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

The Turn of the Century World Economy

Germany led European industrial production, powered by its robust iron and steel industry, utilizing advancements like the Bessemer converter. The United States industrialized rapidly in the latter half of the 19th century, fueled by European immigration which expanded its workforce.

Imperialism

Definition: During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, developed nations seized control of regions worldwide, establishing colonies and expanding empires.

The Colonial Empires

The British Empire, the largest, encompassed colonies across North America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania, notably India and Australia. The French empire, though smaller, held colonies in Africa and Asia.

Causes of Imperial Expansion

The primary... Continue reading "Late 19th and Early 20th Century Global Transformations" »

In 1902, Alphonse XIII (son of Maria Cristina) ascended to the throne and supported the most conservative sectors. The two dynastic parties, taking turns in government, divided due to changes in their leadership. Consequently, caciques (local political bosses) lost influence. In this context of political instability, the country faced several social problems, including:

• Increased social crises (landowners vs. workers)
• Protests against the Church (anticlericalism expanded)
• Criticism of the army
• Growth of the workers' movement (mainly in Catalonia and the Basque Country)
• The Moroccan problem

Furthermore, social and political opposition developed, albeit without immediate success. These opposition groups included:

• Carlists
• Republicans
• Workers' movements,

Spanish Architecture

There were three main styles:

• The Plateresque style of abundant decoration developed in the early 16th century. The facade of Salamanca University is an outstanding example.
• In the Classicist style, the harmony of a building was more important than its decoration. The palace of Carlos V in the Alhambra in Granada was built in the Classicist style, but this never became widespread in Spain.
• The Herrerian style became influential in the second half of the 16th century. Buildings were characterized by their sobriety and almost total lack of decoration. The monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, designed by Juan de Herrera, was the most famous example.

El Greco

El Greco, originally named Domenikos Theotokopoulos, was born in... Continue reading "Spanish Architecture, El Greco, and Authoritarian Monarchies in 15th-16th Century Europe" »

24: Autonomy Statute 79

Series of articles of the BAS 79 (still in use). Legal text signed by Adolfo Suarez. Author: the autonomous government of the region. First level.

Back to the end of Francoism and transition. After Franco’s death, people in the government changed. Suarez was introduced as a co-operator, and he started making some reforms. The first one was the Political Reform Bill that was submitted to a referendum. Once it was approved, that was the opening to democracy. Moreover, elections were held. In the central government, UCD was the winner. In the case of the Basque Country, PNV began writing the 1978 Constitution. Democratic. It recognized national sovereignty. Nation: constitutional monarchy with two chambers: congress/senate,... Continue reading "Autonomy Statute 79: The Basque Country's Path to Self-Governance" »

Causes of the February Revolution

The February Revolution was provoked by Russian military failures during the First World War, as well as public dissatisfaction with the way the country was run on the home front. The economic challenges faced due to fighting a total war also contributed.

Short-Term Triggers

• The Tsar being away from Petrograd
• Contempt for the Tsarina
• The army's mutiny against the Tsar's rule
• Unusually mild winter weather
• Demonstrations in support of the Duma
• The International Women's Day march
• Industrial unrest and strikes
• Announcement of bread rationing and food shortages in Petrograd

Tsar Nicholas II's Response

Nicholas sent the police and soldiers into Petrograd to end the unrest. They opened fire on more than 50 people, which some... Continue reading "February Revolution 1917: Causes and Effects" »

Causes of World War I

• The competition led to an arms race.
• Nationalism was strong in Europe. Germany and Italy were unified, powerful nations.
• Nationalism caused trouble in the Balkans.
• Serbia became a free country in the Balkans.
• Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.
• Triple Entente: France, Great Britain, and Russia.
• On June 14, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife were killed by a Serbian shooter.
• Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia on July 28. Germany supported Austria-Hungary, and Russia supported Serbia.
• On August 1, Germany declared war on Russia.

Four Years of War

• Belgium was a neutral country, but on August 4, 1914, Germany invaded Belgium. Because of this, Great Britain declared war on Germany.
• Germany had enemies on

Looking for a glimpse into the ancient world?

A) Avebury, England: Touch the Past

Stonehenge is often the first stop for history enthusiasts visiting the UK. However, there's a hidden gem nearby that offers a more immersive experience: the Avebury stone circle. Unlike Stonehenge, where visitors are kept at a distance, Avebury allows you to walk among, touch, and truly connect with the ancient stones.

The Avebury stones, though less uniform than Stonehenge, possess a raw, ancient energy. Their survival is remarkable, considering they were once targeted for destruction by those seeking to erase traces of older religions. Some stones were even repurposed as building materials for local residences. Thankfully, marmalade manufacturer Alexander Keiller... Continue reading "Journey Through Time: Exploring the Ancient World's Hidden Gems" »

Causes of American Revolution

In 1733 the British Parliament passed the Tea Act, which hurt American merchants, who responded by attacking British ships laden with tea in Boston Harbor, known as the Boston Tea Party. This event was followed by the outbreak of the War of the American Revolution in 1775.

Declaration of Independence

There were important political changes. In 1776, Thomas Jefferson wrote the Virginia Declaration of Rights, which outlined the principles of nation sovereignty, separation of powers, and suffrage.

The colonies, led by General George Washington, won decisive victories at Saratoga and Yorktown. Then, Britain recognized the United States as an independent nation in the Treaty of Paris.

United States Constitution

The United... Continue reading "Causes and Impact of American and French Revolutions" »