Anglo-Saxon England: Conquest, Conversion, Language
Unit 1: Historical Background
1.1. England Between 449-1066
1.1.1. The Conquest
The Venerable Bede explains that the invasion of Britain began in 449, when the British king Vortigern invited Germanic mercenaries under Hengest and Horsa to help protect Britain from the Picts and Irish. The Roman army had withdrawn from Britain in 410. The invaders came in small bands and spread inland, overcoming British resistance. The newcomers first settled in the south and east of the island, but gradually extended
Read More1812 Spanish Constitution: Liberalism & the Trienio Liberal
The Spanish Constitution of 1812: “La Pepa”
The Spanish Constitution of 1812, also known as “La Pepa,” was enacted by the Parliament of Spain on March 19, 1812, in Cadiz. It holds great historical importance as the first constitution promulgated in Spain and one of the most liberal of its time. Key features included:
- Popular Sovereignty: Power resided in the people.
- Division of Powers: Separation of executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
It was the largest of all Spanish historical constitutions,
Read MoreReading and Listening Comprehension Exercises
2010
Serie 1 A: Teen Spirit: The Secret Life of Britain’s Teenage Boys
1 B 5 D
2 D 6 D
3 D 7 C
4 B 8 C
LIS: “Butter, Bread and Green Cheese…”
1 b 5 b
2 d 6 b
3 c 7 d
4 c 8 b
Serie 4 A: Members of Parliament Vote Against Tobacco
1 A 5 A
2 C 6 A
3 A 7 B
4 A 8 A
LIS: Vasa – The Most Expensive and Highly Decorated Warship
1 C 5 B
2 D 6 A
3 D 7 B
4 B 8 C
Serie 2 A: Degrowth: When Less Is More
1 C 5 D
2 D 6 C
3 B 7 D
4 A 8 A
LIS: A Journalist in the Slaughterhouse
1 D 5 C
2 B 6 C
3 A 7 B
4 B 8 A
2008
Serie 2 A: Toxic Friends
1 C 5
Read MoreKey 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,
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