Key US Events and Figures: 1920s – 1940s
Scopes Monkey Trial
Who: William Jennings Bryan vs. Clarence Darrow and John Scopes.
What: An American legal case in which John Scopes was charged with violating Tennessee’s law against teaching evolution instead of the divine creation of man.
When: 1925.
Where: Tennessee.
Why: It was the first major debate about creationism versus evolution.
Return to Normalcy
Who: Warren G. Harding.
What: “Roaring 20s,” a decade of consumerism and prosperity. A campaign promise to return to the way of life before WWI.
Read MorePeaceful Coexistence: Détente, Conflicts, and Cold War Crises
Peaceful Coexistence (1954-1975): Détente Begins
Change of Leaders and the Beginning of Détente
From 1953, a shift in leadership occurred in both major powers. Dwight D. Eisenhower became President of the United States, and Nikita Khrushchev rose to power in the Soviet Union. Both leaders seemed more willing to negotiate, initiating a thaw in relations between the two powers.
This change was not solely due to the new mood of politicians but was also motivated by emerging factors on the international
Read MoreUnderstanding Imperialism: Definition, History, and Impact
Understanding Imperialism
Imperialism is an attitude adopted by a state to assert dominance over other states or communities. Modern imperialism often refers to the actions of certain powers, mostly European, from the modern era to the process of decolonization after the Second World War. Specifically, the term “Age of Imperialism” is used by historians to describe the period from 1871-1919, characterized by a race to build empires, notably the Scramble for Africa. This period saw the publication
Read MoreItalian Unification: Nationalism, Risorgimento, and Key Figures
Nationalism and the Italian Nation
Nationalism was based on the exaltation of feeling which unites man with a particular geographic area to form a nation. The nation would be formed by a group of free and equal persons united by a common language, culture, and the desire to live together. Nationalism and socialism were the most powerful political forces in the 19th century.
After 1815, at the Congress of Vienna, Italy was divided into several different states:
- In the north, the kingdom of Piedmont-
Venezuela’s Federal War and Subsequent Political Eras
1) Federal War
a) Background
Before the Federal War, Venezuela suffered a civil war (1859-1863) and many conflicts due to leadership disputes. Zamora was captured and sentenced to death, a condemnation that was not carried out.
b) The Nature of the Federal War
- In the first year, the battle was decisive under the command of the federalist Zamora. After his death, Juan Crisostomo Falcon commanded the army, but their actions were often ineffective as the attacking troops frequently withdrew.
- The Federal
Joaquin Costa’s Critique of the Spanish Restoration
Costa’s Critics to Restoration
This text analyzes Joaquin Costa’s critique of the Restoration System. It was written by Joaquin Costa, a founder of Regeneracionism, in 1901.
After 1898, Spain lost its last colonies. This critique was written during the second half of the Restoration period.
The Bases of the Restoration System
The main bases of the Restoration settlement were:
- The monarchy, during the final moments of Maria Cristina’s regency.
- The 1876 Constitution, which favored moderates/conservatives.