The Evolution of America’s Role as a Global Power: From Isolationism to Global Leadership
Describe two groups that benefited from the “Roaring Twenties” and two groups that were left behind– provide an example for each group.:
The “Roaring Twenties” was a period of significant social, economic, and cultural change in the United States. Two groups that benefited from this era were industrial workers and women. Industrial workers, who included laborers in factories and assembly lines, benefited from increased wages and improved working conditions as the economy boomed and mass
The Cold War: Internal Conflicts, Bloc Tensions, and the Fall of Communism
Internal Conflicts in Each Bloc
The Hungarian Revolution
During the period of peaceful coexistence, each bloc experienced internal conflicts. Popular revolts against interference by the USSR broke out in some communist countries. The Hungarian Revolution was one of the most significant.
- Khrushchev allowed some opening up of the Communist Bloc. As a result, a movement critical of communism arose in Hungary.
- In October 1956, people took to the streets demanding freedom. The Hungarian army joined the demonstrators.
French Revolution: Estates, Marie Antoinette, Reign of Terror
The French Revolution/ The Three Estates
First Estate (Clergy):
Owned 10% of the land. Paid a ‘voluntary gift’ rather than taxes every 5 years. Levied the ‘tithe’ on landowners which went to the higher-ups in the Church and not to where it was needed at the parish level.
Second Estate (Nobles):
Owned 25% of the land and were taxed lightly by Louis XVI. They could tax the peasantry.
Third Estate (Everyone Else):
Majority were peasants and agricultural workers. Middle-class became the most exasperated
Read MoreSocialism and Communism in the 20th Century: A Historical Analysis
Socialism was a way to express the communist regimes in the 20th Century, born in the 19th Century lead by Karl Marx. Marxist ideologies created two kinds of movements: social democracy (Marx was right, a more equalitarian society could be implemented under a liberal democracy) and real socialism (communism applied by the government, not as an ideology).
Real Socialism began in 1917 in the Russian Soviet Union.
Some historians believe the 20th Century was extremely short (1913 – 1979). Some say
Read MoreThe Spanish War of Independence (1808-1814): A Turning Point in Spanish History
The Spanish War of Independence (1808-1814)
The Situation in Spain Before the War
The situation in Spain before the war was regrettable. Manuel Godoy, the favorite of the Spanish monarchy, weakened the power and image of the rulers. This led to severe economic problems and a growing political opposition. One of Godoy’s solutions was confiscation, but the trigger for the war was Napoleon’s deception.
Napoleon’s Deception and the Uprising of May 2, 1808
Napoleon met with Carlos IV, his son Ferdinand VII,
Read MoreThe Birth of Modern Europe: Nationalism, Revolutions, and Industrialization
Nationalism. The birth of new states/ Nationalist ideas supported processes of unification. This was the case in Italy and Germany, where they contributed to the spread of ideas of building a unified liberal State. Nationalist ideas also helped lead to the fall of the Ottoman Empire and the rise of new States. 8.1 The unification of Italy (1859-1870) The process of unification was directed by the Kingdom of Piedmont- Sardinia. Central figures were Victor Emmanuel Il and Prime Minister Cavour, who
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