British History: From Roman Empire to the Stuart Dynasty
Language and Culture
Fall of the Roman Empire
In the late 4th century, under Constantine, the Western Roman Empire fell apart after nearly a 500-year run as the world’s greatest superpower. Many factors contributed to this decline, but most historians agree that a combination of factors such as Christianity, decadence, lead, monetary trouble, and military problems caused the fall of Rome.
The fate of Western Rome was partially sealed in the late third century when the Emperor divided the Empire into
Read MoreNavarre’s Institutions and Conflicts with the Spanish Monarchy
Institutions of the Kingdom of Navarre
In the Kingdom of Navarre, the central institution was the King or Viceroy. The King held military functions, administrative duties, and the appointment of officials.
The Courts
The Courts handled taxes and laws. The Supreme Court addressed claims against Navarrese charters (contrafueros). The Courts were composed of various strata of society: nobility, clergy, towns, and cities.
The Royal Council
The Royal Council advised the Viceroy on administrative functions
Read MoreKey Events in US History: 1784-1893
State of Franklin (John Sevier) 1784-1790
Shays’ Rebellion 1786-1787
Federalists:
Favored ratification of the Constitution, a strong central government, and a weaker state government.
North Carolina Ratification Convention (1/2) 1788/1789
Federalist/Democratic:
- Alexander Hamilton 1788 – Federalist Papers
Republican:
- Thomas Jefferson 1790 – American political party
Dismal Swamp Canal
1859 – Important route of commerce
Whiskey Rebellion
1791 – Tax protest in the US
Treaty of Greenville/Fallen Timber
1814 – Friendship
Read MoreSpain’s Political Landscape: 1844-1863
The Moderate Decade (1844-1854)
The Moderate Party, under the leadership of General Narvaez, dominated the political scene for the next ten years, giving name to the “Moderate Decade.” One of his first acts, supported by the most conservative sectors of the bourgeoisie, was to abolish the Constitution of 1837 and draft the Constitution of 1845, which is the most conservative in the history of Spain and is characterized by:
- Shared sovereignty between the Courts and King
- Division of powers (the legislative
Feudalism and the Crusades: Medieval Europe’s Transformation
Feudalism: The Foundation of Medieval European Society
The Rise of Feudalism
Feudalism was a political, economic, and social system that emerged after the decline of Charlemagne’s empire. Two primary factors contributed to its rise:
- A) The weakness of Charlemagne’s successors.
- B) Invasions that ravaged Europe.
As a result, people left urban areas and sought protection in rural regions, often from powerful landowners who became known as feudal lords. These lords granted land, called fiefs, in exchange
Read MoreSimón Bolívar: Life, Politics, and Legacy in Latin America
Simón Bolívar: Family Background and Early Influences
Simón Bolívar was born into one of the most influential, important, and wealthiest families of Caracas society in the late eighteenth century. Bolívar’s ancestors from the Basque Country were loyal fighters for the liberation of that area of Spain, and it is believed that Bolívar inherited that warrior and fighter spirit. The first Bolívar began arriving in Venezuela in 1588 and devoted themselves to field work and politics. They became
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