Feudal Europe: Kingdoms, Religion, and Society
Following the Carolingian rule, Europe consisted of a mosaic of kingdoms and states. The common elements were the Christian religion and the political, economic, and social structures of feudalism. For this reason, medieval Europe is also known as Christian and feudal Europe.
After the death of Charlemagne in 814, Europe entered a period of great insecurity. The causes of this insecurity were the struggles among the Emperor’s successors, attacks by Muslims in the Mediterranean, and the arrival of
Read MoreAuthoritarian Regimes: Stalinism, Fascism, and Nazism
The Rise of Authoritarian Dictatorships
In Germany, Italy, and the USSR, authoritarian dictatorships rose to power, sometimes evolving into totalitarian regimes. Several factors contributed to this rise:
- World War I established military organizational habits, such as chain of command and comradeship.
- The war aroused nationalist feelings, reinforced by the economic crisis of 1929 and protectionist policies.
- State power increased through intervention in the economy and society.
- New parties formed, representing
Feudalism: Society, Architecture, and the 14th Century Crisis
Feudalism: Dependency Ratios and Social Structure
Dependency Ratios:
- King and Feudal Lords: A relationship of servitude existed between the King and the feudal lords (nobles). The feudal lords provided military aid to the king and council in return for fiefs.
- Feudal Lords and Knights: Lords used knights to help the king and defend their own fiefdoms. Knights became vassals of the lords in return for support. This divided the nobility into upper and lower classes.
- Feudal Lords and Peasants: Feudal lords
Ancient Egypt: Nile, Pharaohs, and Civilization
Egypt and the Nile
Like the people of Mesopotamia, Egyptians depended on the rivers for their prosperity. The Nile was essential; without it, the civilization of Ancient Egypt could not have existed. It was easy to grow crops in the fertile soil by the riverbank. People planted barley and wheat to make beer and bread, as well as flax, from which they made linen for cloths. Once the crops were growing, the Egyptians were able to water the soil by digging irrigation channels from the Nile. The Egyptians
Read MoreThe Tumultuous Second Republic: Political Crisis and Revolution in Spain
The left wing was determined to avoid settling. The CEDA (Spanish Confederation of Autonomous Right-wing Groups) decided to cause a radical government crisis. The mobilization in Asturias became an insurrection, a revolutionary weapon. Workers dismissed the authorities, and after heavy fighting against the army, a socialist revolution ensued. The motion failed in Madrid due to the deployment of troops and the arrest of the main leaders. The revolution in Catalonia triumphed, but the army regained
Read MoreCuban Labor Movement: Strikes, Congresses, and the FOH (1917-1920)
The Development of the Cuban Labor Movement (1917-1920)
Between 1917 and 1920, Cuba experienced a significant number of strikes across the nation. The main demands of the Cuban workers to employers included:
- Increased wages
- Improved working conditions
- The definitive establishment of an 8-hour workday
The government, headed by Mario Garcia Menocal, violently repressed the strike movement in coordination with Cuban businessmen, landlords, and American companies.