Founding Figures and Key Events in European Union History
Key figures in the formation of the European Union:
- Konrad Adenauer, Germany: Chancellor of West Germany from 1949-1963. He is considered one of the fathers of the EU because his policies made a later reunification of both German states possible.
- Joseph Bech, Luxembourg: Prime Minister of Luxembourg from 1926 to 1937 and from 1953 to 1958. He is highly regarded for his contributions to the unification of Europe.
- Johan Beyen, Netherlands: Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands from 1952 to 1956.
Catalan Republic: Political Dynamics and Events
The Catalan Republic: Key Differences with Spain
Model Development and Political Dynamics
Distinct ideological models shaped the Catalan Republic: Catalan nationalism, republicanism, and anarchism.
The Elections and Proclamation of the Republic
- ERC’s victory in the municipal elections on April 12th.
- Lluis Companys proclaimed the Catalan Republic in Barcelona.
- Francesc Macia proclaimed the Catalan Republic as a member state of the Iberian Federation.
- Creation of the Generalitat de Catalunya (provisional)
Key Dates in Modern European & World History (1806-2023)
Key European & World History Dates: 1806-1906
- 1806: Abolition of the Holy Roman Empire by Francis II.
- October 1814 – June 1815: Congress of Vienna.
- 18 June 1815: Battle of Waterloo.
- September 1815: Signature of the Holy Alliance.
- 1820-1823: Spanish Liberal Triennium.
- 1825: Decembrist Revolt.
- July 1830: July French Revolution. Beginning of the July Monarchy in France.
- August 1830: Belgian Revolution.
- 1832: Lord Grey’s Electoral Reform Law in England.
- February 1848: Revolution breaks out in Paris. Second
Understanding Democratic and Authoritarian Regimes: Principles and Challenges
Understanding Democratic and Authoritarian Regimes
Democratic Regime: Sovereignty resides in the people, who can elect or change their rulers.
Authoritarian or Dictatorial Regime: A tyrant or party occupies power and governs without respecting the will of the people.
Power Warning: Under the law and law of a State.
Legitimate Power: Fair and lawful.
Democracy is a way to organize political power to avoid injustices and discrimination. The problems are:
- Can citizens choose their representatives freely
The European Commission: Structure, Roles, and Powers
The European Commission
Composition
Commissioners
- Consists of 27 Commissioners, typically one per Member State (MS).
- Serve five-year terms.
- Must act independently of Member State interests, responding to the interests of the Union as a whole and accountable to the European Court of Justice (ECJ).
- Members are nominated by their respective Member State governments (represented in the Council of the European Union) and the entire College of Commissioners must be approved as a body by the European Parliament.
19th Century Europe: Key Events and Timeline (1814-1921)
The Foundations of the Restoration (1814-1820)
- 1814
- June 4: Louis XVIII grants La Charte.
- October 1: First meeting of the Congress of Vienna.
- 1815
- June 9: Last session of the Congress of Vienna.
- June 18: Battle of Waterloo.
- July 18: Napoleon definitively exiled.
- September 14: Russia, Prussia, and Austria sign the Holy Alliance.
Revolution and Counter-Revolution (1820-1830)
- 1820
- January 1: Colonel Riego’s Revolt in Cabezas de San Juan.
- March 8: Ferdinand VII endorses the Constitution of Cádiz.
- 1823
- April 7: