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

Key Historical Vocabulary

1. Crisis: A situation that is extremely difficult or dangerous, often characterized by numerous problems.
2. Dictatorship: A form of government in which one person or a small group possesses absolute power without effective constitutional limitations.
3. Roaring Twenties: A period when society was returning to normalcy after the First World War, marked by rapid economic growth and significant social change.
4. Uprising: An act of opposition, sometimes involving violence, by many people in a specific area of a country against those in power.
5. Corruption: Illegal, unethical, or dishonest behavior, particularly by individuals in positions of power.
6. Protectorate: A region or political unit controlled by another, or the government by which

The Decline of the Spanish Empire

The decline of the Spanish Empire was brought about by many factors. Despite galleons laden with gold from the Americas, Spain faced significant financial strain during the 17th century. Many of these treasure ships were raided by pirates or lost to storms. Conquering and forming an empire is one challenge; maintaining it presents another. Natives of conquered lands often resented the brutal and unfair conditions imposed by their conquerors, leading to widespread revolts. Suppressing these uprisings required substantial military expenditure, further draining the empire's resources.

Economic Strain and Internal Rebellions

A prime example of such resistance was the Dutch Revolt, which concluded in the 17th century.... Continue reading "The Decline of the Spanish Empire: Causes and Consequences" »

Political Regimes

The Absolute Monarchies

The powers of state government were controlled by the monarch, without having to consult traditional institutions (the Cortes).

The theory of the divine origin of their power. Centralized administration (it was managed from the court by civil servants who ensured that the monarch controlled the economy and army and that their orders were obeyed throughout their kingdom).

Example: Louis XIV of France ("Sun King")

The Parliamentary Systems

The power of the monarch was limited by the parliament, which represented the interests of the three estates.

England attempted to introduce absolute monarchy, but the English parliament opposed. There were two revolutions: in the first one, Charles I was executed; in the... Continue reading "European History in the 17th Century: Absolute Monarchies, Science, and Culture" »

Who were the philosophes and what did they advocate (support)?

Philosophes were the thinkers of the Enlightenment and advocated 5 main beliefs:

• Truth can be found by using reason
• What is natural is good and reasonable
• Acting according to nature can bring happiness
• Taking a scientific view can make progress and advance to better lives
• Using reason can gain freedom

How did women impact the Enlightenment?

Women started protesting for their rights and equality. Influential women like Mary Wollstonecraft argued with men like Rousseau and said that women need education to become useful. She urged women to enter male dominated fields like medicine and politics. Women also contributed to the spread of the Enlightenment.

Explain how Enlightenment ideas spread

Early Involvement and Growing Importance

Initially, Canada's role in World War I was limited, but it gradually grew in significance. Canadian troops fought in key battles, including the Second Battle of Ypres and the Battle of the Somme.

Vimy Ridge: A Pivotal Victory

On April 9, 1917, Canadian troops captured Vimy Ridge, a strategic position that had resisted German attacks for two years. This victory was a major military success and solidified Canada's reputation as a formidable force.

Billy Bishop: Canada's Top Airman

Billy Bishop, a Canadian airman, became the Commonwealth's highest-scoring airman to survive the war, with 72 victories. His exceptional skills and bravery earned him widespread recognition.

The Canadian 100 Days Campaign

In the final... Continue reading "Canada's Role in World War I: From Obscurity to Triumph" »

The Canovist System

Antonio Canovas created a system that allowed the Conservative Party and the Liberal Party to alternate power, ensuring political and social stability.

Nationalism

• Catalonia: Nationalism parties
• Basque Country: Creation of the PNV
• Galicia: Cultural movement

The Crisis of 1898

• The nationalism movement in Cuba was supported by the USA due to the trade taxes
• War of Cuban Independence: Sinking of the US battleship Maine in Havana
• The USA declared war on Spain
• Treaty of Paris (1898): Spain lost its remaining colonies

WW1

This war was divided into two sides: Allied powers, triple entente (France, Russia, Britain) and central powers, triple Alliance (Germany, Austro-Hungary, Ottoman Empire, Bulgaria). They used propaganda to communicate with the people. There are main causes of World War One, four things specifically. First, militarism, arming and preparing for war. Second, Alliance, agreement to attack or defend. Third, imperialism, controlling territories and colonies. Finally, nationalist pride and supremacy. The events that passed in this war were, in 1914 Archduke's assassination, Russia mobilized its troops to defend Serbia, Germany declared war on Russia, France declared war on Germany to help Russia, and Germany declared war on France. In 1915, Germany... Continue reading "The Impact of WW1 and the Spanish Civil War" »

Fascism

Characteristics

• Totalitarianism
• Irrationalism
• Radical Nationalism
• Racism & Xenophobia
• Anti: Communism, Liberalism, Feminism
• Imperialism & Militarism
• Corporate State
• Capitalism
• Opposition to International Institutions

Causes

• Frustration (Treaty of Versailles)
• Post-War Crisis
• Bankruptcy of Liberal Parliamentary System (No Party Won Election)
• Irrationalism (Violence)

Timeline

1921

• PNF (National Fascist Party) founded by Benito Mussolini (Il Duce)

1922

• Blackshirts (paramilitary fascist militias) - March on Rome
• Victor Emmanuel III forms a new government with Mussolini in control

1925

• Assassination of Giacomo Matteotti (critic of fascist militias)
• Parliament dissolved and fascist dictatorship established (prohibition and control)

1929

• Crisis leads to a policy

ORIGINS, HISTORY & IDEOLOGY OF REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC PARTIES

COMMON GROUND: REPUBLICANISM

A form of government where leaders are elected for a specific period by citizens. Key concepts include the importance of civic virtue, universal political participation, separation of powers (to avoid corruption), and political liberty.

First Political Division: The Constitution

The first political division centered around the Constitution, highlighting the differences between Federalists and Anti-Federalists.

JEFFERSON OR HAMILTON?

At the root of two different visions regarding government and politics are two founding fathers and their views:

1. Jeffersonian View (3rd US President): Rejected the European path, favoring an agrarian democracy of small proprietors

He associates the union of the two crowns with the union of two people, this is, with a wedding. The world is the temple where the ceremony is celebrated; the priest is the king, who has allowed and built the union; the espoused pair are the two kingdoms (“realms”), England and Scotland; and the ring is the sea. Jonson is referring to the seas which surround the Island of Great Britain and keep it together as a whole, with no distinction between North and South.

However, the union of the two crowns did not go as far as it could have. The two countries remained distinct, with different politics and administration, only sharing the same king. Under James’ rule, the Parliament passed an act that recognised the Presbyterian Kirk (Church) as... Continue reading "The Union of Crowns: England, Scotland, and the Reign of James I" »