A Century of Conflict: Key Events of World Wars & the Interwar Period
World War I (1914-1918)
Causes and Triggers
World War I, a global conflict that engulfed Europe and beyond, was sparked by a complex interplay of events. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, and his wife on June 28, 1914, by the Black Hand, a Serbian nationalist group, served as the immediate catalyst. This event set off a chain reaction of diplomatic failures and military mobilizations, ultimately leading to the outbreak of war on July 28, 1914.
Life
Read MoreGlossary of Terms Related to Francoist Spain
Franco
Dictatorial regime imposed in Spain by General Franco between 1939 and 1975. Its features were the accumulation of legislative and executive power in the military commander, the outright rejection of any liberal or Marxist approach, the imposition of a centralist political model, and the dominance of one party (Falange).
FRAP
Symbol of the Revolutionary Anti-Fascist and Patriotic Front, a left-wing underground formation that carried out several attacks in the final years of the dictatorship
Read MoreThe Cold War Era: A Global Perspective (1945-1975)
1. The World Divided (1945-1975)
As a result of World War II, two superpowers emerged: the United States and the USSR. Both countries established their respective spheres of influence, dividing the world into two major blocs: the American-led Western Bloc and the Soviet-led Eastern Bloc. International relations were characterized by constant tension, although this tension never led to direct military conflict between the two superpowers.
- The United States and the USSR established international military
The Crown’s Message: Transition to Democracy in Spain (1975)
The Message of the Crown (1975): Transition to Democracy in Spain
Context
Background: In the final phase of Franco’s regime, Spain experienced institutionalization and a gradual opening to the outside world, accompanied by economic liberalization. In 1957, a group of technocratic ministers from Opus Dei were appointed to key economic positions within the government.
Government of Arias Navarro: Upon Franco’s death, King Juan Carlos I initially retained Arias Navarro, the incumbent Prime Minister. However,
Read MoreThe Decolonization Process: A 20th Century Transformation
The Decolonization Process
Decolonization, a pivotal phenomenon impacting over half the globe, brought independence to numerous former colonial territories. However, freedom didn’t equate to the end of their struggles. These newly formed nations often found themselves reliant on former European powers or emerging ones, leading to a form of “neo-colonialism“. This perpetuated economic control under foreign interests, and mounting debt hindered escape from poverty, hunger, and underdevelopment.
Foreign
Read MoreUS Imperialism & Progressive Era: Key Events & Policies (1898-1919)
Spanish-American War (1898)
President McKinley, Commodore George Dewey – Caused by jingoism, Cuban revolt, yellow press, De Lome Letter, and the sinking of the Maine. McKinley intervened in the Cuban revolution. Fought in the Philippines and Cuba.
Significance: US victory led to Cuban independence, US acquisition of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. Controversy over the Philippines led to the Anti-Imperialist League, led by William Jennings Bryan. Platt Amendment passed. McKinley re-elected.