In Professor Harry Franqui-Rivera's lecture, "The Transatlantic World and Spanish Colonial America, and a World of Castes," he explains how the Spanish Empire conquered and controlled much of the Americas using a small force of conquistadors and a European administrative presence. Key factors included the mixing of ethnic groups, the creation of a caste system based on skin color, and enforcing Catholicism.

Many factors influenced the wars of independence in Spanish Colonial America. Dr. Henry Franqui-Rivera's lecture, “The Age of Revolution: Fall of the Spanish Empire in the Americas,” discusses the Haitian Revolution, Túpac Amaru II's revolt in Peru, and the influence of The Enlightenment. The rivalry between criollos and peninsulares, as well as heavy-handed tactics by the House of Bourbon, further unified the Spanish Americans, inspiring nationalism and leading to the Wars of Independence. The legacy of Spanish rule includes political and military violence, economic underdevelopment, and conservative ruling classes in Latin America.

Learning Latin American history has given me a deeper understanding of the Spanish empire's impact on the culture and development of modern Latin America. I gained insights into the brutal conquest, current underdevelopment, and ongoing struggles for independence. Additionally, I learned about teamwork through debates and the detailed nature of professional historiography. This knowledge is personal and valuable, enhancing my communication and inclusivity. Understanding this history can help temper political passions and evoke compassion for others.

At the time of the Spanish explorers' encounter, pre-Columbian civilizations like the Aztec and Incan were advanced empires. By the mid-16th century, the Spaniards had rapidly conquered these peoples using limited resources. Dr. Harry Franqui-Rivera's lecture outlines Classical and New School explanations for this conquest, including factors such as superior Spanish weaponry, tactics, and the impact of disease. The Spanish capitalized on timely opportunities, such as natural disasters and internal turmoil within the Aztec and Incan empires. Contemporary accounts, like those by Bernal Diaz del Castillo and Miguel León Portilla, provide detailed and often horrifying descriptions of these conquests.

John Charles Chasteen in Born in Blood & Fire: A Concise History of Latin America explains the diverse and complex history of Latin America, highlighting shared experiences of conquest, colonization, and independence. Matthias Tomczack's lecture and the documentary "Lost History: Rediscovering the Taíno People" explore pre-Columbian civilizations like the Olmec, Aztec, Mayan, and Incan, as well as the Taíno people encountered by Cristóbal Colón. These sources provide insights into the rich cultural history of Latin America before and after European contact.

The site provides a comprehensive view of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade through detailed maps, timelines, and 3D video reconstructions. The data, displayed using Oracle for Research, includes archival notes, Parliamentary Papers, and Passport Registries. Visualizations and 3D models offer an immersive experience, making it an excellent resource for studying the English slave trade during the 18th century.

My classmate's research project focuses on Oliver Cromwell's evolving political stance, from advocating for an English republic to disbanding the Rump parliament. The paper aims to clarify Cromwell's politics using his letters and historical anecdotes. I find the topic fascinating and suggest including more about Cromwell's life story and specific historical events to enhance the narrative.

This weekend has been nerve-wracking as I delve into the life and impact of Thomas Cranmer. I've gathered 10 secondary sources and 4 primary sources, and I've read through about 75% of them. While finding sources wasn't too challenging, one of my key biographies on Cranmer is 700 pages, and I've been deeply engrossed in it since Friday. With an outline due this Friday, I'm working hard on structuring my paper, currently about 30% complete. Adding to the pressure, I leave for Cancun on Saturday for seven days. This is one of the more challenging assignments I've tackled in a while, and I hope to rise to the occasion!

At the end of the Stuart period, George I ascended the English throne, marking the beginning of the Hanoverian Age. Unlike their predecessors, George I and II were detached from politics, fostering the position of Prime Minister. This era, dominated by the Whig party, saw increased voter engagement and partisan politics. The Enlightenment, characterized by scientific observation and reason, led to significant growth and innovation in England. By 1754, tensions between the French and English set the stage for the American Revolution. The British secured enormous land gains, but rising taxes led to the War of Independence. The abolitionist movement gained momentum by the end of the 18th century, leading to the abolition of the slave trade in 1807. However, British imperialism continued to exploit and conquer regions like India, Nepal, Burma, Australia, and the South Pacific.