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

The Great Depression: Causes and Impact

The period generally referenced as the Great Depression spanned from the stock market crash of 1929, following a decade of economic instability, until the late 1930s. The problems that led to this severe crisis include:

• Overproduction: American industry produced more goods than the population could purchase, leading to factory closures and economic stagnation.
• Falling Consumption: As companies closed down, people lost their jobs, reducing spending and overall demand for goods.
• The Wall Street Crash: Many companies whose shares were sold on the stock market began to fail and crashed in 1929. This triggered a series of protests against the government and the capitalist system that had produced the crisis.

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The Russian Revolution of 1917

Causes of the Revolution

At the beginning of the 20th century, Russia's empire extended from the Baltic to the Black Sea and from Poland to the Pacific Ocean. It was ruled by the Tsars of the Romanov dynasty and was in a state of turmoil. Dissatisfaction at the political level was due to the autocratic government of the tsars and led to political opposition made up of liberal bourgeois parties and Marxist revolutionary parties, such as the Bolsheviks.

Economic and Social Discontent

Dissatisfaction at the economic and social levels was due to the contrast between the rich minority, who owned land and factories, and the extremely poor peasants and industrial proletariat.

The Revolutions of 1905 and 1917

• In 1905, general

Between 1870 and 1914, Europe experienced a period known as the "Armed Peace." Despite the absence of major wars, tensions simmered among European nations, leading to a significant arms race. Countries dedicated a substantial portion of their resources to military production, creating an atmosphere of unease and anticipation.

The Importance of the German Empire

Following its unification in 1871, Germany emerged as the dominant power in Europe, driven by its robust economic and military development. German foreign policy during this period can be divided into two distinct phases:

The Bismarckian System (1871-1890)

Under Emperor Wilhelm I and Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, Germany pursued a diplomatic strategy aimed at maintaining the balance of power... Continue reading "The Armed Peace in Europe (1870-1914)" »

General Porfirio Diaz seized power in 1876. Having installed himself as president, Diaz paid his respects to the principle of no re-election by allowing a trusted crony, General Manuel Gonzalez, to succeed him in 1880. Diaz returned to the presidential palace in 1884 and continued to occupy it until his resignation and flight from Mexico in 1911. The Porfiriato was one of the longest personal dictatorships in Latin American history.

Political Control and Economic Objectives

• By 1880, Diaz had granted even more lavish subsidies for railway construction to North American companies.
• Economic development was Diaz's primary objective, key to solving his problems and the nation's.
• Diaz promoted a policy of conciliation, described by the formula pan o

Napoleonic Rule in France

The Consulate (1799-1804)

A new regime, the Consulate, was established following the coup d'état of 1799. Under its constitution, Napoleon Bonaparte, as First Consul, held dictatorial power. This constitution was later revised:

• In 1802, Napoleon was made Consul for life.
• In 1804, he became Emperor, with the assent of the electorate.

Key Napoleonic Reforms

Several important reforms were implemented during Napoleon's rule:

• The central administration was reorganized for efficiency.
• The court system was simplified.
• Control over the school system was centralized under the state.
• French laws were standardized in the influential Napoleonic Code (Civil Code) and six other codes. These guaranteed rights and liberties won during the

In 1959, *Cuba* became the scene of the most successful social revolution in Latin America. This pivotal event was the culmination of decades of political unrest, foreign intervention, and internal struggles for sovereignty and self-determination.

Roots of Revolution: Spanish Rule and US Intervention

*José Martí* was a key leader and founder of *El Partido Revolucionario Cubano*, advocating for Cuba's independence from Spain. However, the brutal tactics of Spanish General *Valeriano Weyler*, who killed many insurgents, fueled further hatred towards Spanish rule.

American businesses in Cuba faced destruction due to the ongoing conflict, causing significant concern in the United States. By 1898, the situation in Cuba was out of control, prompting... Continue reading "Cuba's Revolutionary Path: From Spanish Rule to Castro" »

Understanding the Process of Decolonization

Decolonization refers to the often long, tortuous, and violent process by which colonies achieve their national aspirations for political independence from the colonial metropolitan power. Decolonization can be understood as the final phase of colonialism.

The Historical Waves of Independence

The first wave of decolonization came in 1776 when British North American colonies declared independence. While Britain maintained its Caribbean and Canadian territories, the Napoleonic upheavals in Europe so weakened Spain and Portugal that regions from Mexico to Chile expelled their imperial masters. By 1825, the Spanish and Portuguese empires were dead.

Decolonization Between 1825 and World War II

In the subsequent... Continue reading "The Global History and Impact of Decolonization" »

1. Forms of Government

• Constitutional Monarchy
• Social Republic
• Conservative Republic

Key Assemblies: Constituent and Legislative Assembly

Key Periods: Social Republic and The Directory

2. Napoleonic Europe

• Main Enemy: Great Britain
• Directly Controlled Territories: Italy, Holland, Belgium, Illyrian Provinces, North-West Germany
• Satellite States: Confederation of the Rhine, Spain, Poland, parts of Italy
• Independent Nations: Austria, Russia
• Conflict Zones: Spain
• European Territories: Sardinia and Sicily

3. Napoleonic Timeline

• 1799: Napoleon's coup d'état
• 1804: Napoleon crowned Emperor
• 1815: Napoleon's abdication

4. Education and Labor

• Age range: Between 5 and 12 years old
• Options: Learn a trade, farm work, or study fine arts and sciences

5. The Metric System

Introduced... Continue reading "French Revolution and Napoleonic Era Study Notes" »

DEMOCRACY:

A political system in which people choose their leaders by voting for them.

• Freedom: Is the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants. (Es el poder o el derecho de actuar, hablar o pensar como uno quiera.)
• Power of division: The political power is divided to avoid having a single group that governs: Legislative, executive, judicial. (El poder político se divide para evitar tener un solo grupo que gobierne: Legislativo, Ejecutivo, Judicial.)
• Equality: We are all equal under the law. The state of being equal, especially in status, rights, or opportunities. (Todos somos iguales ante la ley. El estado de ser igual, especialmente en estatus, derechos u oportunidades.)
• Representative:  People take part in politics by voting for

The Dawn of Latin American Independence (1810-1825)

The Independence movement in Latin America, which had been simmering since the United States broke away from Great Britain in 1776, came to a boil around 1810. Spain's vast Empire in the New World crumbled, and by 1825, all that remained were a few islands in the Caribbean. This passionate, violent era in Latin American history is particularly fascinating. In 1810, South America was still part of Spain's immense New World Empire. By 1825, however, the continent was free, having won its independence at the cost of bloody wars with Spanish and royalist forces. Independence might never have been achieved without the brave leadership of men and women ready to fight for liberty.

Key Causes of Independence

• Creole