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The best and brightest of the Renaissance are here to welcome you. The others will be along shortly.

Welcome! This site is designed to help you with your study of Junior Cert and Leaving Cert History. To the left, you'll see links for each year. Click on your year and you will find a list of all the topics you will study. Each topic page has information, tips and links to pictures, games and other useful websites.

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As well as the topics you study in school, the In the News and On This Day sections below give you information on other things that happened in history, from the Stone Age as far as yesterday.

First Minister of Northern Ireland, Peter Robinson (right) and other unionist politicians
pose with a poster of the Ulster Covenant, signed by Edward Carson.

The Ulster Solemn League and Covenant was signed 100 years ago (28th September). The Covenant was a pledge by Ulster unionists to resist "by all means which may be found necessary"attempts by the British government to introduce Home Rule to Ireland. They then set up the Ulster Volunteers, while nationalists joined the Irish Volunteers. The two men who led the unionist resistance, Edward Carson and James Craig, would be leading figures in Northern Ireland when it was created ten years later.

Recordings made by President John F. Kennedy during his presidency have been released along with a new book about them. He recorded his thoughts on the ongoing conflict in Vietnam, as well as conversations he had with other top figures. Recordings like this have been used by historians looking for new insights into events such as the Cuban missile crisis, and they form an important primary source.

You might have heard of the old lady in Spain who took it upon herself to restore a decaying 19th century fresco in her local church. She's back in the news now that the fresco has become a tourist attraction.

The trailer for Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln" has been released. The film is set to cover Abraham Lincoln's time as President of the United States, his efforts to abolish slavery, and the civil war that followed.

October 1st

Actor Richard Harris was born in Limerick
on this day in 1930.

1815:
The Congress of Vienna opens to redraw Europe's borders after the Napoleonic War.

1843:
The News of the World begins publication in London. It shut down in 2011.

1848:
German inventor Werner von Siemens founded the company which bears his name.

1908:
Ford puts the Model T car on sale in America for $825.

1928:
The Soviet Union begins its first Five Year Plan.

1938:
Nazi Germany annexes the Sudetenland.

1946:
Ex-Nazi leaders are sentenced at the Nuremberg Trials.

1960:
Nigeria gains independence from the United Kingdom.

1969:
Concorde breaks the sound barrier for the first time.

in development

France in the Inter-War Years

Leaving Cert > Dictatorship and Democracy in Europe > France in the Inter-War Years

Marshal Phillipe Pétain, the new head of Vichy France, meets Hitler after the German conquest of France in 1940.

You might remember from Third Year that when the Treaty of Versailles was being drawn up, revenge was foremost on the minds of the French. France wanted Germany punished for all the years of aggression it had experienced. In 1870, Germany as we know it today was created when various German states united to form the German Empire, after the defeat of France in the Franco-Prussian War (if you've studied Nationalism and State Formation in Europe, 1815-1870, you've learned this). In that war, Prussia (the leading German state) took the Alsace and Lorraine regions from France. This alone was enough reason for the French to feel resentment towards Germany, but in 1914 Germany attempted to invade France again.

So, in 1919 it was a vengeful France which demanded harsh terms on Germany. You know by now what happened in Germany as a result. But how did things play out in France between the end of the First World War and the beginning of the Second?

Continue to Hitler's Foreign Policy and the Causes of World War II

It might seem like there's more than usual to know for this section, but there are no Key Personalities and no Case Studies associated with it, so it balances out.

France After World War I

Death and destruction, reconstruction, political instability (right, left and centre).

Le Bloc National (right-wing coalition)

Response to strikes.
Demanded harsh measures on France in the Treaty of Versailles.
Re-inforce French security through treaties, invasion of the Ruhr.
Reconstruction: what was rebuilt, what was needed, how was it paid for?

Cartel des Gauches and National Unity (left wing coalition):

Failed, unable to solve economic problems.
National Unity (Poincaré) tried to save the franc.
Cartel des Gauches return and are faced with the Great Depression and the rise of the right-wing leagues.
Stavisky Affair: Scandal, death, reaction of right-wing groups, riots and demonstrations.

