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.
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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)
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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
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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
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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.
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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:
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