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

Historical Context Before World War II

Asia and the Pacific

From a Western perspective, Japan was becoming increasingly important in the early 1900s, rapidly expanding its territory. In 1910, Japan occupied Korea, followed by Manchuria in 1931, establishing a puppet state under its control. Meanwhile, China was embroiled in a civil war between nationalists and communists. Japan seized this opportunity to invade China in 1930. The Second Sino-Japanese War officially began in 1937, prompting a temporary halt to the Chinese civil war as both sides united to fight against the Japanese invasion.

Europe

: in 1930 (hitler) Germany the Nazis had an Allie whit Italy (Benito Mussolini), heated by the communists and liked by the nationalist, 1938 the proces... Continue reading "The Road to World War II: From Aggression to Global Conflict" »

Proportional Representation vs. Plurality

Proportional representation (PR) systems aim to allocate seats in a legislature based on the proportion of votes received by each party. In contrast, plurality systems award seats to the candidate or party with the most votes in each district, regardless of the margin of victory.

PR systems tend to produce more representative legislatures, as they allow smaller parties to gain representation. Plurality systems, on the other hand, often result in one party winning a majority of seats even if they do not receive a majority of the votes.

The American Labor and Liberal Parties

The American Labor and Liberal Parties were minor political parties that emerged in the early 20th century. These parties represented... Continue reading "Electoral Systems and Political Parties in the United States" »

Key Events in Early American History (1784-1865)

Late 18th Century

• State of Franklin (John Sevier) - 1784-1790
• Shay's Rebellion - 1786-1787
• Federalists (Favor ratifying Constitution, strong central government)
• North Carolina Ratification Conventions (1 & 2) - 1788/1789
• Federalist/Democratic (Alexander Hamilton) - 1788 (Federalist Papers)
• Republicans (Thomas Jefferson) - 1790 (American political party)

Early 19th Century

• Dismal Swamp Canal - 1805 (Important route of commerce)
• Whiskey Rebellion - 1791 (Tax protest in US)
• Treaty of Greenville (Fallen Timbers) - 1814 (Treaty of Paris/Friendship US/Natives)
• Jay Treaty - 1794-1795 (Settle issues between US and Great Britain)
• Revolution of 1800 (Adams vs. Jefferson)
• Embargo Act - 1807
• War of 1812 (US and Great

The Foundation of the U.S. Constitution

The Constitution is a document outlining the purpose and powers of the national government. It was written to be broad and flexible to better suit the needs of future generations.

The Articles of Confederation: A Failed Predecessor

Before this document was created, there was another: the Articles of Confederation. The Articles were not effective; they gave the federal government little to no power because the writers feared the kind of power the British monarchy had over the colonists.

Strengths and Weaknesses

• Strengths: It was our first unifying government and it created the Northwest Ordinance, which set up the process for territories to become states.
• Weaknesses: It was a threat to the well-being of the

King Tutankhamun's Tomb

Tutankhamun is the most famous pharaoh of Egypt. His tomb was filled with precious jewels and rich treasures for his journey to the afterlife.

The Valley of the Kings

Around 1500 BC, the Egyptians began to build secret tombs in the Valley of the Kings, located in the hills near Thebes. In 1891, Howard Carter arrived in Egypt and began working with European archaeologists.

The Life and Death of a Pharaoh

King Tut became pharaoh at the age of nine and ruled until his death at age 18. Lord Carnarvon, a British aristocrat, served as the sponsor for the excavation.

The Curse of the Tomb

Legend speaks of a curse: "Death comes on wings to anyone who enters the tomb of the pharaoh." Five months after the discovery, Lord Carnarvon was... Continue reading "The Mysteries of King Tutankhamun and the Bermuda Triangle" »

Germanic Tribes

Origins and Settlements

Germanic tribes originated in Central Asia and settled near the Roman Empire. They established villages and camps, avoiding urban development.

Governance and Leadership

Tribes were led by tribal chiefs chosen by assemblies of free men. Chiefs served as military leaders and negotiated alliances with warriors.

Expansion and Invasions

Population growth and the need for pastures prompted Germanic tribes to migrate westward into Western Europe. They pushed the boundaries of the Roman Empire and settled within its territories through pacts and treaties.

Fall of the Western Roman Empire

Germanic tribes played a significant role in the decline of the Western Roman Empire. In 476, Odoacer deposed Romulus Augustus, marking... Continue reading "Germanic Tribes: Rise, Fall of Western Roman Empire, and the Carolingian Empire" »

Cold War and Post-War History Review

Multiple Choice Section Preparation

The multiple-choice section is straightforward. Ensure you have a strong understanding of the Suez Canal Crisis, as this is a potential area for difficulty.

There may also be a quote from John Diefenbaker where you must identify the country he is referencing.

Key Historical Questions and Answers

1. Cold War Impact on American Culture

Question: How did uncertainty about the Cold War affect American culture?

Answer: It caused the Red Scare, which was the promotion of widespread fear by society or the state about a potential rise of communism or anarchism. Anyone who was perceived as different was often considered a communist sympathizer.

2. Purpose of the Warsaw Pact

Question: What... Continue reading "Post-War Global Conflicts and Canadian Policy History" »

Allied Victories in WWII: Europe & Pacific Theaters (1943-1945)

1943-1944: Turning the Tide in Europe

Eastern Front

In 1943, the German advance in the East came to a halt at the Battle of Stalingrad, marking a turning point in favor of the Allies. The Soviets launched a successful counteroffensive, pushing back the Axis powers and reclaiming lost territory. In the north, they halted the German advance, while in the south, they began to liberate occupied territories.

North Africa and Italy

Meanwhile, in North Africa, the Allies established new forces in Morocco and Algeria, pushing back against Italian forces. This campaign led to the Allied invasion of Sicily and the eventual surrender of Italy in 1943. The fall of Mussolini's regime marked... Continue reading "Allied Victories in WWII: Europe & Pacific Theaters" »

1. THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION:

• The United Kingdom has 13 colonies on the east coast of North America. Britain wanted raw materials from their colonies and held a monopoly on trade. The colonies were subjected to the authority of the British king, imposed taxes on the settlers, and the settlers were not represented in the British Parliament.
• The US Declaration of Independence: 1776, on 4^th July, representatives of the 13 colonies signed the Declaration of Independence.
• The War of Independence and the First Constitution: The colonies, led by General George Washington, won decisive victories. Britain recognized the United States as an independent nation. The United States of America Constitution was the first in history; it established national sovereignty

The Russian Revolution