Popular Front (left-wing):

Workers rebel, compromise with Matignon Agreement.
Further economic problems.

Government of National Defence (right-wing):

Foreign Policy directed by Briand - Locarno Pact, Kellogg-Briand Pact.
Maginot Line.
Pierre Laval and the Stressa Front.
Weakness against Hitler.

World War II and Vichy France:

Invaded by Germany in 1940: right/left divide, failure of Maginot Line, armistice.
France divided into Occupied France and Vichy France (Pétain and Laval).
Collaboration: raw materials, workers, costs, rounding up of Jews.
French Resistance: Different groups, General de Gaulle, revenge on the collaborators.

Key Terms:
Communism, Depression, Protectionism, Fascist, Anti-Semitism, Collaboration, Resistance.
(click here)

Aristide Briand, who directed French foreign policy in the years before World War II.

Higher Level (100 marks each)
2014: What were the fortunes of France during the period 1920-1945?

2012: What were the main challenges facing France, 1920 - 1940?

2009: Why was France unstable during the period, 1920 - 1940?

2008: What was the impact of World War II on the civilian population of Britain and/or France?

2007: What problems did the Third Republic of France encounter between 1920 and 1940?

Ordinary Level:
2015, Dictatorship and Democracy, Part B
2012, Dictatorship and Democracy, Part B:
Write a short paragraph on the Third Republic in France, 1920 - 1940. (30)

2011, Dictatorship and Democracy, Part B
2008, Dictatorship and Democracy, Part B
2006, Dictatorship and Democracy, Part B:
Write a short paragraph on the Vichy State in France, 1940 - 1945. (30)

2010, Dictatorship and Democracy, Part B
2007, Dictatorship and Democracy, Part B:
Write a short paragraph on France during World War II. (30)

Alexandre Stavinsky, the man at the centre of the Stavisky Affair.

Links go here
Links go here

Welcome!

The best and brightest of the Renaissance are here to welcome you. The others will be along shortly.

First Minister of Northern Ireland, Peter Robinson (right) and other unionist politicians
pose with a poster of the Ulster Covenant, signed by Edward Carson.

The Ulster Solemn League and Covenant was signed 100 years ago (28th September). The Covenant was a pledge by Ulster unionists to resist "by all means which may be found necessary"attempts by the British government to introduce Home Rule to Ireland. They then set up the Ulster Volunteers, while nationalists joined the Irish Volunteers. The two men who led the unionist resistance, Edward Carson and James Craig, would be leading figures in Northern Ireland when it was created ten years later.

Recordings made by President John F. Kennedy during his presidency have been released along with a new book about them. He recorded his thoughts on the ongoing conflict in Vietnam, as well as conversations he had with other top figures. Recordings like this have been used by historians looking for new insights into events such as the Cuban missile crisis, and they form an important primary source.

You might have heard of the old lady in Spain who took it upon herself to restore a decaying 19th century fresco in her local church. She's back in the news now that the fresco has become a tourist attraction.

The trailer for Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln" has been released. The film is set to cover Abraham Lincoln's time as President of the United States, his efforts to abolish slavery, and the civil war that followed.

October 1st

Actor Richard Harris was born in Limerick
on this day in 1930.

in development

Key Personality: Charlie Chaplin

Leaving Cert > Dictatorship and Democracy in Europe > Key Personalities

Charlie Chaplin as his famous Tramp character.

Chaplin is a Key Personality for:
Anglo-American Popular Culture in Peace and War

Charlie Chaplin was born in London. He began his entertainment career in English music halls and theatres, before being offered a film career in the United States. He was the first actor to secure a $1 million deal.

Chaplin starred in several silent films. He developed a character called the Tramp, which was popular as he was an underdog character and his films mixed humour and sadness. His early successes include The Kid, The Gold Rush and The Circus.

