Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and exercises for Social sciences for Secondary education

Advanced Technology and Innovation

High-tech, state-of-the-art, cutting-edge, high-end, top-of-the-line, first-rate, innovative, revolutionary, novel, low-tech, wacky, unique, efficient, inefficient.

Political Systems and Definitions

Government: People who govern a country.
Politics: The art or science of government.
Constitution: A set of basic laws that cannot easily be changed.
Election: An occasion when people vote.
Vote: To show a choice by marking a paper or using a system.
Campaign: Actions intended to win an election.
Democracy: A system where every citizen can vote.
Monarchy: A country ruled by a king or queen.
Dictatorship: A system where one person has complete power.
Constitutional Monarchy: Ruled by a king but with limited power.

Political

Primary Causes of the Revolution

Since 1760, bad harvests provoked a rise in food prices and widespread popular dissatisfaction.

The bourgeoisie was also unhappy due to the political exclusion they were subjected to by the nobility.

The French monarchy suffered a deep financial crisis prompted by the high expenses of the court and the State.

Major Events of the French Revolution

• A) National Assembly: June–July 1789
• B) Constituent Assembly: July 1789–1791
• C) Legislative Assembly: 1791–1792
• D) The Convention: 1792–1795
• E) The Directory: 1795–1799
• F) The Consulate: 1799–1804

The Constitutional Monarchy Phase

National Assembly (June–July 1789)

• The Third Estate left the Estates-General.
• The Attack on the Bastille.
• The Tennis Court Oath.

Constituent

Historical Revolutions of the 19th Century

The 1820 Revolutions

In 1820, surveys showed liberal minority support (which was defeated), though liberal victories occurred in Greece, marking the beginning of its independence, and in Latin America, which gained independence from Spain. In Spain, a liberal movement of soldiers forced King Ferdinand VII to sign the Constitution. This lasted three years before being defeated by the Holy Alliance.

The 1830 Revolutions

In 1830, liberal uprisings gained popular support in France. Victory was achieved in Belgium, where a conservative liberalism was imposed based on census suffrage and limited freedoms (known as Doctrinal Liberalism).

The 1848 Revolutions

In 1848, progressive liberal uprisings emerged with democratic...

The Realistic Novel

A realistic novel fulfills a social need, arising as a reaction to the idealistic novel. It portrays the society of the time, reflecting real problems. Its characters are of low social status and it often takes place in cities. It serves as both entertainment and social commentary. The picaresque novel is the most representative example of this genre.

Picaresque Novel

The rogue is a humble character, driven to crime by need and hunger. The picaresque novel is often autobiographical, intends to moralize, and provides a critical view of society.

The Baroque Period

Historical Background

• Political Crisis: The political system was characterized by absolute monarchy, with governments often in the hands of favorites.
• Economic Crisis:

Ancient vs. Modern Democracy: Core Distinctions

To address the challenges of contemporary societies by drawing upon the Greek experience, it is essential to analyze the fundamental differences between ancient democracies and those that emerged two millennia later. Key distinctions include:

• Community Size: Communities in ancient Greece were significantly smaller.
• Economic Structure: They were compact and largely economically independent. Although their economy heavily relied on slave labor, slaves were not considered citizens.
• Nature of Rule: In Greek democracy, the concept of rule as we understand it today did not exist. There was no separate institution in society functioning independently. Instead, direct democracy operated not just in deliberations

Reformist Biennium (1931-1933)

The government, headed by Manuel Azaña and the Republican coalition made up of socialists, initiated political reforms aimed at transforming the state and decentralizing power. The Catalan Autonomous Government and Parliament, known as the Generalitat, were approved. Projects for autonomous statutes were also developed for the Basque Country, Galicia, and Andalusia, but they were not approved.

• Social Transformation: Efforts were made to improve the working conditions of workers. Key decisions included establishing a 40-hour work week, creating social insurance, and increasing rent.
• Agricultural Transformation: The goal was to distribute land more fairly. The Agricultural Reform Act was approved, allowing for the

Spanish Theatre of the Early 20th Century

The early 20th century was a golden era for Spanish drama, spanning from traditional comedy to revolutionary, avant-garde works.

Traditional and Bourgeois Comedy

• Jacinto Benavente (1866–1954): Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1922. His works are ironically critical of bourgeois society, with his most famous masterpiece being The Bonds of Interest (1907).
• Carlos Arniches (1866–1943): Master of comedic theater and the sainete. Notable works include El santo de la Isidra, La chica del gato, and Don Quintín el amargao.
• Serafín and Joaquín Álvarez Quintero: Known for their cheerful Andalusian comedies, such as El genio alegre and Malvaloca.
• Pedro Muñoz Seca: Creator of the astracán genre, famous

1.1 Geopolitical Orders

The global political system is the result of a series of historical processes that have shaped geopolitical orders worldwide. In each of these orders, the distribution of power and influence among major powers is crucial, as these powers impose their ideas and concepts on other countries.

World War I and Its Aftermath

The First World War, lasting from 1914 to 1918, significantly impacted the global landscape. The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, officially ended the war and transformed the political map of Europe. The interwar period was marked by the economic crisis of 1929, which led to a decline in international trade. In 1939, another global conflict began, with even greater destructive capacity due to new weapons,...

Industrial Capitalism

The Industrial Revolution, originating in Britain, propelled the rise of capitalism and liberalism. This system subsequently spread throughout Europe, the USA, and Japan.

In the eighteenth century, Adam Smith defined economic liberalism. He posited that self-interest was the driving force of the economy, prices adjusted supply to demand, and the state should not interfere with free trade.

Under these principles, capitalism is based on a system where the means of production are privately owned.

When supply outpaces demand, businesses fail, stockpiles accumulate, and unemployment rises. This chain of events leads to economic crises.

Banks played a crucial role, providing loans and facilitating payments through checks and bills....

The Industrial Revolution: A Historical Shift

The Industrial Revolution was a transformative process characterized by steady economic change that impacted all social sectors. It began in England during the mid-18th century.

Technical Shift: From Human to Machine Labor

• Energy Evolution: Initially powered by water, then transitioned to steam.
• Fuel Sources: Progressed from burning wood to utilizing coal and iron ore.

Causes of the Industrial Revolution

• Political Stability: An entrepreneurial mentality and laws favorable to economic growth.
• Population Growth: Increased demand for both products and labor.
• Transport and Communications: Boosted trade and market expansion.
• Foreign Trade: Provided raw materials and new markets for industrial goods.
• Energy and