Colonialism, Nationalism, and the First World War
Colonialism and Nationalism: Origins of WWI
Rivalry Among Colonial Powers: The conflicts between rival empires, especially in Morocco, were key. Germany, with few colonies, challenged France and Great Britain. This tension, while initially avoided, laid the groundwork for World War I.
Nationalist Exaltation
Germany and France were deeply opposed. France’s defeat in the Franco-Prussian War led to the loss of French regions to Germany. Germany benefited, and Great Britain maintained a strong rivalry
Read MoreCold War Conflicts and Decolonization (1960s-1970s)
Peaceful Coexistence (1963-1975)
The Vietnam War (1961-1975)
- The United States wanted to prevent the spread of Communism in Southeast Asia.
- The United States sent American troops to help the government of South Vietnam in its fight against the Vietcong guerrillas, who were supported by Communist North Vietnam.
- After the United States withdrew from Vietnam in 1973, North Vietnam won the war.
- This country was reunified and became the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, which was a Communist regime.
The Arab-
Spanish Civil War: Origins, Development, and Aftermath
The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)
The Military Uprising and the Outbreak of the Civil War
The military uprising, leading to the outbreak of the Civil War, was initiated following the Popular Front’s victory in the 1936 elections. The conspiracy involved both military personnel and civilians. The coup, planned and led by disgruntled military officers, was launched in July 1936. General Emilio Mola was the chief strategist and head of the operation. General Sanjurjo was initially appointed to lead the
Read MoreSpanish Civil War: Uprising, Development, and Key Players
The National Uprising (July 17-18, 1936)
The anti-war development and the 1932 uprising (Sanjurjada) saw the conviction of those involved, during the Black Biennial, followed by their release. The Portuguese left was in exile. Shortly after returning, General Franco emerged as the main leader of the rebel forces.
The National Uprising was called against the Second Republic. On July 17, 1936, riots began with Moroccan troops, where those opposing Franco were killed or imprisoned. Franco, stationed
Read MoreSocial and Political Opposition to Franco’s Regime
Oppositional Social Movements
In 1960, strikes by miners in Asturias, with important ramifications in the Basque Country and Barcelona (1962), led to the birth of a new unionism. Before the Civil War, only the UGT had some clandestine activity, while the CNT had virtually disappeared. CCOO was born in 1964, an independent and democratic union that promoted labor struggles (wages, working conditions…) and political aims (union freedom, civil rights…). It combined illegal actions, such as strikes,
Read MoreThe French Revolution: A Cycle of Violence and Transformation
The French Revolution tragically exemplifies how revolutions can consume their own initiators, a phenomenon often described as “eating its own children.” This symbolizes the revolution’s self-destructive nature, where the very individuals who sparked the movement were ultimately destroyed by it. The revolution turned on itself.
The Girondists vs. The Jacobins
In the final years of the French Revolution, deep divisions emerged between radicals and moderates. While formal political parties were yet
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