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

Albert Einstein: A Brief Biography

Albert Einstein (German: [ˈalbɛɐ̯t ˈaɪnʃtaɪn]; 14 March 1879 – 18 April 1955) was a German-born theoretical physicist. He developed the general theory of relativity, one of the two pillars of modern physics (alongside quantum mechanics). Einstein's work is also known for its influence on the philosophy of science. Einstein is best known in popular culture for his mass–energy equivalence formula E = mc² (which has been dubbed "the world's most famous equation"). He received the 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics for his "services to theoretical physics", in particular his discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect, a pivotal step in the evolution of quantum theory.

Groundbreaking Scientific Contributions

Near... Continue reading "Albert Einstein: Life, Theories, and Enduring Legacy" »

Invitation to the Prince of Orange (June 30, 1688)

Historical Context

During the 17th-century Restoration Period, Stuart kings returned to the English throne. Following the reign of Charles II (who had no legitimate heirs), his Catholic brother, James II, ascended to the throne in 1685, despite opposition from Protestants who favored Charles's illegitimate Protestant son, James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth. This led to societal divisions between the Petitioners (Whigs) and the royalist Abhorrers (Tories).

James II's attempts to solidify Catholic power and his fathering of a son, who would likely continue a Catholic dynasty, fueled discontent among the Protestant majority. This context led to the conspiracy to replace James II with his Protestant... Continue reading "Invitation to William of Orange: A Turning Point in English History" »

1. 1st Continental Congress- All colonies except Georgia went to this congress in Philadelphia in 1774 to respond to the Intolerable Acts

2. Articles of Confederation- 1st Constitution had no executive, no judicial, no power to tax, no power to regulate trade

3. The Aztec- Nomadic tribe of hunter-gathers, capital city Tenochtitlan, bloodthirsty ruler, made many sacrifices.

4. BTP- Citizens disguised as Indians, dumped tea into the harbor in 1773.

5. Braddock- British commander during the F&I war. Attempted to capture Fort Duquesne in 1755. Defeated by the F&I Braddock was mortally wounded.

6. Bunker Hill- The British took over a hill in Boston

7. Cabral- Claimed Brazil for Portugal

8. Cahokia- Mound-builder settlement, located near today's East St. Louis, Illinois;

Period of French Revolution

Increasing economic and political problems led Louis XVI to call the Estates-General in 1789 to increase taxes, sparking the revolution.

The National Assembly (1789)

The Third Estate proposed a system where each representative had a vote. The King refused, so members of the Third Estate declared themselves the true representatives, forming the National Assembly and demanding a constitution. The Oath of the Tennis Court (89) saw the Third Estate enclosed until France had a constitution.

Constituent Assembly (1789-1791)

The King agreed, and a Constituent Assembly was elected to write a constitution. Riots began in Paris streets, and on July 14, 1789, the Bastille (a political prison) was attacked. More riots started across... Continue reading "French Revolution: From Estates-General to Napoleon's Consulate" »

Andrew Jackson strongly opposed the power of the National Bank, which he believed prevented state banks from issuing too much paper money. Jackson felt that the National Bank primarily benefited wealthy bankers in the North and expansion-minded investors. In 1832, Jackson vetoed the renewal of the National Bank's charter, a move that significantly contributed to his election victory that year. He successfully persuaded a majority of Americans that the Bank was "subversive to the rights of the states." Middle-class Americans, in particular, celebrated Jackson's veto, as they believed it would provide them with greater opportunities for financial advancement. In 1833, Jackson appointed a new head to the Treasury Department and transferred federal... Continue reading "Andrew Jackson: Bank War, Democracy, and Tariff Crisis" »

The Democratic Sexenio

• Prim leader of revolution
• Development (Topete, Serrano faces the troops of Novaliches in Bridge of Alcolea. The queen take a train to France)

The glorious going to being a military uprising to a popular revolution

• Leader by Serrano -¿Monarchy or republic?
• Constitution of 1869: -National sovereignty -Universal suffrage -bicameral cuts -Strong rejection by republicans and catholics

• Public finances are worrying
• Tariff of 1869
• Long war of Cuba: - Shout of Yara
• Republicans sublevations: Federalism
• The king's search

• He disembark in catagena, he was a personal bet of prim, who dead.
• Problem: Long War, 3 Carlist War and Lack of Supports
• He dont

Tell a Painter's Name

Famous Painters

• Pablo Picasso (1881–1973)
• Vincent van Gogh

Art Movement

• The Impressionists

The Atlantic Slave Trade

Between 9–11 million Africans were taken by European slave traders and landed alive in North America. Between 1698 and 1807 the slave trade was open to anyone who wanted to take part. Before that, it was restricted to the Royal African Company. The first African slaves arrived in Jamestown in 1618. They were sold and forced to work on plantations (sugar, cotton, tobacco) in America. Slavery was hereditary.

Slave Auctions

“The Weeping Time”, March 1859, was the largest slave auction in history. 436 men, women, and children were sold. They stayed in stalls meant for horses at a racetrack in Savannah, Georgia... Continue reading "A History of Imperialism and Slavery" »

Definition of Imperialism

Imperialism is when a nation extends its control over another country's government and economy. The conquering country is the mother country, and the acquired territories are the colonies.

During the Early Modern Period, Britain, Spain, and Portugal were already colonial powers.

"New Imperialism" began in the mid-19th century, led by Britain and France. The USA, Germany, Italy, Russia, and Japan joined later.

Factors of Imperialism

• Economic: Industrialization increased the demand for natural resources and places to trade manufactured goods (capitalism).
• Religious: Converting native people to Christianity was used as a justification for imperialism.
• Political:
  1. Nationalism: The prestige of possessing colonies increased nationalist

How Were the Colonies Impacted by Salutary Neglect?

What Factors Led to the Unification of the Colonies?

Alexander the Great: A King of Macedon

Alexander III of Macedon (356 BC-323 BC), commonly known as Alexander the Great, was a king of the Ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon and a member of the Argead dynasty. Born in Pella in 356 BC, Alexander succeeded his father, Philip II, to the throne at the age of twenty.

Early Life and Education

During his early years, he had the pleasure of having Aristotle as his tutor, though it can be argued that the philosopher's influence on him was limited.

Conquest of Asia Minor

Alexander succeeded in conquering Asia Minor after crossing the Hellespont in 334 BC with 40,000 men, composed of Macedonians and Greeks. His initial goal was to liberate the Greek cities in Asia Minor.

Expansion into Persia and Egypt

He went... Continue reading "Alexander the Great: Life, Conquests, and Legacy" »