When "talkies", films with sound, arrived, Chaplin at first refused to depart from silent films, and he kept the Tramp character for a little longer. Eventually, he did perform in "talkies". One of his most famous later films is The Great Dictator, which premiered in 1940. In this film, he parodies and mocked Hitler. The film drew controversy because people thought Chaplin wanted to encourage American involvement in the war.

More controversy surrounded Chaplin because of his politics. He hated authoritarianism and supported the poor and the workers. This led some to believe he was anti-capitalist, perhaps even a communist. When he voiced his support for Russian War Relief, he was called before US Senator Joe McCarthy's Senate Committe on Un-American Activities. Chaplin was able to prove he was not a communist, but a few years later while on holiday with his family in Europe, he was informed he would not be allowed to enter the United States again.

Chaplin spent the rest of his life living in Switzerland, where he re-married. In 1972 he was allowed back in to the US to accept an honorary Oscar. He died in Switzerland in 1977.

In short...

Background:

Born in London, music halls and theatres, offered a deal in the US.

Career:

Silent films - "the Tramp".
Refused at first to do "talkies".
Last major film was The Great Dictator - controversy.

Controversies:

Suspected communist.
Called before Joe McCarthy's hearings, proved he was not a communist.
Later forbidden from re-entering the US.
Spent the rest of his life in Switzerland.

A rare photo of Chaplin's Tramp character in colour.

Charlie Chaplin in later years.

Key Personality: Bing Crosby

Leaving Cert > Dictatorship and Democracy in Europe > Key Personalities

Crosby is a Key Personality for:

Bing Crosby

Anglo-American Popular Culture in Peace and War

Bing Crosby was born in Washington state in the US. He moved to California in the 1920s to become a singer.

He enjoyed a very successful career almost straight away. The invention of microphones and recording tapes allowed him to become one of the first successful recording artists. He would go on to become the most successful recording artist of the 20th century.

By 1931, he had his own radio show, and he performed live on the NBC and CBS stations. His distinctive, crooning style allowed him to perform a wide range of songs. Some of his first hits include Brother, Can You Spare A Dime?, Red Sails in the Sunset and Alexander's Ragtime Band. He has his biggest hit in 1942 with White Christmas.

Crosby also enjoyed a successful film career. He was a top box office draw during the 1930s and 40s, and he won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1944 for his role as Fr. O'Malley in Going My Way.

During World War II, Crosby contributed to the war effort by entertaining soldiers at military camps and promoting war bonds to fund the effort. After the war, a magazine poll named him as the person who had done the most for soldiers' morale. Crosby continued to perform up as far as the 1970s. He died aged 74 in 1977.

In short...

Background:

Born in Washington state, moved to California to pursue a singing career..

Singing Career:

Enjoyed quick success.
Invention of microphone and recording tape allowed him to become one of the first recording artists.
Crooning style allowed him a wide range. Most famous song is White Christmas (1942).

Film Career:

Top box-office draw in the 1930s and 1940s.
Won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1944 for his role as Fr. O'Malley in Going My Way.

World War II:

Entertained troops in military camps and promoted war bonds.
Named as the person who did the most to raise soldiers' morale.

Crosby in 1977, singing "Peace on Earth/The Little Drummer Boy" with David Bowie.

Anglo-American Popular Culture in Peace and War

Leaving Cert > Dictatorship and Democracy in Europe > Anglo-American Popular Culture in Peace and War

Charlie Chaplin in "The Great Dictator" (1940)

Have you watched TV today? Or have you been watching videos on YouTube? Does anyone in your family listen to the radio? Maybe this weekend you'll go to the cinema. All of these forms of media relate to popular culture (or pop culture for short). Pop culture first took off as a phenomenon in the early 20th century with the arrival of radio and cinema for the first time. Nowadays we have the digital TV, the internet and HD cineplexes. Have you wondered how different that might look to someone who grew up in the 1930s? In this section you'll look at the development of pop culture (through radio and cinema) in the 1920s and 30s, and you'll look at it from the point of view of the pop culture we are most familiar with: Anglo-American (i.e. films, music etc. from Britain and America).

