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

The Post-War Economic Crisis (1918-1923)

Europe faced a severe economic crisis after World War I, characterized by:

• High levels of debt due to loans from the United States
• A shortage of products resulting from the destruction caused by the war

Economic Recovery in the 1920s

The United States and Japan were the first countries to recover from the post-war crisis. The US, with its strengthened economy, provided loans and consumer goods to European countries, aiding their recovery. By the mid-1920s, the global economy experienced a period of growth and prosperity known as the Roaring Twenties.

The Wall Street Crash of 1929

On October 24, 1929, known as "Black Thursday," the US stock market crashed. The economic boom of the Roaring Twenties had created... Continue reading "Economic Crisis and the Rise and Fall of Democracy: 1918-1930s" »

The Global Ripple Effect of British Industrialization

British Industrialization profoundly affected various parts and countries of the world. This analysis focuses on two distinct situations where Britain's industrial growth impacted China and Russia.

At the time, China was governed by an emperor, while Russia's society was governed by a Tsar (king) and nobles who held power over the serfs.

China: Trade Imbalance and the Opium Wars

Before industrialization, China possessed products that Britain highly desired, such as tea. Britain sought to offer something in exchange for this valuable commodity. China primarily wanted silver, but Britain did not want to give them the large amount of silver they were asking for. Consequently, Britain decided to... Continue reading "British Industrialization's Impact on China and Russia" »

Franco's Early Repression: A Post-Civil War Law

This document, a primary source text, was likely authored by Franco or someone within his inner circle, drafted months before the official end of the Spanish Civil War. It outlines the groups targeted for punishment due to their lack of support for Franco's uprising.

Historical Context: The Spanish Civil War

In the final moments of the Second Spanish Republic, following the "Bienio Negro" (two dark years), new elections were called for February 1936. In these elections, left-wing parties formed a large coalition known as the Popular Front, securing a victory. However, as soon as it became evident that the left-wing parties would form the government, the military decided to launch their uprising.... Continue reading "Franco's Early Repression: Post-Civil War Punishments" »

Location and History

Toledo Cathedral is located in the city of Toledo, Spain. Its construction spanned from the 13th to 15th centuries.

Plan and Structure

The cathedral follows a Latin cross plan, with the following key features:

Entrance

• Faces west
• Façade with main gate and two towers
• Three portals (portico)
• Highly decorated tympanum

Nave

• Five naves divided by columns and pillars
• Central nave taller and wider than lateral naves
• Ribbed vaults (bovedas de cruceria)
• Pointed arches

Transept

• Short arm that does not protrude from the plan
• Dome at the crossing
• Altar behind the dome

Apse

• Large apse
• Two deambulatory or girols

Materials and Style

The cathedral is constructed primarily of stone, with stained glass windows and rose windows.

The architectural style is Gothic,... Continue reading "Toledo Cathedral: A Gothic Masterpiece" »

Background

The Bayona's Pact was a document drafted in 1945 by the Basque government and other Basque political forces in exile following the end of World War II. It outlined their commitment to cooperate in restoring democracy to the Basque Country.

Basque Autonomy and the Spanish Civil War

Prior to the Civil War, the Basque Country had sought autonomy, which was granted by the Popular Front government. However, the outbreak of war divided the Basque territories, with Araba and Navarre supporting Franco's uprising while Gipuzkoa and Viscay opposed it.

Despite receiving their statute, Gipuzkoa and Viscay continued fighting until their defeat. Franco subsequently labeled them"traitor province" for their opposition.

Basque Government in Exile

Basque... Continue reading "Bayona's Pact: Basque Resistance to Franco's Regime" »

The Great War: Defining Total Conflict

The war of 1914–1918 had such a profound impact on European society and involved so many countries and people that it was called the Great War. It is considered the first example of a new type of conflict: a "Total War." This designation meant the conflict had virtually no restrictions regarding the weapons used, or the territory and people involved.

The Involvement of the Civilian Population

A new type of national army emerged as a result of the revolutions of the 19th century. Instead of using mercenaries or volunteers, mandatory enlistment (conscription) meant the participation of the majority of the male civilian population of army recruitment age. In this way, war affected the entire population, as... Continue reading "The Societal and Economic Transformation of World War I" »

Chapter Five

3) Captain Nicholls' Concerns

Captain Nicholls was deeply troubled by the war. Unlike many soldiers, he did not believe the conflict would be an easy victory. However, he hoped it would end before Albert could join the army.

5) Captain Nicholls and Stewart's Conversation

On their way to the barracks, Captain Nicholls and Stewart discussed the qualities of their horses.

Chapter Six

1) The Horses' Journey to France

The journey to France was arduous for the horses. They were nervous and fearful of the future and what might befall them during the war.

3) The Guns' Impact on Joey

The sound of the guns kept Joey awake at night.

5) Cavalry Squadron Losses

A quarter of the cavalry squadron was lost that day.

Chapter Seven

2) Trooper Warren's Care for

The Crisis of the Canovas System (1917-1923)

In 1917, Spain suffered a crisis that deeply affected three areas:

• Military: The army demanded that wages be increased and that army rank be determined by seniority, not by merit in battle.
• Politics: An assembly of Catalan parliamentarians demanded decentralization.
• Society: Left-wing political parties and trade unions carried out a general strike on August 13th to protest the rise in prices and overthrow the government.

When the crisis was finally over, the period from 1919-1923 saw Spain experience political decline and form unity governments made up of members from all the different parties. These governments didn't last long.

Domestic and International Issues

Domestically, social unrest increased in... Continue reading "The Crisis of the Spanish Monarchy (1917-1931)" »

Russia's Withdrawal from World War I

In March 1917, civil unrest in Russia, largely due to war-related shortages of food and fuel, forced Czar Nicholas II to abdicate. In his place, a provisional government was established. The new government pledged to continue fighting the war. However, by 1917, nearly 5.5 million Russian soldiers had been wounded, killed, or taken prisoner. As a result, the war-weary Russian army refused to fight any longer.

The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk

In November 1917, Communist leader Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov (Lenin) seized power. Lenin insisted on ending his country's involvement in the war. One of his first acts was to offer Germany a truce. In March 1918, Germany and Russia signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, which ended... Continue reading "World War I: Russia's Withdrawal, U.S. Entry, and Key Terms" »