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

Why Did Reconstruction Fail?

-The failure of the North to effectively rebuild the South and bring it back into the Union during Reconstruction is evident after the time period. First, the unsuccessful nature of Reconstruction can be seen in 1880 when the "contrast between the South and the Northeast was similar to that between Russia (one of the poorest nations in Europe) and Germany (one of the wealthiest)." Also, "long into the 20th century, the South remained a one-party region under the control of a reactionary ruling elite" that harbored hatred against the North. In fact, until the 1940's, Tennessee was the only state of the former Confederacy to observe Lincoln's birthday as a legal holiday.

-Another issue of Reconstruction, the integration

1.1 Democracy in the United States

The United States was a democracy with a two-party political system.

Republican administrations governed the US as a result of the economic prosperity of the 1920s and due to the fear of Communism,... Continue reading "Democracy vs. Authoritarianism: A Comparative Analysis of Political Systems in the 20th Century" »

Carlos V — Coronation and Succession

Carlos V — Coronation: Isabella the Catholic died, and Juana ascended to the throne. Her husband, Felipe, died suddenly and Juana was later declared unfit to govern. Carlos I, Juana's eldest son, inherited the throne.

Beginning of His Reign

Beginning of his reign: Carlos was born in Ghent, so he did not speak Spanish. This upset the Castilian nobility. An economic crisis provoked the Revolt of the Comuneros (lower nobility) in 1520. Royal representatives defeated them at the Battle of Villalar. At the same time the bourgeoisie and peasants rose up against the nobility in Valencia and Mallorca. The king supported the nobility and the monarchy became more powerful.

Wars and Conflicts

Wars: Carlos fought several... Continue reading "Carlos V & Philip II: Spain's 16th-Century Wars and Crisis" »

1. Fascism and Nazism

1.1 The Fascist Regime in Italy

1921: Mussolini forms the National Fascist Party.

1922: With the support of King Victor Emmanuel III, Mussolini becomes prime minister.

1925: Mussolini establishes a dictatorship.

• Bans other political parties and persecutes opponents.
• Implements public works programs to reduce unemployment.
• Expands Italy's colonial empire by invading Abyssinia in 1935.

1.2 Nazi Germany

1920s: Hitler becomes leader of the Nazi Party.

1934: Hitler establishes the Third Reich.

• Bans other political parties and trade unions.
• Creates the Gestapo to eliminate opposition.
• Implements public works programs to address unemployment.
• Pursues an expansionist foreign policy to regain lost territory.
• Promotes the idea of German racial

What are Civil Rights?

Civil rights are basic rights that every citizen has under the laws of the government. In the United States, the civil rights of each individual citizen are protected by the Constitution. Civil rights for every person means that regardless of gender, skin color, religion, nationality, age, disability, or religion, a person should not be discriminated against. Civil rights include the right to free speech, privacy, religion, assembly, a fair trial, and freedom of thought. Anyone who is considered a citizen of a country should be treated equally under the law.

Civil Rights Movements Throughout History

Throughout history, there have been different civil rights movements. Each movement fought for the rights of a given section... Continue reading "Civil Rights: A Global Fight for Equality" »

Fascist Italy: Rise and Consolidation of Power

Following World War I, Italy faced severe challenges including war debts, high unemployment, and rampant inflation. These economic hardships generated significant social tensions, and traditional political parties proved ineffective in addressing them. Peasants occupied estates, and industrial workers organized widespread strikes.

Mussolini's Ascent to Power

• Support from Elites: The middle and upper classes, fearing a communist revolution, increasingly supported Benito Mussolini's Fascist Party.
• Suppression of Dissent: The Fascists responded to social unrest with brutal violence, attacking peasants, workers, and union leaders.
• Electoral Gains: In 1921, the Fascist Party won numerous seats in parliament,

1.1 The Rise of Right-Wing Governments (1934-1936)

1.1.1 Conservative Government's Rise to Power

A conservative government came to power and suspended previous government reforms.

In 1934, a general strike led to two significant events:

• A social revolution in Asturias
• Cataluña proclaiming itself an independent state

New elections were held in 1936.

1.1.2 The Popular Front Government

The Popular Front, comprised of various left-wing parties, won the 1936 elections and continued implementing the reforms that the previous government had suspended.

Protests erupted between Falangists, Socialists, Anarchists, and Communists.

In July 1936, a faction of the military rebelled against the government, initiating the Spanish Civil War.

1.2 The Spanish Civil War

Led... Continue reading "Spanish Civil War & Interwar Art: A Historical Overview" »

World War II: Main Ideas and Context

Main Ideas

1. Economic and political problems troubled Europe in the years after World War I.
2. World War II broke out when Germany invaded Poland.
3. Nazi Germany targeted the Jews during the Holocaust.
4. Allied victories in Europe and Japan brought the end of World War II.

The Big Idea

Problems in Europe led to World War II, the deadliest war in history.

The Great Depression

It was a global crisis in the 1930s.

Meaning of Dictator

A dictator is a ruler who has total control.

Most Famous Dictators

Below are descriptions of prominent dictators leading up to and during the war:

• Russia: Vladimir Lenin. He gained power in the 1917 Revolution and formed a communist government; he also created the Soviet Union.
• Joseph Stalin. He took

It took some time for U.S. law and politics to connect itself to the global economy. For years, the country was divided over whether those connections were necessary, and, then, which government agency has the obligation to maintain the connection. It came down to the US Supreme Court, who made conclusions that influence international economics to the present day. We'll take a look at the key cases, all of which are still controversial decades later. Since the U.S. dollar remains the currency of choice for world business today, quite a few of America's international business partners know these ageing Supreme Court rulings backwards-and-forwards as well. Knowledge is power, especially when billions of dollars are at stake around the world.... Continue reading "The Influence of Military Power on Foreign Policy and International Economics" »

The Armed Peace in Europe

In Europe, between 1870 and 1914, there was a period of what is known as the Armed Peace.

Importance of the German Empire

During the period of the Armed Peace, the role of the German Empire was important. After the unification of Germany in 1871, it became the most important power in Europe.

The Bismarckian System (1871–1890)

Wilhelm I used diplomacy to maintain the balance of power between European countries.

• To maintain Germany's hegemony in Europe to such an extent that the main concern of the other European countries would be to maintain friendly relations with Germany.
• To prevent France from declaring war on Germany to recover Alsace-Lorraine.

Wilhelm II and the Expansionist Policy (1890–1914)

In the second phase,... Continue reading "Armed Peace to World War I: Europe, Empires and Alliances" »