Continue to France in the Inter-War Years

Popular Culture:

What do we mean by popular culture?
Reasons for its expansion in the 20s and 30s.
Growing divide between young and old, urban and rural.

Radio:

America (NBC, CBS) and Britain (BBC).
The role of radio.

Cinema:

Silent films in the 20s.
The first "talkies": Al Jolson and The Jazz Singer.
Charlie Chaplin.
The growth of cinemas in Britain.
The influence of cinema: fashion, Anglo-American culture, sex symbols, musicals, "Flappers".

Music:

Jazz music from America.
New dances (Charleston, Foxtrot).

Sport:

Growing professionalism (e.g. Football World Cup).
Sport "stars".

Popular Culture in World War II:

Propaganda (by both the Allies and the Nazis).
Source of news.
Cinema propaganda.
Stars visiting troops for morale.

Key Terms:
Popular Culture
(click here)

Key Personalities:
Charlie Chaplin
Bing Crosby

Celebrities of the 1920s and 30s (besides Chaplin and Crosby)
1st row (l to r): Orson Welles, Al Jolson, Walt Disney, Clark Gable
2nd row (l to r): Clara Bow, Jesse Owens, Greta Garbo, Bela Lugosi
3rd row (l to r): Fred Astaire, Mickey Mouse, Fay Wray, Bob Hope
4th row (l to r): Billie Holiday, Babe Ruth, Judy Garland, Rudolf Valentino

Higher Level (100 marks each)
2013: What did you learn about radio and cinema, 1920-1945, from your study of one or more of the following: Charlie Chaplin; Leni Riefenstahl; Bing Crosby?

2010: What was the impact of Anglo-American popular culture on Europe, 1920 - 1945?

Ordinary Level:
2015, Dictatorship and Democracy, Part B:
Write a short paragraph on Bing Crosby's contribution to radio and cinema. (30)

2012, Dictatorship and Democracy, Part B:
Write a short paragraph on Charlie Chaplin. (30)

2011, Dictatorship and Democracy, Part C:
2009, Dictatorship and Democracy, Part C:
What did Charlie Chaplin and/or Bing Crosby contribute to entertainment? (40)

2010, Dictatorship and Democracy, Part B:
2008, Dictatorship and Democracy, Part B:
Write a short paragraph on the growth in radio and cinema, 1920 - 1945. (30)

2007, Dictatorship and Democracy, Part C:
How did Bing Crosby and/or Charlie Chaplin become stars of popular culture during the period, 1920 - 1945? (40)

2006, Dictatorship and Democracy, Part B:
Write a short paragraph on Charlie Chaplin or Bing Crosby. (30)

A woman tunes in to her radio station in the 1920s.

Links go here
Links go here

Welcome!

The best and brightest of the Renaissance are here to welcome you. The others will be along shortly.

First Minister of Northern Ireland, Peter Robinson (right) and other unionist politicians
pose with a poster of the Ulster Covenant, signed by Edward Carson.

The Ulster Solemn League and Covenant was signed 100 years ago (28th September). The Covenant was a pledge by Ulster unionists to resist "by all means which may be found necessary"attempts by the British government to introduce Home Rule to Ireland. They then set up the Ulster Volunteers, while nationalists joined the Irish Volunteers. The two men who led the unionist resistance, Edward Carson and James Craig, would be leading figures in Northern Ireland when it was created ten years later.

Recordings made by President John F. Kennedy during his presidency have been released along with a new book about them. He recorded his thoughts on the ongoing conflict in Vietnam, as well as conversations he had with other top figures. Recordings like this have been used by historians looking for new insights into events such as the Cuban missile crisis, and they form an important primary source.

You might have heard of the old lady in Spain who took it upon herself to restore a decaying 19th century fresco in her local church. She's back in the news now that the fresco has become a tourist attraction.

The trailer for Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln" has been released. The film is set to cover Abraham Lincoln's time as President of the United States, his efforts to abolish slavery, and the civil war that followed.

October 1st

Actor Richard Harris was born in Limerick
on this day in 1930.

in development