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

Does Oil Hinder Democracy?

The Research of Michael Ross

In 2001, UCLA Professor Michael Ross explored the intriguing question: Does oil hinder the development of democracy? He observed that while most wealthy nations are democratic, oil-rich countries often are not. This raises the question: What is the relationship between oil wealth and democratic governance?

Beyond Arab Oil: A Global Perspective

While some might point to Arab oil-producing nations as examples, it's important to consider countries like Mexico and Norway, which are both oil-rich and democratic. This suggests that the issue is more nuanced than simply the presence of oil. Could the problem lie in a country's dependence on a single source of income, such as oil or diamonds?

The Rentier

LIFE AND SOCIETY DURING THE WAR

Investment in military resources had a negative effect on society. Industries that had previously produced consumer goods reduced their production. The civilian population suffered from shortages, and rationing systems were introduced to distribute basic goods. Part of the population was evacuated to rural areas because the towns and cities were being constantly bombed. Many people had to change their habits to protect themselves from night-time bombing raids, which became a common practice.

IN THE COUNTRIES OCCUPIED BY GERMANY

• A resistance movement was formed, who fought against German occupying forces. This consisted of secret groups of civilians who cooperated with the Allies against the Germans.
• Collaborators

The French Revolution: From Monarchy to Republic

The Constitutional Monarchy (1789-1792)

The French Revolution began with the bourgeoisie seeking to establish a constitutional and parliamentary monarchy, limiting the power of the King and privileged classes.

• National Constituent Assembly (1789-1791): This assembly abolished feudalism and approved the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen in August 1789.
• Constitution of 1791: Based on the separation of powers, national sovereignty, and legal equality. The King's right of veto was limited, and suffrage was based on property (census suffrage).
• Legislative Assembly (1791-1792): Formed after the Constitution, it aimed to implement liberal reforms. Nobles were to pay taxes, guilds were abolished,

The Genesis of World War II: Debunking the Gavrilo Princip Myth

Although Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian member of the Black Hand terrorist group, ignited World War I through his assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, his actions were not responsible for the outbreak of World War II. Instead, the devastating Great Depression, the tension-inducing Treaty of Versailles, and the rise of expansionist Fascist governments, particularly Hitler's Nazi Germany, were the primary catalysts for the second global conflict.

The Great Depression: A Breeding Ground for Conflict

One of the key reasons why it is impossible to attribute World War II to Gavrilo Princip is his lack of direct involvement in the Great Depression. This severe economic downturn, lasting... Continue reading "Causes of World War II: Beyond Gavrilo Princip" »

Conflicts with France

The conflict with France stemmed from a personal rivalry between Charles V and Francis I, King of France. Both monarchs aimed to control the same territories, leading to numerous confrontations and alliances. The rivalry saw significant victories and defeats for both sides, with the Battle of Pavia (1525) standing out as a pivotal moment.

The Ottoman Threat

Another challenge faced by Charles V was the Ottoman Empire, ruled by the formidable Suleiman the Magnificent. Suleiman's vast and prosperous empire, stretching from Asia to Africa and Europe, posed a significant threat on multiple fronts.

In the Mediterranean and North Africa, constant naval clashes erupted between Charles V and Suleiman's forces, resulting in the loss... Continue reading "The Reign of Charles V: Conflicts, Religions, and Dynasties" »

Between 1814-1815 the powers that defeated Napoleon (United Kingdom, Austria, Prussia, and Russia) met at the Congress of Vienna, with two objectives:

• Restore the old regime

They returned to their thrones the monarchs that Napoleon had deposed.

• Rebuild the political map of Europe

France returned to its limits of 1791 and the territories were divided, without counting on some towns.

It was agreed to convene congresses, where diplomatically conflicts between countries would be resolved and intervention was authorized in those countries threatened by a revolution.

• Two alliances were created to ensure the established order:

• The Holy Alliance formed by Austria, Russia, and Prussia
• The Quadruple Alliance formed by Austria, Russia, Prussia, and United Kingdom

New

1. Iron Curtain: Division of Europe into mostly democratic (west) and communist (east)

2. Containment: Foreign policy, Harry Truman blocked Soviet influence to stop the spread of communism

3. Brinkmanship: Policy under Eisenhower where our country would go to the edge of war

4. Castro: Cuban Communist dictator

5. Nikita Khrushchev: Took over after Stalin

6. JFK: President 1960-1963 and during Cuban missile crisis

7. Douglas MacArthur: General of UN troops in Korean War

8. Domino Theory: Idea that if one country becomes Communist, others will follow

9. UN: Organization of nations to solve world problems

10. Marshall Plan: US assisted West Europe by providing food, machinery, and materials

11. Cold War: Communist (USSR) vs democracy (America)

12. Warsaw Pact: Alliance of USSR with other Eastern

The Carlist Wars: Spain's Defining 19th-Century Conflicts

These wars explain much about the problems associated with state building in modern Spain. They were not simply dynastic struggles; there were also conflicts between the Carlists (supporters of the Old Regime) and the Isabelines (in favor of liberal constitutionalism). Moreover, they can also be considered a war between high-class citizens (urban populations) and poor peasants (rural segments).

The First Carlist War (1833-1840)

The end of Ferdinand VII's regency allowed Mª Cristina to ascend to the throne until Isabella II could reign the country. This was possible due to the elimination of the Salic Law, which did not allow women to inherit the throne, and the promulgation of the Pragmatic

Debase

v. To lower in value, quality, or dignity; to cheapen.

Prophesy

v. To predict (something) by or as if by divine guidance.

Defray

v. To furnish money for.

Lucrative

Adj. Producing wealth or profit.

Countenance

n. Face; facial expression.

Stoicism

n. Indifference to pleasure or pain.

Warfare with Revolutionary and Napoleonic France

The warfare with Revolutionary and Napoleonic France took place from 1792-1815.

Sussex, Huntingdonshire, and West Riding

Former counties or divisions in southeastern England.

Ben Nevis and Helvellyn

Mountains in Britain.

Crash in 1720: South Sea Bubble

Financial crisis caused by the overvaluation of stock.

More into the Exchequer

More into the treasury than taxes on domestic goods.

Charles the Second

King of England from 1660 to 1685.... Continue reading "Key Historical and Literary Terms Defined" »

The Spanish Restoration Period

Alfonso XII and Maria Cristina

The Restoration began when Alfonso XII (son of Isabel II) returned the Bourbon dynasty to the Spanish throne in 1875.

• The conservative politician Cánovas del Castillo convinced Isabel II to abdicate in favor of her son Alfonso.
• This intervention was supported by the middle class and the army.

Key events:

1. Alfonso signed the Sandhurst Manifesto, in which he promised a constitutional government.
2. A military pronunciamiento (led by General Martínez Campos) proclaimed Alfonso king.
3. Alfonso XII died in 1885, before his legitimate son Alfonso XIII was born.
4. His widow, Maria Cristina, served as regent until Alfonso XIII came of age (1885-1902).

The Political System of the Restoration

The political... Continue reading "Spain's Restoration: Politics and Challenges" »