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

11th Century Developments

Technological Innovations

Key advancements included:

• Three-year crop rotation
• Iron-wheeled mouldboard plough
• New type of harness

Political Transformations

The Cortes or parliament emerged. These were assemblies representing not only the privileged classes but also the bourgeoisie, representing the broader population. The King often asked these assemblies for help (e.g., taxes, recruitment of troops).

Political Organisation in Cities

Initially subject to the authority of a feudal lord, the rising bourgeoisie did not approve of this situation and demanded greater autonomy. Kings or feudal lords granted fueros to the cities – documents specifying the rights of the lords or king and the inhabitants of the city. Administration... Continue reading "Medieval Europe: Society, Culture & Change (11th-15th C.)" »

Tyranny

Tyranny is a form of government in which the ruling power is in the hands of an individual who has seized control, often by illegal means. The word tyranny comes from the Greek word tyrannos, which means "usurper with supreme power." Over time, a person who ruled by tyranny, or a tyrant, became known for holding onto power by cruel, abusive means.

Democracy

A democracy is a form of government in which the ruling power is in the hands of all people. The word democracy comes from the Greek terms demos (meaning people) and kratos (meaning power).

Oligarchy

An oligarchy is a form of government in which the ruling power is in the hands of a few leaders. The word oligarchy comes from the Greek terms oligos (meaning few) and arkhein (meaning rule)... Continue reading "Ancient Greece and Rome: Key Terms" »

The Muslim World

Recent Armed Conflicts

The Gulf War (1990-1991)

• The Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait. An international coalition led by the USA under UN mandate liberated Kuwait. It imposed an embargo on Iraqi oil.

The Invasion of Afghanistan (2001)

• Consequence of the attack on New York and Washington on September 11, 2001, organized by Al-Qaeda.
• Al-Qaeda was based in Afghanistan and supported by the Taliban government.
• A coalition of troops from the US and allied countries overthrew the Taliban regime.
• A provisional government was established in its place.

The Invasion of Iraq (2003)

• There was a fear that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction (threat to world peace).
• The USA, the UK, and other allied countries, including Spain, overthrew

Cubism

Dadaism

The short story “The Force of Circumstances” symbolizes the British imperialism.

Term to describe the trends in thought and letters in Europe and the American colonies during the 18th century before the French Revolution. The phrase was employed by writers of the period, and convinced they were emerging from centuries of darkness and ignorance into an age enlightened by reason, etc.

During Enlightenment

• People know that through reason and progress, it will be possible to progress in knowledge, in technical achievements, and moral values.

Attempt to Supplant Aristocracy and Established Churches

• Enlightenment thinkers aimed to supplant aristocracy and established churches in social and political life, which they viewed as reactionary, oppressive, and superstitious.

Most Enlightenment Thinkers

• Most Enlightenment thinkers didn't

1. The Rise of Neoclassicism

After the French Revolution in 1789, Europe was overtaken by liberal and national movements. What architectural movement was in style at that time that highlighted the use of Greek and Roman forms without overt ornamentation?

c. Neo-Classical

2. Innovations in Reinforced Concrete

In Europe, there were great technical developments in reinforced concrete construction as advanced by Joseph Monier in 1877. Who was the man that substituted steel for iron in reinforced concrete construction and developed the hooked connections for reinforcing bars?

c. Francois Hennebique

3. Principles of Traditional Town Design

Which of the following statements is true about traditional town design?

a. There is a variety of dwelling types within... Continue reading "A History of Architecture: From Neoclassicism to Modernism" »

The Conservative Period (1933-1936)

The Confederación Española de Derechas Autónomas (CEDA) won the elections and formed a government in coalition with Lerroux and his party, Partido Radical de Centro.

In 1934, members of the CEDA entered the government, and protests escalated into the October Revolution of 1934.

In Asturias, miners initiated a rebellion. The revolt was suppressed by the army, which deployed Moroccan troops led by Franco to control the situation.

In Barcelona, the autonomous government proclaimed a Catalan Republic separate from the Spanish Republic. The Statute of Autonomy was abolished, and the Generalitat was dissolved.

New elections were held in 1936. The Frente Popular (left-wing parties) won.

The Popular Front (February-

Sabino Arana's Early Basque Nationalism

The text we analyze is a primary source. Regarding its form, it comprises the founding statutes of a nationalist social center, the first Batzoki of Bizkaia, making it a historical document. Its content addresses social, political, and cultural subjects. The author is Sabino Arana, often called the Father of Basque Nationalism. Intended for nationalists in Bilbao and, more broadly, throughout Bizkaia, the objective was to establish the rules of the first nationalist organization and summarize the main ideological tenets of its founder. This significant text was published in 1894 in Bilbao, the capital of Bizkaia.

Statutes of Euskaldunen Batzokija: Core Principles

The statutes of Euskaldunen Batzokija are... Continue reading "Sabino Arana's Vision: Founding Basque Nationalism in Bizkaia" »

A Disciplined Society

Spartans valued military discipline. Even today, the word Spartan means highly disciplined or lacking comfort. Unlike Athenians, Spartans did not value luxury goods or beautiful buildings.

Education in Sparta

With Helots working the fields, Spartan males had plenty of time to train for military service. At seven, they were taken away from their homes for schooling at state expense. They lived together in BARRACKS: military houses. Spartan boys did not receive a well-rounded education. They spent most of their time exercising, hunting, and training with weapons. They were taught to obey orders automatically rather than to think for themselves. At the age of 18, young men began a 2-year program of military training to become... Continue reading "Spartan Society: Military Discipline, Education, and Roles" »