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

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

Adolf Hitler

Adolf Hitler was an Austrian-born soldier and politician who became the dictator of Germany. The NSDAP, or Nazi Party, was a political organization founded in Germany after World War I and led by Hitler shortly after its inception.

Munich Putsch

The Munich Putsch was the first attempt by Hitler to seize power in Germany. It was a coup supported by Erich Ludendorff, a former German general from World War I, and the SA. The attempt failed, leading to Hitler's trial and imprisonment.

Mein Kampf

Mein Kampf is the book written by Adolf Hitler while in prison between 1924 and 1925. The beginning serves as his biography, while the latter sections outline his political program, including:

• The superiority of the Aryan race.
• The need for a larger

Key Definitions

Theocentrism

Considers God or divinity the center of all human reality.

Mercantilism

An economic system in which precious metals constitute the essential wealth of states.

Anthropocentrism

A concept that considers humans the center of all created things and the absolute end of creation.

Capitalism

An economic and social system based on private property and the free market.

Social Contract

An implicit agreement among members of a society to cooperate for social benefits.

Separation of Powers

A political idea that separates the legislative, executive, and judicial branches to ensure fairness in the system.

Physiocracy

An economic theory, in opposition to mercantilism, that argued the wealth of nations comes only from agricultural and manufacturing... Continue reading "Key Historical Events & Concepts: Revolution and Enlightenment" »

Industrialization in Basque Country

Industrialization in Basque Country would not have happened without concert's economic support. The Industrial Revolution slowly developed and began in the mid-19th century in Biscay. Industrialization in Basque country had huge social consequences. The most important was that instead of exporting men as before, the region began to exhibit an increase in demand for a labor force in its new factories. Industrialization process changed demographic terms, with substantial social, cultural, and political implications for the future.

1Following the last Carlist War, the preservation of Fueros persisted until 1876, when Cánovas del Castillo mandated provinces to contribute to the Treasury. Foral Councils were replaced... Continue reading "Industrialization and Social Changes in Basque Country" »