Monarchy, Social Classes, and Revolutions: 18th Century
Political Life in 1789
By 1789, the political system was a monarchy. The King claimed his power derived from God, and his subjects had no right but to obey. The King declared war and peace and led the entire administration. Provincial governors administered the provinces. The King was subject to the law but should consider the people’s needs. Torture was used to obtain confessions.
Social Life
Clergy
The clergy was the most privileged class. They had a good reputation, large territories, and did not
Read More1917 Russian Revolution: Bolshevik Rise, Civil War & Stalin’s Totalitarian Rule
The October 1917 Revolution
Social and political instability, exacerbated by the ongoing war, could not be halted by the interim government. Continuous defeats weakened the government and strengthened the role of the Soviets. Bolshevik leader Lenin returned and the April Theses established a program: withdrawal from the war, land redistribution, worker control of factories, autonomy for nationalities, and transfer of power to the Soviets. A popular insurrection was prepared in July but failed, and
Read MoreUS Political System, Immigration, and Canadian Culture
The US Political System
The United States has two main political parties: the Democrats and the Republicans. The people who work in the US Congress to make laws are called Senators and Representatives. The US Constitution is the supreme law of the country. Presidential candidates run for office every four years. When a new president is inaugurated, they have to promise to support the Constitution. A president is allowed to hold office for a total of two terms.
How to Become President of the USA
- Requirements
Franco Regime: Political Evolution & International Relations (1939-1975)
Franco Regime: Political Evolution and International Relations (1939-1975)
This synthesis aims to capture the political evolution of the Franco regime from 1939 to 1975. While Franco gave continuity to the system, it adapted to changing international circumstances.
Key Characteristics of the Franco Regime
First, we highlight the characteristics that define the Franco regime:
- Anti-liberal
- Anti-communist
- Political centralism
- Conservative Catholicism
Despite the concentration of power in the hands of Franco,
Read MoreSpain’s Second Republic: Reforms, Challenges, and Downfall (1931-1936)
The Advent of the Second Republic
When Alfonso XIII went into exile, the Spanish people welcomed the Second Republic with open arms. A provisional government, formed by the former revolutionary committee, was chaired by Alcalá Zamora and included a coalition of Socialists, Radicals, Republicans, and Nationalists. This marked a shift in power from the aristocracy and gentry to the people, including the proletariat and middle bourgeoisie. The provisional government called for elections, which exposed
Read MoreThe Decline of the British Empire: Postcolonialism and Legacy
The Transcontinental Railway and Postcolonialism
The concept of a “Transcontinental Railway” was linked to the union of British and Afrikaners, aiming for a “greater” entity. Postcolonialism emerged as a literary and theoretical school of thought. Writers from former British colonies explored the complex relationship between these colonies and Britain. These writers, often labeled as “subversive,” critiqued British actions, using English rather than local languages. Africa was often described
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