International Conflicts and Events: 1870-1939
League of Nations
- Manchurian Crisis (1931): Japan’s invasion of Manchuria, leading to its occupation and the establishment of the puppet state of Manchukuo.
- Abyssinian Crisis (1935): Italy’s invasion of Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia), leading to international condemnation and sanctions.
- Spanish Civil War (1936-1939): Internal conflict in Spain between Republicans and Nationalists, with foreign intervention and the testing of the principle of non-intervention.
- Failure to Prevent German Rearmament: Germany’
Victorian Era: Alliances, Capitalism & Imperialism
The Victorian Era and European Alliances
In Europe, the Victorian Era (1837-1901) saw the United Kingdom maintain its position as the strongest commercial and financial power in the world, lasting for 63 years.
European Alliance System
- Bismarck’s Alliance System: Promoted by Chancellor Otto von Bismarck (a very important figure in Germany), this system comprised a set of alliances based on secret diplomacy. Its objectives were to isolate France, which was at enmity with Germany due to the loss of Alsace
Key Figures and Events in American History
Pilgrim Fathers – Settlers of Plymouth, Massachusetts, the first permanent colony in New England (1620). Of the 102 colonists, 35 were members of the English Separatist Church (a radical faction of Puritanism) who had earlier fled to Leiden, the Netherlands, to escape persecution at home.
Anti-Federalists – A movement that opposed the creation of a stronger U.S. federal government and which later opposed the ratification of the Constitution of 1787. The previous constitution, called the Articles
Read More19th Century Spain: Republicanism, Carlism, and Nationalism
Republican Ideology in 19th Century Spain
During the nineteenth century, the Republicans remained divided into different trends, with discrepancies, disputes, and harsh personal rivalries between groups and leaders. The Republican mosaic was composed of the possibilistic party led by Castel, the organic federal party led by Figueras, the democratic-progressive federal party led by Margall, the reform party, and the progresista party.
From 1900, new leaders emerged among younger and more radical Republican
Read MoreAnarchism, Socialism, and Social Reform in Spain
Anarchism and Social Unrest
Restoration Anarchism: A Shift Towards Apolitical Action: In 1881, the Spanish section of the International (FRE), following the Bakunin trend, changed its name to the Federation of the Spanish Region (FTRE). The new federation experienced membership growth and developed a vindictive approach to industrial action.
Disagreements within the organization, coupled with ongoing repression of the labor movement, led a segment of anarchists to embrace direct action. They organized
Read More19th Century Revolutions: Causes, Conflicts, and Consequences
19th Century Revolutions
Simón Bolivar and Venezuelan Independence
Take the role of Simón Bolivar and justify why Venezuela should be an independent country. Spain exploits our resources, makes political decisions for its own benefit, and subjugates us socially, denying us freedom. It is time to defend our identity, culture, traditions, and language. Venezuela must be for Venezuelans!
Ferdinand VII and Spanish Colonialism
Take the role of Ferdinand VII and justify why Spain should continue possessing