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

The Role of Congress and the President

22. In the United States, the executive branch, separate from Congress, is not dependent on majority support.

23. In the United States, it is more difficult for a government to fall, resulting in early legislative elections.

Parliamentary Systems

24. In a parliament, leaders can obtain ministerial jobs, but could fail to re-nominate disloyal members.

25. In the United States, congressional members have less party loyalty and do not risk losing their seats.

Presidential Elections

26. From the 1820s to the 1850s, presidential elections would be temporary and weaker.

27. Roughly from the 1830s to the 1850s, the Democratic Party was elected by popular vote and supported a stronger national government, a national bank,

UNIT 1: The Spanish Constitution of 1812

As the principal aim of the new constitution was the prevention of arbitrary and corrupt royal rule, it provided for a limited monarchy which governed through ministers subject to parliamentary control. Suffrage favored the position of the commercial class. The constitution set up a rational and efficient centralized administrative system. So the 1812 Constitution established the principles of universal suffrage, national sovereignty, constitutional monarchy, freedom of the press, and supported land reform and free enterprise.

UNIT 2: The Rise of Liberalism in Spain

The liberals of this period were divided into two sides:

Divisions within Liberalism

• Sovereignty: Parliament and Monarch / National Sovereignty
• Setting

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (18 July 1918 – 5 December 2013)

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (18 July 1918 – 5 December 2013) was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and philanthropist who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the country's first black head of state and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election.

Early Life and the Path to Law

Nelson Mandela had a very happy childhood. He went to the local school and was a good student. But when he was ten years old his father died, and his cousin King Jongintaba told Nelson to come and live with him. When Nelson was nineteen he went to Healdtown College in Fort Beaufort and then he went to live in Johannesburg, where he worked... Continue reading "Nelson Mandela's Fight for Freedom and Equality in South Africa" »

Historical Context Before World War II

Asia and the Pacific

From a Western perspective, Japan was becoming increasingly important in the early 1900s, rapidly expanding its territory. In 1910, Japan occupied Korea, followed by Manchuria in 1931, establishing a puppet state under its control. Meanwhile, China was embroiled in a civil war between nationalists and communists. Japan seized this opportunity to invade China in 1930. The Second Sino-Japanese War officially began in 1937, prompting a temporary halt to the Chinese civil war as both sides united to fight against the Japanese invasion.

Europe

: in 1930 (hitler) Germany the Nazis had an Allie whit Italy (Benito Mussolini), heated by the communists and liked by the nationalist, 1938 the proces... Continue reading "The Road to World War II: From Aggression to Global Conflict" »

Proportional Representation vs. Plurality

Proportional representation (PR) systems aim to allocate seats in a legislature based on the proportion of votes received by each party. In contrast, plurality systems award seats to the candidate or party with the most votes in each district, regardless of the margin of victory.

PR systems tend to produce more representative legislatures, as they allow smaller parties to gain representation. Plurality systems, on the other hand, often result in one party winning a majority of seats even if they do not receive a majority of the votes.

The American Labor and Liberal Parties

The American Labor and Liberal Parties were minor political parties that emerged in the early 20th century. These parties represented... Continue reading "Electoral Systems and Political Parties in the United States" »

Key Events in Early American History (1784-1865)

Late 18th Century

• State of Franklin (John Sevier) - 1784-1790
• Shay's Rebellion - 1786-1787
• Federalists (Favor ratifying Constitution, strong central government)
• North Carolina Ratification Conventions (1 & 2) - 1788/1789
• Federalist/Democratic (Alexander Hamilton) - 1788 (Federalist Papers)
• Republicans (Thomas Jefferson) - 1790 (American political party)

Early 19th Century

• Dismal Swamp Canal - 1805 (Important route of commerce)
• Whiskey Rebellion - 1791 (Tax protest in US)
• Treaty of Greenville (Fallen Timbers) - 1814 (Treaty of Paris/Friendship US/Natives)
• Jay Treaty - 1794-1795 (Settle issues between US and Great Britain)
• Revolution of 1800 (Adams vs. Jefferson)
• Embargo Act - 1807
• War of 1812 (US and Great

Germanic Tribes

Origins and Settlements

Germanic tribes originated in Central Asia and settled near the Roman Empire. They established villages and camps, avoiding urban development.

Governance and Leadership

Tribes were led by tribal chiefs chosen by assemblies of free men. Chiefs served as military leaders and negotiated alliances with warriors.

Expansion and Invasions

Population growth and the need for pastures prompted Germanic tribes to migrate westward into Western Europe. They pushed the boundaries of the Roman Empire and settled within its territories through pacts and treaties.

Fall of the Western Roman Empire

Germanic tribes played a significant role in the decline of the Western Roman Empire. In 476, Odoacer deposed Romulus Augustus, marking... Continue reading "Germanic Tribes: Rise, Fall of Western Roman Empire, and the Carolingian Empire" »

Cold War and Post-War History Review

Multiple Choice Section Preparation

The multiple-choice section is straightforward. Ensure you have a strong understanding of the Suez Canal Crisis, as this is a potential area for difficulty.

There may also be a quote from John Diefenbaker where you must identify the country he is referencing.

Key Historical Questions and Answers

1. Cold War Impact on American Culture

Question: How did uncertainty about the Cold War affect American culture?

Answer: It caused the Red Scare, which was the promotion of widespread fear by society or the state about a potential rise of communism or anarchism. Anyone who was perceived as different was often considered a communist sympathizer.

2. Purpose of the Warsaw Pact

Question: What... Continue reading "Post-War Global Conflicts and Canadian Policy History" »

Allied Victories in WWII: Europe & Pacific Theaters (1943-1945)

1943-1944: Turning the Tide in Europe

Eastern Front

In 1943, the German advance in the East came to a halt at the Battle of Stalingrad, marking a turning point in favor of the Allies. The Soviets launched a successful counteroffensive, pushing back the Axis powers and reclaiming lost territory. In the north, they halted the German advance, while in the south, they began to liberate occupied territories.

North Africa and Italy

Meanwhile, in North Africa, the Allies established new forces in Morocco and Algeria, pushing back against Italian forces. This campaign led to the Allied invasion of Sicily and the eventual surrender of Italy in 1943. The fall of Mussolini's regime marked... Continue reading "Allied Victories in WWII: Europe & Pacific Theaters" »

1. THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION:

• The United Kingdom has 13 colonies on the east coast of North America. Britain wanted raw materials from their colonies and held a monopoly on trade. The colonies were subjected to the authority of the British king, imposed taxes on the settlers, and the settlers were not represented in the British Parliament.
• The US Declaration of Independence: 1776, on 4^th July, representatives of the 13 colonies signed the Declaration of Independence.
• The War of Independence and the First Constitution: The colonies, led by General George Washington, won decisive victories. Britain recognized the United States as an independent nation. The United States of America Constitution was the first in history; it established national sovereignty