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

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" »

Key Figures in History

Rulers and Leaders

James I

Succeeded Queen Elizabeth I and believed in the divine right of kings.

Oliver Cromwell

Executed Charles I and set up a military dictatorship in England.

Louis XIV

Seen as the perfect example of an absolutist ruler.

Frederick William

Helped Prussia to emerge.

Peter the Great

Tried to Europeanize Russia.

Thinkers and Philosophers

Rene Descartes

Argued that with all the doubt and uncertainty...

John Locke

Argued that each person has natural rights.

Adam Smith

Father of modern economics.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Argued that people adopted laws and government.

Montesquieu

Created the idea of separation of powers and checks and balances.

Scientists and Innovators

Nicolaus Copernicus

Challenged the idea that the Earth was the... Continue reading "A Journey Through History: From Absolutism to Revolutions" »

1. What were Jefferson’s beliefs about the role of government?

He believed in having a limited power but setbacks were in order. He was anti-federalists//jeffersonian republican. He believed in frugality (little spending) and simplicity which means he cut back on some things. He cut back on the army and on government employees. He also wanted to cut back on taxes and resulted in getting rid of the whole national debt. He believed that each states had to have their own rights like education, road maintenance and such. Expansionism

2.In the election of 1800s what were the Federalists afraid of?

Federalists were afraid of revolution and chaos. (Adams) because if Jefferson won the election everything was going to change.

3.In the election of 1800s

• Nation-state was not how political Communities were organized – nationalism is only 200 years old.

(ancient Greece city-states, ancient Indian republics and kingdoms, European monarchs/dynasties in feudal Kingdoms)

• Little agreement among writers on the Exact meaning of ‘nationalism’.

• Nationalism: The belief that a Group of people are united by a common history, tradition, language And culture, and hence they should establish a sovereign political Community of their own – nation.

• Ideology/movement that seeks to Establish a nation-state.

• Belief that the nation is the primary Focus of loyalty, the sole object of people’s allegiance.

• Sense of loyalty that makes people to Live and work within the modern state, even die for the state in

World War II: A Global Conflict

World War II (or the Second World War) was the largest armed conflict in history.

The Rise of Nazi Germany

For years, Germany's economy was weakened by excessive debt and hyperinflation, which caused widespread discontent with the government.

In 1929, the Wall Street Crash in New York triggered the worst economic crisis of the 20^th century. Its impact was so significant that the unemployment rate in Germany exploded. Because of this, nationalist groups like the Nazi Party emerged, seeking to create a "perfect" society (German-speaking, excluding homosexuals, disabled individuals, and others).

In 1933, Adolf Hitler, the leader of the Nazi Party, rose to power. Despite Germany's ban on expanding its military, Hitler'... Continue reading "World War II: Causes, Key Events, and Axis vs Allies" »

Luddism: The First Movement

Luddism emerged in the early 19th century as a movement against the use of machines. Workers originally considered machines to be the root of their problems. The movement's leader was Ned Ludd.

Chartism: A Workers' Charter

In 1838, Chartism developed as a movement based on a workers' charter. This charter was sent to Parliament by a committee of workers with various petitions, including demands for universal suffrage and a secret ballot.

The Industrial Revolutions

The First Industrial Revolution occurred almost exclusively in England. The Second Industrial Revolution spread to other European countries and continents, including the USA and Japan. The Third Industrial Revolution took place in the mid-20th century.

The First