Interwar Economic Crises, Depression & Rise of Dictatorships
Post-War Economic Crisis (Early 1920s)
In the early 1920s, Europe experienced an economic crisis caused by several factors:
- The material destruction which had occurred during World War I and the reduced workforce.
- The end of the war economy, which had been based on the production of military equipment and supplies. There was also a shortage of consumer goods and high levels of inflation, particularly notable in post-war Germany.
- Investment speculation: People speculated by buying shares, aiming to make
WWII Operations, Battles, and Alliances
Key WWII Alliances and Fortifications
The Axis Powers
The Rome-Berlin Axis was the name given to the collaboration between Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy from 1936 to 1945. During World War II, the term Axis Powers referred to Germany, Italy, Japan, and their allies.
European Fortified Lines
The Maginot Line was a line of fortifications built by France for defense along its borders with Germany and Italy after the end of the First World War. The term “Maginot Line” can refer to the complete system or
Read MoreThe Spanish War of Independence: Key Events and Impacts
The Spanish War of Independence (1808-1814)
Guerra Independencia (May 2, 1808): Charles IV left the government in the hands of Godoy. Godoy’s relationship with France changed after the execution of King Louis XVI, leading to Spain’s incorporation into the first anti-French coalition in 1795. Godoy shifted foreign policy, resulting in a series of events that can be considered the background to the war:
- Spain and France vs. Britain, leading to the Treaty of San Ildefonso (1796-1800)
- Destruction of the
Spanish Civil War & Road to World War II: Key Events
The Spanish Civil War
Petitions for autonomy were a key factor leading to the conflict.
The rebels, who called themselves “nacionales,” received support from Germany and Italy, including approximately 200,000 soldiers and modern weaponry. The Republicans were aided by the Soviet Union. In 1936, General Franco became the leader of the nacionales. The areas under nacional control were organized according to fascist principles.
After three years of fighting, the rebels won the war, and the fascist
Read MoreSpain’s Democratic Sexenio: From Revolution to Republic (1868-1874)
The Six-Year Revolution (1868-1874)
The Glorious Revolution: Amidst social unrest caused by poor harvests, economic struggles in industry and finance, and widespread political dissatisfaction with Isabel II’s government, a revolution ignited in September 1868. Driven by the desire to overthrow a system benefiting only the wealthy and powerful, various political factions united under the banners of “Down with the Bourbons” and “Long Live Spain with Honor.” The revolution’s triumph led to Isabel II’
Read MoreMiddle East and North Africa: Decolonization and Conflict
Middle East: Decolonization and Conflict
Post-World War I and the Mandate System
Following World War I, the Ottoman Empire dissolved. The Sykes-Picot Agreement (1916) between France and Britain secretly divided the region’s influence. The Balfour Declaration signaled British support for a Jewish homeland in Palestine. After the Ottoman defeat, France and the UK established mandates, recognized by the League of Nations.
The Birth of Israel and the Arab-Israeli Conflict
The mandate system ended after
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