Alexander the Great: Military Genius and Conqueror
Alexander the Great: A Military Genius
Early Life and Rise to Power
Alexander III of Macedon, widely considered one of history’s greatest military commanders, began his remarkable journey at a young age. Born the son of Philip II, he was expected to demonstrate leadership from the outset. At 16, while his father was away quelling an uprising, Alexander effectively suppressed the Maedi revolt back home, showcasing his early aptitude for command. Two years later, he further distinguished himself by
Read MoreRussia 1917: Bolshevik Revolution & USSR Formation
Dual Power Period (March-Oct 1917)
Following the February Revolution, the liberal Provisional Government, initially led by Prince Lvov, found itself overwhelmed by the popular movement embodied by the Soviets (councils of workers and soldiers). The Soviets demanded significant reforms and an immediate end to Russia’s involvement in World War I.
Upon returning from exile in April 1917, Vladimir Lenin argued that the revolution must move beyond its bourgeois-liberal stage towards a proletarian revolution.
Read MoreThe Disaster of 98: Spain’s Colonial Loss and Aftermath
The Disaster of 98 and Its Consequences
Only the Socialists, through their minority media outlets, and the Federalists of Pi y Margall had raised their voices in Spain advising the emancipation of the Caribbean island in prevention of fatal consequences and a useless sacrifice of human lives. The Catalan political advocated independence if it were determined in a free plebiscite by most Cubans. Even Admiral Cervera, convinced of the inferiority of the Spanish fleet, deemed it wiser to use it in defending
Read MoreIrish Folklore, Traditions, and Cultural Icons
Ireland’s Ancient Mythology and Folklore
Ireland’s long history is full of ancient mythology and folklore. Ireland’s ancient societies, the Druids and the Celtics, believed in the power of magic, and many of these beliefs spread to modern-day legends told again and again around the country. The Banshee is a female spirit in Irish mythology, usually seen as a sign of death and a messenger from the underworld. The Banshee was a woman who carried with her a sign of death. She can appear in a variety
Read MoreForeign Powers and Factions in the Spanish Civil War
Foreign Intervention in the Spanish Civil War
Axis Support for the Nationalist Cause
Foreign intervention was crucial to the fate of the rebels over the three years of war. Germany sent a combat corps and more than 600 aircraft. Hitler’s reasons for intervening were economic and strategic: primarily to weaken France, as the Republican government was pro-French. Mussolini’s Italy collaborated by sending tanks, guns, and men who fought against forces loyal to the Republic. Italy’s reasons for providing
Read MoreFranco’s Spain: Politics, Society & Economy (1939-1956)
Post-War Spain under Franco
Background
After the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), General Francisco Franco established a fascist-inspired military dictatorship in Spain, opposing democracy, parliamentarism, and communism.
Political Aspects: Building the New State
The Organization of the New State
Concentration of Powers in Franco
Franco instituted a totalitarian state in Spain, combining elements of a fascist state, a military dictatorship, and an absolute monarchy without a king. He assumed all significant
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