Chilean History: Crisis, Political Evolution, and Economic Development
Economic and Social Impact of the 1929 Crisis
- Closure and massive breakdown of nitrate mines and mining industries in the north of the country.
- Increase in unemployment rates, which by 1931 reached a 50% increase.
- Increased migration of workers seeking new jobs to cities in the central and southern regions, particularly Santiago. The arrival of large groups of people exacerbated health problems and urban public health, leading to strong social unrest. The spread of epidemics, hunger, and begging formed
The League of Nations: Key Events, Effectiveness, and Challenges
League of Nations: Early Incidents (1920-1925)
Vilna Dispute (1920): A League Failure
In 1920, Vilna, with its largely Polish population, was made the capital of the newly created state of Lithuania. The Poles found this unfair, and their army seized the city. Lithuania then appealed to the League of Nations. The League asked the Polish troops to withdraw, but Poland refused. The matter was then passed to the Conference of Ambassadors (a group of senior diplomats who oversaw matters arising from the
Read MoreUnderstanding World War II: Origins, Conflicts, and Aftermath
Causes of World War II
The Second World War, a global conflict of unprecedented scale, stemmed from a complex interplay of factors:
- Treaty of Versailles and Nazi Expansionism: The punitive terms of the Treaty of Versailles, which failed to adequately humble Germany, contributed to resentment and instability. This paved the way for aggressive Nazi expansionist policies.
- Economic Crisis of the 1930s: The Great Depression fueled political extremism and instability across Europe, weakening democratic governments
Isabella II’s Regency: Spain’s Path to Liberalism (1833-1843)
The Regency of Isabella II in Spain (1833-1843)
After the death of Ferdinand VII, his daughter Isabella was proclaimed queen. As she was a minor, a regency period was established, first led by her mother, Maria Christina, and later by General Baldomero Espartero. During these years, a dual conflict emerged: first between Liberals and Carlists, and later between moderate Liberals and Progressives themselves.
Maria Christina’s Regency (1833-1840)
Maria Christina initially favored absolutism, but the
Read MoreKey Periods in World History: Conflicts, Revolutions, and Transformations
The Peloponnesian War and the Modern World
The Peloponnesian War (431–404 BC)
- Ancient Greek conflict between Athens and Sparta for dominance.
- Undecided until Persian intervention aided Sparta.
- Resulted in Spartan hegemony under Lysander.
Concept of Total War
- Coined by Erich Ludendorff, referencing Thucydides.
- Indicates war involving the complete mobilization and targeting of civilian and military resources.
Arnold Toynbee’s Analysis of Sparta
- Sparta as an “arrested civilization,” meaning it stagnated culturally
Ferdinand VII’s Reign: Absolutism, Liberalism, and Crisis in 19th Century Spain
The Restoration of Absolutism in Spain (1814-1820)
After the Treaty of Valençay, which restored his throne, Ferdinand VII returned to Spain amidst popular enthusiasm, hailed as “the Desired One.” He was met with cries of “Down with the Constitution of Cádiz, Long Live Absolutism!” from absolutist deputies in Cádiz. In May 1814, General Elío had the Manifesto of the Persians published. Following this, Ferdinand VII, in his first act, suspended the Constitution of 1812 and other Gaditano decrees,
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