Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and exercises for History for Secondary education

Unit 4: Key Vocabulary

Fascism in Italy

Causes of Fascism

Dissatisfaction with the peace agreements established after the First World War and the post-war situation. Unemployment, inflation, and social unrest expressed through revolutionary movements that frightened conservative sectors of society.

Fascism was created by Benito Mussolini, who founded the National Fascist Party in 1921 using paramilitary groups (which were illegal) such as the Blackshirts. He gained support from large landowners, the small bourgeoisie, and Emmanuel III. In 1922, the intervention of the Italian Combat Squad against the trade unions and workers' strikes allowed Mussolini to claim power. To pressure the government, he organised a March on Rome with the Blackshirts.

Once he was in power,...

Causes of the First World War

Imperial Competition and Colonial Losses

Some countries lost colonies:

• Portugal: Had only some possessions in Africa.
• Holland: Had some possessions.
• Great Britain: Had Canada and Australia (they lost North America in the American Revolution).
• Spain: Lost territory by 1870.

By 1870, many powers wanted to compete against Britain. They sought to settle colonies in Africa because they offered:

• Resources: Diamonds, Rubber, Copper, Ivory, Gold.
• Labor: Slave labor.
• Strategy and Trade: Strategic locations, Gloves and Spices.

Economic and Strategic Control

Economic: Powers desired colonies for economic and strategic control. New powers, thanks to the Industrial Revolution, included Japan and European nations (Germany, Holland, France,...

Democracy in the 19th Century

• Democratic movements advocated for the right of ordinary people to participate in politics. Supporters aimed to end the social and economic inequalities created by bourgeois liberalism.
• The petite bourgeoisie rejected the limited male suffrage imposed by the wealthy bourgeois.
• Key principles supported by 19th-century democrats included:
  • Universal manhood suffrage: The belief that all men should have the right to vote.
  • A preference for a republic as the form of government, considering hereditary monarchy incompatible with democracy.

19th Century Political Revolutions

• These revolutions finally brought an end to absolute monarchy in many areas.
• They were based on the principles of liberalism, nationalism, and democracy.

The

France

Origin

• Began with Napoleon Bonaparte
• Overthrew the monarchy and established the empire

Politics & Economics

• Established two Napoleonic Republics
• Relied heavily on taxation
• Conquests fueled by financial need
• Possessed a formidable military
• Defeated in the Franco-Prussian War
• Lost territory and military power
• Battle of Waterloo marked a turning point
• Focused on conquest rather than rebuilding France
• Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were the last monarchs
• Economy suffered after the Franco-Prussian War

Expansion

• Conquered territories both within and outside Europe
• Lost many territories after the Franco-Prussian War

Britain

Origin

• Formed in the 18th century under Queen Victoria
• Established an empire through extensive conquests
• Queen Victoria's leadership and

Banco de España: Autonomy and Integration

In 1980, the Law on the Governing Bodies of the Banco de España granted the bank significant autonomy in its operations and monetary policy. In 1985, the Treaty of Accession to the European Economic Community was signed, and the Banco de España became a member of the Eurosystem.

The Ley Orgánica de Regulación de las Normas Básicas sobre Órganos Rectores de las Cajas de Ahorro was enacted, and a few years later, savings banks were given full freedom to expand nationally. These measures aimed for more democratic management but led to serious problems, evidenced by the disappearance of most savings banks during the previous financial crisis.

The Ley de Disciplina e Intervención Bancaria (1998) extended...

1. Why did a revolution break out in France?

A. The impact of the Enlightenment and the American Revolution

• Enlightenment principles and the American Revolution gave the bourgeoisie new ideas to confront absolutism and the stratified systems of society.
• The bourgeoisie proposed new forms of social organization and government.
• All of this led to the revolutionary cycle that began in France in 1789 (French Revolution).

B. The social and economic crisis

• Revolution was caused by discontent among the population and the arrival of two major crises in 1789:
• Economic crisis: A series of poor harvests. The rise in the price of food.
• Financial crisis: It was caused by the monarchy’s lack of money. To resolve it, Louis XVI’s ministers proposed that the privileged

Key Historical Terms

Concordat

An agreement that defines the relationship between the Catholic Church and the state.

Congress of Vienna

A conference between the European powers that defeated Napoleon, to establish European borders and secure peace.

Conservative Republic

The third phase of the French Revolution, initiated by the moderate bourgeoisie. Its government was opposed by the aristocracy and the common people.

Consulate

A period between 1799 and 1804 of autocratic and authoritarian rule; the government of France during this period.

Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen

A text written during the first phase of the French Revolution that recognised the rights, freedom, and equality of all male citizens in law and taxation.

Directory

The...

Founding Principles and Unalienable Rights

The Declaration of Independence defines Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as unalienable rights—rights that are inherent and cannot be taken away.

Contradictions in the Fight for Freedom

Despite these ideals, many signers, including Thomas Jefferson, owned slaves and were unwilling to extend these basic rights to African Americans. Furthermore, laws limited the rights of women and Native Americans, who were denied the right to live and govern themselves on their own land.

The Declaration also accuses King George of encouraging “merciless Indian savages” to attack colonists on the frontier. At the time, many colonists viewed Native Americans as barbarians who attacked indiscriminately.

The

What is the Meaning of City-States?

Political units made up of a city and all the surrounding lands.

What is a Colony?

Some city-states established new outposts around the Black and Mediterranean seas.

What is the Golden Age of Greece About?

A period in a society's history marked by great achievements.

What is the Parthenon?

The Parthenon is often seen as a symbol of ancient Athens. It was a beautiful temple to the goddess Athena, whom the people of Athens considered their protector.

What was Inside the Parthenon?

Inside the Parthenon was a magnificent statue of Athena by the sculptor Phidias.

Who was Pericles?

Pericles, the most famous leader in all of Athenian history, wanted the city's people to be proud of their city. In his speeches, he emphasized...