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

Saudi Arabia Ends Diplomatic Relations with Qatar

A problem that is often debated nowadays is that of Saudi Arabia having announced the cessation of diplomatic relations with Qatar and closing the airspace to aircraft from that country. In addition, through a publication of its state news agency, Saudi Arabia has pointed out that this decision is necessary to protect the kingdom from the danger posed by "terrorism and extremism."

Evacuation Orders and Military Movements

On the one hand, Qatari citizens have fourteen days to leave Saudi Arabia after the rupture of diplomatic relations between the two countries. This decision has been made due to Qatar's alleged support for terrorist groups in Yemen and Syria, as highlighted by Al Arabiya. Saudi... Continue reading "Saudi Arabia Cuts Ties with Qatar Amid Terrorism Claims" »

The End of the Ancient Regime

Factors of Change

Economic growth and the aspirations of the Third Estate, especially the bourgeoisie, were key factors of change. The bourgeoisie criticized the privileges of the nobles and clergy. Most members of society wanted to end the dominance of the privileged classes and establish a monarchy that considered the interests of the Third Estate.

Social Divisions in the Ancient Regime

Society was divided into three estates: the clergy (First Estate), the nobles (Second Estate), and the peasants and bourgeoisie (Third Estate). The main feature of this stratified society was civic inequality.

The Atlantic Slave Trade

Slaves were taken from Africa to the Americas, where they were sold and forced to work in terrible... Continue reading "The Enlightenment and the End of the Ancient Regime" »

Origins of the European Union

Several key forces drove the formation of the European Union:

• Traditional Federalism: Thinkers like Rousseau and Victor Hugo envisioned a united Europe.
• Post-WWII Rebuilding: The devastation of World War II, both in human and economic terms, spurred a desire for cooperation and recovery.
• The Marshall Plan: This U.S. initiative provided significant financial aid to Western Europe, accelerating economic recovery and fostering cooperation.

The Marshall Plan and European Recovery

The Marshall Plan, officially the European Recovery Program, was a U.S. initiative that provided $12 billion in economic assistance to Western Europe after World War II. Its goals included:

• Rebuilding war-torn regions
• Removing trade barriers
• Modernizing

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" »