Key Events of World War II: Axis Powers, Battles, and Operations
Key Events of World War II
The Axis alliance between Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, formed between 1936 and 1945, was a significant force during World War II. The term “Axis powers” generally refers to Germany, Italy, and Japan, in opposition to the Allied forces.
Fortifications and Defense Lines
The Maginot Line was a line of fortifications built by France along its border with Germany and Italy after World War I. The term can refer to the entire system of fortifications or specifically to the defenses
Read MoreWorld War II: Causes, Development, and Key Events
Causes of World War II
The Treaty of Versailles caused feelings of humiliation among the Germans and Italians, which led to:
- A desire for revenge
- The rise of dictatorial political systems
- A new war to gain economic and political dominance in Europe
Totalitarian Regimes’ Desire for War
The fascist regimes developed expansionist policies, including:
- Strengthening their armies
- Encouraging militarism
- An intense arms race
Escalating Aggression
In the 1930s, authoritarian states initiated hostile attacks:
- Japan expanded
Colonialism: Causes, Organization, and Global Impact
Causes of Colonialism
- Economic Factors: Desire for cheap labor, access to raw materials, and new markets.
- Demographic Factors: Overpopulation and lack of job opportunities leading to migration.
- Political Factors: Competition for geographic areas and military/economic strategic control.
- Ideological Factors: Conservative nationalism and the belief in the superiority of certain nations, leading to racism.
Some intellectuals, trade unionists, and political leaders, especially socialists, opposed colonialism,
Read MoreNapoleon’s Legacy, Revolutions, and Unifications in Europe
Napoleon’s Legacy in France
Pacification of the Country: Eliminating the most radical factions and encouraging the return of the exiled nobility. The most important internal reform occurred in 1804 and was based on revolutionary principles. These measures led to Napoleon being elected First Consul for life in 1802 and Emperor in 1804.
Napoleon’s Fall
- Exiled: Island of Elba
- Monarchy Re-established: Louis XVIII
- Escape: Restored to power for 100 days
- Defeat at Waterloo (1815): Exiled to Saint Helena, died
Colonialism and Imperialism: 19th-Century Global Expansion
From Colonialism to Imperialism in the 19th Century
Political and economic competition among nations urged the renewal of old colonialism, extending its geographic projection. The continent, especially among Afrikaners, was explored and squatted by European powers.
From Colonialism to Imperialism
Around the mid-nineteenth century, the old Spanish rule was reduced to the possession of Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and some African enclaves. Portugal kept small colonies on the South Equatorial
Read MoreIndustrial Revolution: Key Concepts and Terms
1. The Agricultural Revolution
1. What was the agricultural revolution? – Changes in agricultural production
2. Cultivation System
2. What new cultivation system is shown in the graph on the right? – Norfolk system
3. Definition Exercise
3. Ejercicio de definir:
- fallow: land that has been left unseeded
- fodder: food for livestock
- furrow: a groove made in the ground
- harvest: gathering of crops
- plough: a tool used in farming
- reap: to cut (wheat, rye, etc.)
- thresh: to separate the grains or seeds by some mechanical