The Discovery and Conquest of America
Part 1: The Discovery and Conquest of America
1. The Great Geographical Discoveries
a) The New Geographical Areas
The Age of Discovery coincides with the Renaissance and is fundamental to European civilization. Beginning in the 15th century with Portugal and Spain, other countries followed suit in the 17th century. Renaissance man became acquainted with almost all of the known world.
b) Portuguese Advance Southward
Prince Henry the Navigator of Portugal established a navigation school in Sagres, which
Read MoreThe Cold War: A Global Struggle for Power
Introduction
Following World War II, two opposing ideologies, capitalism and communism, clashed, giving rise to the Cold War. Despite their alliance against fascism during the war, the US and USSR, leading the West and East respectively, entered a prolonged period of geopolitical tension. This rivalry extended to a nuclear arms race and the space race.
For half a century, the world lived under the constant threat of a devastating conflict. This fear led to a balance of power where nations avoided
Read MoreSpanish Colonial Empire: Establishment and Impact (16th-17th Centuries)
Establishment of the Colonial Empire (16th-17th Centuries)
I. Discovery and Conquest
In 1486, Christopher Columbus proposed a westward route to the Indies to the Spanish Monarchs. After initial delays, the Santa Fe Capitulations (April 17, 1492) granted Columbus titles and a share of future riches. Funded in part by Luis Santangelo, Columbus set sail on August 2, 1492, and landed in the Americas on October 12, 1492. Subsequent voyages revealed a new continent, prompting exploration and the Treaty
Read MoreFranco’s Dictatorship in Spain: Repression and Resistance
Franco’s Dictatorship (1939-1975)
Totalitarianism, Authoritarianism, and Repression
Franco’s rule, legitimized solely by his victory in the Civil War, was marked by totalitarianism. The 1931 constitution was abolished, individual and collective freedoms were suppressed, parliament was dissolved, and a single-party system was enforced. Franco, self-proclaimed “Caudillo” of Spain, held absolute power, serving as both Generalissimo of the armed forces and head of the Falange Española Tradicionalista
Read MoreThe Second Spanish Republic: Reforms and Conflicts (1931-1933)
The Second Spanish Republic (1931-1933)
Formation and Initial Reforms
The Provisional Government, formed on April 14, 1931, focused on holding general elections for the Constituent Cortes. These elections, held on June 28, resulted in a victory for the Republican-Socialist alliance. On December 9, the new Constitution was approved, enshrining classic individual rights, including freedom of association and assembly. Following the Constitution’s approval, Alcalá-Zamora was elected President and Manuel
Read MoreKnowledge and Control of Time in Ancient Civilizations
1.2 The Knowledge and Control of Time
The fixation of events in time is the basis of history. Our solar calendar comes from the Gregorian reform of 1582, so named because it was made by Pope Gregory XIII. The day is a measure not easily alterable and is perceived by man. The seasons, although variable, are easily assumed by an agricultural economy.
The weeks are an artificial element, and months are linked to the moon. The lunar month was very difficult to measure in duration. The day of twelve hours
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