World War II: Origins, Conflicts, and Global Impact
World War II: Background and Precursors
Geopolitical Context and Early Aggression
- Germany: Re-militarization, rearmament, and withdrawal from the League of Nations.
- Italy: Conquest of Ethiopia.
- Japan: Invasion of China.
The indecisive politics of democracies, debilitated by the League of Nations, allowed fascist states to consolidate power. In 1936, the Rome-Berlin Axis was signed, solidifying their alliance.
Steps Towards War
- Pact of Steel: Alliance between Italy and Germany.
- German-Soviet Non-Aggression
English Language Evolution: Sound and Grammar Shifts
Consonant Changes in English
Loss of ‘W’ after ‘S’ or ‘T’
When a consonant (s or t) was followed by w and a back vowel, the w was lost. Examples: OE: twa, ME: ta, ModE: to.
In Old English times, w had also been lost in negatives: we + wille → nille.
Silent w in Modern English examples: two, sword, answer.
Loss of ‘CH’ in Unstressed Syllables
The ‘ch’ sound was lost in unstressed syllables. Examples: OE: -lic/-liche, ME: -ly, ModE: -ly (e.g., quickly, softly).
Loss of ‘V’ Before a Consonant
The ‘v’ sound
Indigenous Agency: Shaping Spanish Colonial Rule in Latin America
It is tempting to assume that Indigenous intermediaries were no longer needed. According to this view, conquests were complete, and new colonial control solidified—leaving no space for native power. However, this ignores the evolving role Indigenous go-betweens continued to play. The empire was not self-sustaining; it was fragile, fragmented, and dependent on Indigenous cooperation. This essay argues that Indigenous agency not only persisted but was central to the colonial order—in law, diplomacy,
Read MoreSpain’s Economic Transformation and Social Unrest Under Franco
Economic and Social Changes
Technocrats prevailed, and members of Opus Dei secured important positions in Franco’s 1957 cabinet. While Opus Dei did not support political liberalization, it advocated for economic integration with Europe, which exposed Spain to democratic influences. The technocrats’ proposed measures were established in the Stabilization Plan (1959). This plan aimed to curb inflation, reduce government economic controls, and adapt Spanish economic policies and procedures to European
Read MoreNigerian Political Landscape: Essential Terms & Concepts
Fourth Republic of Nigeria
The current republican regime in Nigeria, established in 1999. It marked the return to democratic rule after years of military governance.
Olusegun Obasanjo
A former Nigerian President and the first President of the Fourth Republic (1999-2007). A Southern Christian, he played a crucial role in bringing democratic rule back to the nation. He also helped establish the Second Republic.
Umaru Musa Yar’Adua
President of Nigeria from 2007 to 2010. A Northern Muslim, his election
Read MoreSpanish Civil War: Origins, Key Events, and Aftermath
The Spanish Civil War: Origins, Key Events, and Aftermath
The Outbreak of Conflict (July 1936)
In July 1936, a section of the army, along with Falangists and traditionalists, staged a coup against the Second Spanish Republic. The rebels quickly gained strength. On July 19, José Giral, then Prime Minister, gave weapons to the militias of the unions and parties aligned with the Popular Front. Spain was thus divided into two distinct areas, marking the brutal outbreak of the Civil War.