Architecture, coupled with ceremonies, instilled reverence and respect for Nazi ideology and fostered a collective... Continue reading "Nazi Architecture: Social and Cultural Impact" »