The Rise and Fall of Empires: Europe’s Transformation After World War I
German Foreign Policy and the Road to War
Bismarck’s Era and the Isolation of France
Otto von Bismarck’s primary focus was isolating France diplomatically. He achieved this by creating a system of alliances, most notably the League of the Three Emperors, which included Austria-Hungary and Russia.
Wilhelm II and Global Politics
Following Bismarck’s dismissal in 1890, Wilhelm II shifted Germany’s focus towards global politics. His ambition was to establish a colonial empire comparable to those of Great
Read MoreSocial and Political Upheavals: From Old Regime to World War I
1. The Old Regime and its Social Structure
The Old Regime was characterized by a stratified society, divided into two main groups:
- Privileged: This group, composed of the nobility and clergy, held significant advantages by law, including exemption from taxes, exclusive access to certain positions (e.g., ambassadors, soldiers), and separate legal systems. It was a closed social class.
- Underprivileged: Representing 90% of the population, this group included a rising bourgeoisie with increasing economic
18th Century Colonialism: Types, Conflicts, and Consequences
Colony Types in the 18th Century MetropolisThe 18th-century metropolis saw the rise of trade and shipping companies representing colonial interests. Management of these colonies took various forms:
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Postwar Franco Regime & Autarky in Spain: History & Policies
The Postwar Franco Regime and Autarky
Franco’s Rise to Power
The Nationalist victory in the Spanish Civil War led to the establishment of a dictatorship under Francisco Franco. Franco, who rose quickly through the military ranks after serving in North Africa, achieving the rank of general at 33, gained popular support and became “El Caudillo” (The Leader). He presented himself as Catholic, nationalist, and anti-communist.
Francoist Spain
The Franco regime concentrated power in Franco himself. As head
Read MoreSpain’s Military Dictatorship: The Primo de Rivera Era
Primo de Rivera’s Dictatorship (1923-1930)
The Rise of the Dictatorship
The years following World War I were a period of intense conflict across Europe, including Spain. The end of wartime economic prosperity exacerbated social tensions. The Restoration’s failure to democratize and the political disarray caused by the Disaster of Annual led conservatives to seek a solution in military dictatorship.
Between 1918 and 1923, Spain experienced numerous short-lived governments. Constant recourse to emergency
Read MoreKhan Academy’s Fizzy History: A Critical Look at the Future of Education
Khan Academy’s Fizzy History: A Critical Look
Bill Gates and the Khan Academy Revolution
Bill Gates, a strong supporter of Salman Khan’s Khan Academy, believes it represents a revolutionary approach to education. The Khan Academy offers over 2,100 free video tutorials on subjects like calculus, physics, and organic chemistry. Gates sees this as a disruptive technology, offering faster, better, and cheaper education. He encourages everyone to explore it (www.khanacademy.org).