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

Context

This document analyzes a sermon written by Añoveros, Bilbao’s bishop, in February 1974. Intended to be read publicly in parishes and addressed to public authorities, the sermon focuses on the lack of respect for Basque traditions. It was written during a period when the Basque provinces faced differing treatment under Franco's regime. While Araba and Navarre remained relatively unaffected, Gipuzkoa and Viscay, having defended the republic, endured harsh punishments, including the suppression of the Basque language and the denial of the Economic Concert.

Economic and Social Climate

Spain's economic situation in the early 1970s was relatively strong, fueled by the economic miracle of the 1960s. Industrial expansion attracted a wave of... Continue reading "Añoveros' Sermon: Basque Culture and Freedom" »

1. What were the economic and demographic consequences of the war?

The First World War caused the deaths of around ten million soldiers and a large number of civilian casualties due to malnutrition and disease.
The conflict left the warring nations impoverished. European industry and agriculture reduced in size, and all European countries were in debt, especially to the United States.

2. Why was the League of Nations created? Why did it fall?

US President Wilson suggested the creation of a League of Nations (LN) to guarantee peace and cooperation between states. However, the defeated countries were excluded from the LN, and finally, neither the USSR nor the US joined it. With so many excluded countries, the LN ended up by having no influence on... Continue reading "Consequences of World War I and the Treaty of Versailles" »

A

• Aboveboard: Legal and transparent.
• Anguish: Mental or physical pain or suffering.
• Anti-clericalism: Opposition to the power or influence of the clergy.
• Armistice: A truce.
• Arms race: Competitions between nations for superiority in the development and accumulation of weapons.
• Attrition: The action of gradually wearing down through sustained attack.
• Autocratic: Ruled with absolute power.
• Axis: The alliance between Germany and Italy in the Second World War.

B

• Bankrupt: Unable to pay one's debts.
• Barbed wire: Wire with sharp spikes used as a defensive barrier.
• Barracks: A large building or group of buildings used to house soldiers.
• Brushstroke: A mark made by a paintbrush.

C

• Ceasefire: A temporary suspension of fighting.
• Coalition: An alliance of political parties

The Arrival of the Muslims

The arrival of the Muslims on the Iberian Peninsula in the early 8th century is related to a civil war between the Visigoths when different factions fought to succeed to the throne. One of the opposing sides, formed by the opponents of King Rodrigo, decided to seek the help of Muslims who were in North Africa.
In 711, in response to this request for help, a Muslim army entered the Iberian Peninsula. In the same year, led by Tariq and Musa, it conquered King Rodrigo and began a rapid conquest of the Spanish territory.Tariq landed in Gibraltar in 711 at the head of an army of thousands of soldiers who were, for the most part, Berbers from North Africa.

The Battle of Guadalete

The Muslims easily defeated the Visigoths in... Continue reading "The Muslim Conquest of the Iberian Peninsula: Causes and Impact" »

After the failure of the six democratic years, Cánovas del Castillo, the Prime Minister, led the Restoration process. He proposed Alfonso XII, son of Isabel II, as king of Spain and after the pronunciamiento of Sagunto by Martínez Campos in 1874, he became king and accepted to be a constitutional monarch. Moreover, Cánovas became regent and established a new system, the Canovite System.

Canovas convoked elections, under the democratic suffrage of the 1869 constitution, to Cortes in order to legalise and define a new monarchy. One of the first measures of the new government was the suppression of the left wing parties and labour movement, only those who accepted the principles of the constitutional monarchy had the right to free activity.

The

Ascot Racecourse: A Royal Tradition

Ascot Racecourse is a prestigious British racecourse located in Ascot, Berkshire, renowned for horse racing. It was founded in 1711 by Queen Anne. Royal Ascot is the centrepiece of Ascot's year. Every year, Royal Ascot is attended by Queen Elizabeth II and other members of the British Royal Family, such as the Prince of Wales, arriving each day in a horse-drawn carriage.

Shrove Tuesday: Pancake Day Races

Shrove Tuesday, also known in some countries as Pancake Day, falls in February or March, preceding Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent). It is celebrated in some countries by consuming pancakes. On Pancake Day, races are held in villages and towns across the United Kingdom. The tradition is said to have originated... Continue reading "Celebrated UK Traditions & Attractions" »

Reasons for the Emergence of the Cold War (1947-1991)

Root Causes

Revanchism and depression marked the society of the interwar period. The sanctions of the Treaty of Versailles and the consequences of the crash of 1929 favored the rise of dictatorships and the failure of democracies. Thus, certain foreign policies (Italy, Germany, and Japan) became radicalized by claiming their living space, international prestige, and improvement of the economy. This contrasted with the pacifist work of Pius XII that would not have an effect.

In a bid to achieve them, they opted for militarization. The economy would boost the arms industry, with the main powers responding poorly:

1. The United States of America would stay out.

2. The USSR would mistrust the West.

3. France would trust the British.

4. The United Kingdom would propose

The Urban Society

Bourgeoisie: a new social group emerged in these cities. They were not tied to a lord or participated in the feudal relations. They were merchants and bankers, and quickly became the richest citizens.

• There was also a poorer population: servants, laborers, beggars, or fugitive serfs who did the hard work.
• Many towns had a Jewish population who lived in Jewish quarters or ghettos.
• There were also Moorish quarters, where the Muslims lived.

The Economy of a Medieval City

Trade: the most important function of a city. Usually, the cities celebrated fairs, where people from other cities came to sell their products.

• Currency: in the Early Middle Ages, the Roman currency was replaced by bartering. But now, we can see gold coins again working

Early Discoveries and Settlements

• Leif Ericson led Vikings around 1000 AD.
• Christopher Columbus, an Italian mariner, arrived in 1492.

Spanish Colonization

• St. Augustine, Florida: Established by the Spanish in 1565.
• Santa Fe, New Mexico: Established in 1609.
• San Diego, California: Established in 1769.

English Colonies and Early Economy

• The first permanent English colony was Jamestown, Virginia, founded in 1607.
• Tobacco Economy: Making money by growing tobacco, which began shipping to England in 1614.
• A larger Puritan colony (a religious group that came to New England) was established in Boston in 1630.
• Roger Williams: Disagreed with the union of Church and State and founded the colony of Rhode Island in 1635.

Immigration and Demographics

• German farmers came