European Imperialism in Africa Before WWI
Imperialism and the Road to World War I
Before 1914, the nations of Europe were involved in a race to obtain overseas colonies all over the world, mainly in Africa. This did not help international relations in this period. Africa was the territory where the struggle took place. The map of Africa changed over a short period of time. All these tensions are behind the outbreak of World War I.
- Britain had the most valuable lands in Africa. Egypt was very important because of the Suez Canal but also because
Spanish Constitution of 1812: A Milestone for Liberalism
The Supreme Central Board and the Path to the Constitution
The Supreme Central Board was established in Aranjuez. Arising from the need to coordinate the functions of many local and provincial boards, the board was considered the central depository of all power in the King’s absence. Formed by prominent advocates of reform, it dissolved and appointed a regency of five members, beginning the election process to summon Parliament in Cadiz. These modern courts were the first since the King summoned
Read MoreSpain’s Historical Timeline: Monarchy to Dictatorship
Constitutional Stages of Alfonso XIII’s Reign and Beyond
This document outlines the key periods in Spanish history, from the constitutional stages of Alfonso XIII’s reign to Franco’s dictatorship:
- Constitutional Period of Alfonso XIII’s Reign
- Dictatorship of Primo de Rivera
- Second Republic
- Civil War
- Dictatorship of General Franco
Key Concepts Defined
- Dictatorship: A form of government where power is concentrated in the hands of a single individual (the dictator), typically seizing power through a *de facto*
Ancient Greece and Rome: Politics and History
Political Developments in the Greek World
The Governing Body of the Polis
- Assembly (Ecclesia in Athens): A gathering of citizens over twenty years of age to decide on all matters affecting the life of the community.
- Council (The Athenian Boule): Prepared the business for the Assembly and oversaw public finances.
- Judges: Included generals with extensive military and government functions, and Archons responsible for administration.
- Courts of Justice
Stages of Political Development
- The Archaic Stage: The
Chronicles of Catalan-Aragonese Kings: 13th-14th Centuries
Chronicle of James I the Conqueror (1240-1274)
The Book of Acts (1240-1274): Dictated by the King himself, *escribens*, writing in the first person, using both the majestic plural (‘we’) and a more intimate ‘I’. This totally subjective account has the characteristics of a book of memoirs or an autobiography, revealing the most intimate aspects of the King. It explains the events of the conquests of Majorca and Valencia, narrating from the confrontations of James I to the last years of his life. He
Read MoreImperialism, Colonialism, and World War I: Causes and Consequences
The Second Industrial Revolution and Colonial Expansion
The Second Industrial Revolution transformed the economies of early European powers (Britain, France, Holland, Belgium, Germany, etc.). Technical innovations, new forms of work organization, and the growth of banking led to increased production and trade, as well as improved transportation.
Causes of Imperialism
The causes of imperialism were multifaceted:
- Economic: Seeking new markets and resources.
- Demographic: Resulting from a surplus population.