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

China's Political Continuity: Dynastic History and Communism

Parallels Between Dynastic History and Communism

Values (Similarities)

• Respect for elders, cult of personality, and resistance to progress.
• Confucianism: Emphasis on harmony and backwards approaches of never challenging tradition or moving forward.

Centrism (Similarities)

• Strong unitary central authority and bureaucracy chosen on the basis of merit (e.g., Han Dynasty, Qin).
• Deference to party and state leadership.

Patterns of Change

• Historical cycle: Rulers become jaded or corrupt, losing sight of their values.
• An outsider is forced to take over and re-establish old traditions and values.

The Transition of Power: From Mao Zedong to Deng Xiaoping

• In 1921, the Communist Party (CCP) was formed,

How did the Industrialization of Europe affect the rest of the world?

The Industrial revolution was a time between 1700s and in 1800s when changes in agriculture, manufacturing, transportation… And consequently, it affected in cultural, political), economic (Economic Liberalism – theory of freedom of production and trade) and social (Industrial Capitalism – system where industrial production became the country’s most Profitable activity )aspects and conditions in Britain. This was the first Country in the world to have an industrial revolution and it was due to many Factors ( massive increase in population, improvements in agriculture, Transportation was better, ability of obtaining more easily raw materials…). This changes spread

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" »

Magna Carta: A Foundation of English Law

The Magna Carta, or The Great Charter, written in 1215, represents a pivotal moment in English history. This bilingual edition presents selected fragments of the original Latin document. Drafted by the powerful classes of society and signed by King John of England, Magna Carta established rules that the feudal monarch had to follow. The use of the royal "we" in the text signifies the king's representation of an institution rather than a singular individual.

King John's Troubled Reign (1199-1216)

King John, brother and successor to Norman King Richard I of the Plantagenet dynasty, ruled England from 1199 to 1216. History often portrays him as a tyrannical and incapable monarch, whose reign was plagued by... Continue reading "Magna Carta: King John, Feudal Law, and Early English Rights" »

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,

Roger of Hoveden’s Chronicle (early 13th c.)

This is a bilingual edition of a fragment of the chronicle written in the early 13th century by Roger of Hoveden, an Anglo-Norman monk. It is written in the form of a letter to Pope Alexander, so it is full of religious expressions.

The Normans in England

The Normans took possession of England after William “the Conqueror” won the Battle of Hastings against Saxon king Harold in 1066, a date that marks the beginning of the medieval period in England according to most historians. They brought the French language to England and professed the Christian religion.

Feudalism in England

With the coming of the Normans, a very medieval concept was introduced - feudalism, which was a social system of dependence... Continue reading "Feudalism and Conflict in Medieval England" »

Emerging Economies: BRICS and MINTs

BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China)

Over the past few decades, several countries have emerged as significant players on the global stage, capturing attention with their robust growth and socio-political stability. These emerging economies, known as the BRICS, are projected to be among the largest economies by 2050, potentially surpassing the G6 nations due to their large populations and rapid GDP growth.

China's Economic Dominance: China has undoubtedly been at the forefront of global growth, outpacing other countries by a considerable margin. As the world's leading manufacturer, China's economic success hinges on global demand for its products. However, the country faces the challenge of balancing its GDP... Continue reading "Emerging Economies: BRICS, MINTs, and the Shifting Global Landscape" »

Hoovervilles: Shantytowns of the Great Depression

A Nation's Struggle for Shelter

During the Great Depression, resourcefulness became a necessity for survival. People salvaged discarded materials like lumber, tin, cardboard, tar paper, glass, and canvas to construct makeshift shelters known as Hoovervilles. These shantytowns, named after President Herbert Hoover, dotted the American landscape, a stark reminder of the widespread poverty and unemployment. While some residents with carpentry skills built relatively sturdy structures, others cobbled together packing boxes and whatever they could find. Some even resorted to living in empty water mains. The ingenuity and desperation of the era were evident in these makeshift communities.

The Challenge