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

Fascism originated in Italy after World War I and later spread to other countries of Europe. There are three key characteristics:

Authoritarianism

This is the supremacy of the state, which means the state comes before individual rights. Propaganda was used to gain people's loyalty.

Ultra-Nationalism, Imperialism, and Militarism

This was an aggressive foreign policy of territorial expansions that sought to provide the state with more living space. It had a lot of racism and xenophobia because the nation was defined by race.

Economic Control

Capitalism is allowed, but the main goal is to achieve national self-sufficiency through extreme protectionism. The state establishes corporations of business owners and workers, cooperation is encouraged, and... Continue reading "The Origins and Characteristics of Fascism in Europe" »

11th Century Developments

Technological Innovations

Key advancements included:

• Three-year crop rotation
• Iron-wheeled mouldboard plough
• New type of harness

Political Transformations

The Cortes or parliament emerged. These were assemblies representing not only the privileged classes but also the bourgeoisie, representing the broader population. The King often asked these assemblies for help (e.g., taxes, recruitment of troops).

Political Organisation in Cities

Initially subject to the authority of a feudal lord, the rising bourgeoisie did not approve of this situation and demanded greater autonomy. Kings or feudal lords granted fueros to the cities – documents specifying the rights of the lords or king and the inhabitants of the city. Administration... Continue reading "Medieval Europe: Society, Culture & Change (11th-15th C.)" »

Tyranny

Tyranny is a form of government in which the ruling power is in the hands of an individual who has seized control, often by illegal means. The word tyranny comes from the Greek word tyrannos, which means "usurper with supreme power." Over time, a person who ruled by tyranny, or a tyrant, became known for holding onto power by cruel, abusive means.

Democracy

A democracy is a form of government in which the ruling power is in the hands of all people. The word democracy comes from the Greek terms demos (meaning people) and kratos (meaning power).

Oligarchy

An oligarchy is a form of government in which the ruling power is in the hands of a few leaders. The word oligarchy comes from the Greek terms oligos (meaning few) and arkhein (meaning rule)... Continue reading "Ancient Greece and Rome: Key Terms" »

9.What causes systems designed to maintain peace to fail or succeed?

One system created to maintain peace was The League of Nations (LON). It was promoted during the WWI by Woodrow Wilson (USA president). This league was created in 1920 with the idea of prevent another catastrophic conflict or war through discussion, negotiation and diplomacy.

The LON provided to all their members’ (at its peak there were 60 members) some aims:  the first is collective security, which means protect every nation from other attacks. The second was help countries with disputes to settle their problems peacefully. The third was encouraging all the country members to reduce its armaments. The last one was promoting the international cooperation with problems.

These

The Muslim World

Recent Armed Conflicts

The Gulf War (1990-1991)

• The Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait. An international coalition led by the USA under UN mandate liberated Kuwait. It imposed an embargo on Iraqi oil.

The Invasion of Afghanistan (2001)

• Consequence of the attack on New York and Washington on September 11, 2001, organized by Al-Qaeda.
• Al-Qaeda was based in Afghanistan and supported by the Taliban government.
• A coalition of troops from the US and allied countries overthrew the Taliban regime.
• A provisional government was established in its place.

The Invasion of Iraq (2003)

• There was a fear that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction (threat to world peace).
• The USA, the UK, and other allied countries, including Spain, overthrew

Cubism

Dadaism

The short story “The Force of Circumstances” symbolizes the British imperialism.

Term to describe the trends in thought and letters in Europe and the American colonies during the 18th century before the French Revolution. The phrase was employed by writers of the period, and convinced they were emerging from centuries of darkness and ignorance into an age enlightened by reason, etc.

During Enlightenment

• People know that through reason and progress, it will be possible to progress in knowledge, in technical achievements, and moral values.

Attempt to Supplant Aristocracy and Established Churches

• Enlightenment thinkers aimed to supplant aristocracy and established churches in social and political life, which they viewed as reactionary, oppressive, and superstitious.

Most Enlightenment Thinkers

• Most Enlightenment thinkers didn't

1. The Rise of Neoclassicism

After the French Revolution in 1789, Europe was overtaken by liberal and national movements. What architectural movement was in style at that time that highlighted the use of Greek and Roman forms without overt ornamentation?

c. Neo-Classical

2. Innovations in Reinforced Concrete

In Europe, there were great technical developments in reinforced concrete construction as advanced by Joseph Monier in 1877. Who was the man that substituted steel for iron in reinforced concrete construction and developed the hooked connections for reinforcing bars?

c. Francois Hennebique

3. Principles of Traditional Town Design

Which of the following statements is true about traditional town design?

a. There is a variety of dwelling types within... Continue reading "A History of Architecture: From Neoclassicism to Modernism" »

LONG TERM CAUSES:

1919 The Treaty of Versailles signed

1924 Hitler writes “Mein Kampf”  

Oct 1929 The global depression begins

Jan 1933 Hitler becomes chancellor of germany

Sept 1939 Invasion of Poland

SHORT TERM CAUSES:

1933 Hitler begins to rebuild his army in secret

Oct 1935  Abyssinia Invasions: The League of Nations is dead

Mar 1936  Rhineland reoccupied

July 1936 The Spanish Civil War (Germany rehearses arms and aircraft)

Novem 1936 Rome-Berlin Axis: Hitler-Mussolini Alliance

Mar 1938 Anschluss with Austria: annexation of Austria into Germany

Sep 1938 The Munich agreement: Sudetenland (region of czechoslovakia) was given to Hitler

March 1939 Nazis invade Czechoslovakia

Aug 1939 The Nazi-Soviet  Non-Aggression pact