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

Early Involvement and Growing Importance

Initially, Canada's role in World War I was limited, but it gradually grew in significance. Canadian troops fought in key battles, including the Second Battle of Ypres and the Battle of the Somme.

Vimy Ridge: A Pivotal Victory

On April 9, 1917, Canadian troops captured Vimy Ridge, a strategic position that had resisted German attacks for two years. This victory was a major military success and solidified Canada's reputation as a formidable force.

Billy Bishop: Canada's Top Airman

Billy Bishop, a Canadian airman, became the Commonwealth's highest-scoring airman to survive the war, with 72 victories. His exceptional skills and bravery earned him widespread recognition.

The Canadian 100 Days Campaign

In the final... Continue reading "Canada's Role in World War I: From Obscurity to Triumph" »

The Canovist System

Antonio Canovas created a system that allowed the Conservative Party and the Liberal Party to alternate power, ensuring political and social stability.

Nationalism

• Catalonia: Nationalism parties
• Basque Country: Creation of the PNV
• Galicia: Cultural movement

The Crisis of 1898

• The nationalism movement in Cuba was supported by the USA due to the trade taxes
• War of Cuban Independence: Sinking of the US battleship Maine in Havana
• The USA declared war on Spain
• Treaty of Paris (1898): Spain lost its remaining colonies

WW1

This war was divided into two sides: Allied powers, triple entente (France, Russia, Britain) and central powers, triple Alliance (Germany, Austro-Hungary, Ottoman Empire, Bulgaria). They used propaganda to communicate with the people. There are main causes of World War One, four things specifically. First, militarism, arming and preparing for war. Second, Alliance, agreement to attack or defend. Third, imperialism, controlling territories and colonies. Finally, nationalist pride and supremacy. The events that passed in this war were, in 1914 Archduke's assassination, Russia mobilized its troops to defend Serbia, Germany declared war on Russia, France declared war on Germany to help Russia, and Germany declared war on France. In 1915, Germany... Continue reading "The Impact of WW1 and the Spanish Civil War" »

Fascism

Characteristics

• Totalitarianism
• Irrationalism
• Radical Nationalism
• Racism & Xenophobia
• Anti: Communism, Liberalism, Feminism
• Imperialism & Militarism
• Corporate State
• Capitalism
• Opposition to International Institutions

Causes

• Frustration (Treaty of Versailles)
• Post-War Crisis
• Bankruptcy of Liberal Parliamentary System (No Party Won Election)
• Irrationalism (Violence)

Timeline

1921

• PNF (National Fascist Party) founded by Benito Mussolini (Il Duce)

1922

• Blackshirts (paramilitary fascist militias) - March on Rome
• Victor Emmanuel III forms a new government with Mussolini in control

1925

• Assassination of Giacomo Matteotti (critic of fascist militias)
• Parliament dissolved and fascist dictatorship established (prohibition and control)

1929

• Crisis leads to a policy

ORIGINS, HISTORY & IDEOLOGY OF REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC PARTIES

COMMON GROUND: REPUBLICANISM

A form of government where leaders are elected for a specific period by citizens. Key concepts include the importance of civic virtue, universal political participation, separation of powers (to avoid corruption), and political liberty.

First Political Division: The Constitution

The first political division centered around the Constitution, highlighting the differences between Federalists and Anti-Federalists.

JEFFERSON OR HAMILTON?

At the root of two different visions regarding government and politics are two founding fathers and their views:

1. Jeffersonian View (3rd US President): Rejected the European path, favoring an agrarian democracy of small proprietors

He associates the union of the two crowns with the union of two people, this is, with a wedding. The world is the temple where the ceremony is celebrated; the priest is the king, who has allowed and built the union; the espoused pair are the two kingdoms (“realms”), England and Scotland; and the ring is the sea. Jonson is referring to the seas which surround the Island of Great Britain and keep it together as a whole, with no distinction between North and South.

However, the union of the two crowns did not go as far as it could have. The two countries remained distinct, with different politics and administration, only sharing the same king. Under James’ rule, the Parliament passed an act that recognised the Presbyterian Kirk (Church) as... Continue reading "The Union of Crowns: England, Scotland, and the Reign of James I" »

The Rise of Fascism

A. Causes of Fascism

1. Dissatisfaction with peace agreements after World War I.
2. Post-war crises: economic depression, unemployment, inflation, and social unrest, which fueled revolutionary movements and frightened conservative sectors of society.

B. Creation of Fascism in Italy

Benito Mussolini, a journalist, spearheaded the fascist movement in Italy.

C. Foundation of the Fascist Party (1921)

Mussolini's fascist party used parliamentary groups to suppress the workers' movement, including groups like the Italian Combat Squad and the Blackshirts.

D. Support for Fascism

Fascism gained support from large landowners, the petite bourgeoisie, the Church, and King Emmanuel III.

E. Fascist Paramilitary Groups

The Fascist party organized paramilitary... Continue reading "The Rise of Fascism and World War II" »

Spain: The Reign of Isabel II (1833-1868)

The reign of Isabel II marked the end of absolutism in Spain and the establishment of a liberal and constitutional monarchy.

Characteristics of the Reign

The reign had 8 characteristics:

1. When Isabel II was a child, 2 regents governed in her place:
   • Mª Cristina (her mother)
   • Espartero (army officer)
2. The royal power was limited by the constitution.
3. Isabel had the support of 2 liberal political parties:
   • The moderate party: who defended a stronger monarchy.
   • The progressive party: who wanted to limit royal power.
4. New constitutions were proposed and limited suffrage was established.
5. The military participated in politics, forming part of the government and staging revolts to obtain more power.
6. Different Carlist wars broke

The Consequences of the War

The conflict caused:

• 55 million deaths
• A huge number of wounded military personnel
• Civilian victims

In 1945, conferences were held at Yalta (February) and Potsdam (July-August) at which the leaders of the Allies discussed the redrawing of the frontiers of Europe.

• Germany was divided into occupation zones. Berlin was divided into four military territories (British, French, Soviet, and American).
• Italy was occupied by Anglo-American armies.
• Japan was occupied by the United States.
• The USSR enlarged its frontiers and occupied various countries in Eastern Europe.

Europe’s prewar hegemony was replaced by a new international order led by the two main powers, the USA and the USSR. The UN (United Nations) was created to maintain... Continue reading "World War II: Consequences and Cultural Shifts (1919-1945)" »