World War I in 1917: Russian Revolution and US Entry

World War I Context: Alliances and Early Phases

World War I, which broke out in 1914, originated from a complex web of conflicts, particularly economic rivalries stemming from the Second Industrial Revolution. This era led to increased competition for global resources and fueled rising militarism and violence.

Contributing Factors to WWI

  • Formation and expansion of colonial empires.
  • An arms race, driven by the desire for new and better weapons (e.g., battleships, submarines, machine guns, airplanes,
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Key Terms: Decolonization, Cold War & Francoist Spain

Post-War Global Concepts (Item 11)

Decolonization

The process by which colonies in Asia and Africa, previously held by European powers, gained independence.

Neo-colonialism

The phenomenon where control over the wealth and resources of former colonies remains indirectly in the hands of companies based in the former colonial powers.

Non-alignment

A stance taken by countries during the Cold War, indicating they were not formally part of either the Eastern (Soviet-led) or Western (US-led) blocs.

Bandung Conference

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Tirant lo Blanch: A Knight’s Epic Journey Summary

Tirant in England

The novel begins with the story of Count William of Varoic, who has retired from worldly life to commend himself to God in a chapel. Tirant, travelling through England to attend the King’s wedding festivities, falls asleep on his horse, which strays from the group and leads him to the Count’s hermitage. There, Tirant receives advice from the hermit (the Count) and a treatise on chivalry. Starting on his way, Tirant promises the hermit he will return to tell him how events unfolded.

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Key Events and Turning Points of World War II

Pre-War Europe and Rising Tensions

The Great Depression and Rise of Fascism

The Great Depression, starting around 1929 (though the text mentions 1921), contributed to instability and the rise of support for fascism, an authoritarian form of government.

  • Benito Mussolini became Prime Minister of Italy in 1922.
  • Adolf Hitler became the leader of the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (Nazi Party) in Germany, promoting nationalism.

Axis Alliance and Aggression

The Axis Alliance formed between Germany

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Spanish Constitution of 1931: Key Articles & Context

Articles of the Spanish Constitution of 1931

9 December 1931

(Excerpt: “Art. 1 España es una república democrática…”)

This is a text of a legal nature, specifically, the Spanish Constitution of 1931. Therefore, it originates from the appropriate public authority and is intended for the nation as a general text. It is a primary source, being a reproduction of articles from the 1931 Constitution.

The drafting of the constitution was carried out by a commission headed by the Socialist Jiménez de

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Imperialism, Colonization, and the Road to World War I

Imperialism and Colonization

1. Imperialism

Imperialism involved economic innovation, transforming techniques, and reorganizing work. Major advanced countries created colonies, dominating territories militarily, economically, and politically.

Causes:

  • Economic: Seeking larger and new markets, raw materials, and a place to invest surplus capital.
  • Demographic: Emigration to improve working conditions.
  • Political: Stabilizing European power dynamics.
  • Ideological: Belief in national superiority.

2. Types of Colonies

  • Exploitation
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