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

The 17th century. Transformations and conflicts.

1.1.The transformations of the 17th century

• Political transformations: Authoritarian monarchy was substituted by absolute monarchy and the first parliamentary systems emerged.
• Economic transformations: The rise of commerce encouraged financial capitalism and the majority of states imposed mercantilism, a new economic doctrine based on the accumulation of wealth and precious metals.
• Social transformations: The society of the three estates began to rupture due to the rise of the bourgeoisie, who became wealthier through colonial trade.
• Cultural and artistic transformations: The 17th century witnessed the birth of modern science. In terms of art, the Baroque arose in Italy and spread to other European

Melting Pot:

A place where a variety of races, cultures, or individuals assimilate into a cohesive whole. (Webster)

Salad Bowl:

A place where cultures are juxtaposed, like salad ingredients, but do not merge into a single homogeneous culture. Each culture keeps its own distinct qualities.

The American 'Melting Pot':

The phrase metaphorically describes the absorption of immigrants in America. It was originally the title of a play by London-born Jewish immigrant writer and political activist Israel Zangwill.

The Native-American Crack:

By the 15^th century A.D., it is estimated that 50 million people were already living in the Americas, 10 million of those in what became the United States. Between 1778, when the first treaty was made with the Delawares,...

How Were the Colonies Impacted by Salutary Neglect?

What Factors Led to the Unification of the Colonies?

Political System

Political system: Absence of a constitution, replaced by the Fundamental Laws of the Kingdom. National Movement (single party), concentration of political power in the person of Francisco Franco.

Domestic Policy of the Regime

Totalitarian Stage (1939-1959)

The Head of State corresponded to Franco. The Falangist government was composed of military and Catholic personalities. A cutting advisory body was made up of solicitors endorsing decisions made by Franco. International isolation, the influence of the phalanx, and repression.

Technocrat Stage (1959-1975)

Liberal political action (press law), separation between the Head of State and Government. Juan Carlos de Borbon was appointed successor to Franco.

Economic Developments

Autarkic

World War I: 1914

• June 28: Archduke Franz Ferdinand, prince to the Austria-Hungary throne, is assassinated in Sarajevo by a Serbian named Gavrilo Princip.
• July 23: Austria-Hungary makes demands on Serbia for retribution. Serbia does not meet demands.
• July 28: Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia. Russia begins mobilizing its troops.
• August 1: Germany declares war on Russia.
• August 3: Germany declares war on France as part of the Schlieffen Plan.
• August 4: Germany invades Belgium. Britain declares war on Germany.
• August 23 to 30: The Battle of Tannenberg is fought between Germany and Russia. The Germans defeat the Russian Second Army.
• September 5 to 12: The advancing German army is stopped before Paris by the British and French at the First Battle

International Agreements of the 1920s

France's Treaties (1920)

Countries: Belgium, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Romania, Yugoslavia.
Goal: To protect France from future German attacks by creating military and friendship treaties with Germany's neighbors.
Outcome: Successful.

Geneva Protocol (1924)

Countries: Britain and France.
Goal: To strengthen the League of Nations' authority in disputes by requiring members to seek League arbitration and accept its decisions. Armed forces could be used against aggressors.
Outcome: Not successful.

Dawes Plan (1924)

Countries: USA, Britain, France, Belgium, Germany.
Goal: To address Germany's economic collapse and inability to pay reparations. The plan extended Germany's reparation payment period, offered American loans...

Why is the study of war important?

Types of Wars

Causes and Effects of Wars

The Hegemony of the USA

The USA had two main political parties: The Republican (centre-right) and The Democratic (centre-left).

Harry S. Truman and Dwight Eisenhower (1945-1960) established a severe anti-communist foreign policy by:

• Creating a “blacklist” of communist sympathizers in the trade unions, among Hollywood actors, screenwriters, and directors.

John F. Kennedy became president (1961) and tensions eased. The civil rights movement emerged, advocating for equality of rights for the Black population. Its main leader was Martin Luther King.

The American economy grew significantly after the war. Transport and tourism, agriculture and industry, commerce and finance all contributed to the rise of powerful multinational companies that spread...

Stalinism in the USSR

After Lenin's death in 1924, Stalin became the leader of the USSR and a totalitarian regime developed.

• He controlled all branches of government, including the army, which he used against his political enemies. People who opposed him were executed or sent to prison camps in Siberia.
• The economy was planned and controlled by the state. There was no private property, and industries were nationalized.
• In theory, the Soviet Union was classless, but there were enormous social differences. The ruling elite had access to all types of consumer products, while the rest of the population suffered from shortages of food and basic necessities. Many died of starvation.

Women and Stalinism

Stalin restricted women's rights and freedoms, suppressing...

Assembly line:

System of production using a moving belt, in which each worker repetitively completes one part of the production process.

Alliances:

Formal agreement between two or more countries to cooperate.

Abdicate:

Give up the title of monarch or emperor.

Armistice:

Agreement to stop fighting.

Bolshevik:

Russian word meaning “majority”.

Consumer society:

Society in which the buying and selling of goods and services is the most important activity.

Colonize:

Take direct control of a region or country.

Consumerism:

Desire to acquire more and more goods; it is also beneficial to the economy.

Communist:

Based on the ideas of Karl Marx; describes a person or political party which advocates the dictatorship of the proletariat, the elimination of private...