World Wars and the American Century: 1914–1945
World War I: Causes, Conflict, and Consequences
The Four Main Causes of WWI
Explain the significance and key people or parties involved/impacted:
Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, Nationalism (MAIN)
- Nationalism: Pride in one’s national identity. Cultures desired self-determination without foreign interference.
- Imperialism: The process of turning colonies into “empires,” leading to intense competition between nations.
- Militarism: The development of stronger armed forces and weapons in competition with
The Genesis of the Cold War: Political, Economic, and Security Roots (1945–1949)
Theme I: The Cold War
1. Origins of the Cold War (1945–1949)
I. Political and Ideological Roots
- Sovietization of Eastern Europe (1945)
- Violated the ‘Declaration of Liberated Europe’ (1945 Yalta Conference) through the use of force.
- Salami Tactics: Holding elections, but often accompanied by intimidation and fraud.
- In Hungary, Soviets initially allowed non-Communist parties, but these were later crushed or rendered powerless.
- The Polish government formed in 1945 was predominantly Communist (14 out of
The Decline of Habsburg Spain and the Rise of the Bourbons
The Decline of the Hispanic Monarchy
Reign of Felipe III: A Pacifist Approach
Felipe III presided over the largest empire but delegated his authority to a valido who depended on the king’s favor. He faced several problems, which he solved with pacifist policies, including:
- Peace with England: Solidified by the Treaty of London.
- Peace with France.
- The Twelve Years’ Truce with the Netherlands: This was an indirect way of recognizing the northern provinces’ independence, as this truce could not be renewed.
Factors Leading to the Russian Revolution of 1917
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Key Causes of the Russian Revolution (1917)
1. Autocratic Rule of the Czars
Czar Alexander II introduced some reforms in Russia and gained popularity. However, his successors, Czar Alexander III and Czar Nicholas II, became despotic. During their
Read MoreAfrican History: Empires, Trade Routes, and Cultural Shifts
Key Concepts in African History
- Almoravids & Songhai: Successive empires in West Africa.
- Ahmadu Bamba & Muridism: The founder of the Murid Sufi brotherhood.
- Berbers: Indigenous peoples of North Africa, masters of the desert.
- Swahili Coast: A center of the Indian Ocean trade network.
- Great Zimbabwe: A powerful medieval Southern African civilization.
- Sundiata & Balla Fasséké: The founder of the Mali Empire and his griot.
- Mansa Musa & Mali: The renowned emperor of the Mali Empire.
Islam’s
Read MoreSocial and Political Opposition in Restoration Spain
Opposition to the Cánovas System (1875–1902)
The opposition to the established political system emerged from movements outside the official electoral framework. These groups sought to improve the lives of the working class and challenge the policies of Antonio Cánovas del Castillo.
The Rise of Anarchism and Marxism
The world of labor lived outside the electoral system, seeking to improve the lives of workers. Anarchist ideas were introduced by Fanelli, a follower of Bakunin. Marxism was introduced
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