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

The Cold War

The Cold War was a period of constant tension between the United States and the USSR that lasted from 1948 to 1989. During these years, each superpower aimed to demonstrate and increase its own power, while at the same time limiting or reducing the influence of the other. However, both the Americans and the Soviets wanted to avoid a direct military confrontation, since this could lead to nuclear war.

The Great Depression

At the end of the 1920s, a series of problems in the United States caused a major economic crisis, known as the Great Depression. This crisis lasted until the end of the 1930s and brought an end to the prosperous, consumer lifestyle of the previous decade.

Causes of the Great Depression

The problems that led to the... Continue reading "The Cold War and Great Depression: A Comparative Analysis" »

This analysis delves into Charles Sackville, Earl of Dorset's poem, "My Opinion," penned around 1681. The poem offers a sharp commentary on the tumultuous succession conflict that marked the final years of Charles II's reign in England.

Historical Context: Charles II and the Restoration Era

Charles II's Reign and Early Restoration

Charles II reigned in England from 1661 to 1685. His early life included a period of exile when England was a republic under Cromwell's regime, the Commonwealth, following the execution of Charles I at the end of the English Civil War. This restrictive regime led to widespread discontent. In 1659, soon after Cromwell's death, the English people compelled his son and successor, Richard, to abdicate and recalled Charles... Continue reading "Charles Sackville's 'My Opinion': Restoration Political Satire" »

From Progressive 2-Years to the Glorious Revolution (1854-1868)

Progressive 2-Years (1854-1856)

Narvaez's power was becoming more and more dictatorial, which provoked discontent and ended in a coup d'etat by General O'Donnell. He published the Manzanares Manifesto and obtained wide popular backing. He created a new political party: the Liberal Union (between moderates and progressives).

Finally, the coup d'etat was successful and Espartero returned and formed a government.

In this time, some measures were adopted such as the Madoz disentitlement, the elaboration of a new progressive constitution (never applied) by the Constituent Courts, and the creation of the Railroad Law for economic modernization.

New political groups appeared:

• Democrats: asked

Walt Whitman

• Born in New York into a laboring family of agriculturists (the working class.)
• His family has nine children and he was the second childegan working at the age of 12 as a printer in Brooklyn and New York City.
• Became a journalist and editor of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle in NY. He was later fired because he supported the antislavery Free Soil faction of the Democratic Party.
• Traveled via the Mississippi River to Louisiana and worked on the Crescent and later returned to NY.
• Saw many Shakespeare plays
• Back in NY he began experimenting with a new style of poetry
• Published his first edition of Leaves of Grass in 1855 with no publisher nor author name.
• The third edition of 1860 included Calamus and Premonition later called Started from Pumanok.

Imperialism and Colonialism

Imperialism: Colonialism is the policy or practice of extending a state's rule over other weaker territories. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the main colonizers were the USA and European powers. As population increased, so did unemployment and surpluses. Colonies provided cheaper raw materials and new resources of energy. Imperial powers imposed their culture and language on native populations. These imperial powers were the origins of World War I, and the world economy became imbalanced.

Modernism in Architecture

Modernism: This was an artistic response to industrial objects and industrial architecture, which modernists found unattractive. Modernist architects designed all elements of their buildings,... Continue reading "Key Historical Movements: Imperialism, Modernism, and Marxism" »

The Rise of Restoration Libertinism

As a reaction to the great restrictions experienced during the years of the Commonwealth, the Restoration brought Libertinism—a lifestyle based on freedom and enjoyment. The pattern for this was set by the king himself, known as “the merry monarch.” Most poems were produced at court by members of the nobility, such as the Earl of Dorset, who could express their opinions freely due to their wealth and the king's protection.

This period was defined by a rejection of all forms of control, featuring works that openly addressed sexuality and ironically criticized many aspects of society.

Sackville’s Critique of Charles II

Sackville refers to Charles II as “poor Rowley” in verse 5; the king was known by... Continue reading "Restoration Libertinism and Political Satire in Sackville" »

Rousseau’s Perspective on Enlightenment Government

Jean-Jacques Rousseau argued that government should express the general will, or the collective desire, of the people. According to Rousseau, citizens grant the government the authority to create and enforce laws. However, if these laws fail to serve the public interest, the government must relinquish its power.

Principal Characteristics of Democratic Documents

• Magna Carta:
  • Limited the power of the monarchy.
  • Identified property rights.
  • Established the right to a trial by jury.
• The English Bill of Rights:
  • Outlawed cruel and unusual punishment.
  • Guaranteed free speech for members of Parliament.
• The U.S. Declaration of Independence:
  • Declared that individuals possess natural rights that governments must

Islamist Movements and Islamic Fundamentalism

Because the term "fundamentalism" is Christian in origin, many scholars prefer to call Islamic fundamentalists "Islamists" and to speak of "Islamist movements."

Historical Attention and Perception

The subject of Islamic fundamentalism attracted a great deal of attention in the West after the Iranian Revolution of 1978–79 and especially after the September 11 attacks on the US in 2001 by al-Qaeda. These events contributed to the common misconception in the West that Islam and Islamic fundamentalism are connected; however, most Muslims are not ideologically committed to the idea of a state and society based on Islamic religious law.

Characteristics of Islamist Movements

The character of Islamist movements... Continue reading "Islamist Movements and Islamic Fundamentalism in the Middle East" »

The Indispensable United Nations

Despite its shortcomings, the UN remains crucial for:

• Facilitating dialogue between the US and the world
• Addressing conflicts and promoting development
• Modifying US policies
• Providing a platform for international cooperation
• Addressing global interdependence
• Enhancing planetary interdependence
• Supporting international peace and understanding

Reforming the Security Council

Arguments for restructuring:

• The Security Council's role in UN functioning
• Changing power dynamics with the disintegration of the USSR
• Privileged position of permanent members
• Veto power of permanent members
• Need for representation from developing countries

Threats to Security in the Third and First Worlds

Third World:

• Military conflicts with neighboring states
• Internal

George Washington

Born on February 22, 1732, in Westmoreland County, Virginia, George Washington served as a general and became the first president of the United States, serving from 1789 to 1797.

Battle at Bunker Hill

The Battle of Bunker Hill was fought on June 17, 1775, during the Siege of Boston in the early stages of the American Revolutionary War.

The Invasion of Quebec

On December 31, 1775, during the American Revolutionary War (1775-83), Patriot forces under Colonel Benedict Arnold (1741-1801) and General Richard Montgomery (1738-75) attempted to capture the British-occupied city of Quebec and with it win support for the American cause in Canada.

The Staten Island Peace Conference

The Staten Island Peace Conference was a brief meeting held... Continue reading "Key Events and Figures of the American Revolution" »