Key Concepts: History, Politics, and Economics Explained
Why is Galdós considered a novelist of reality?
He draws on reality to write his work, mainly set in 14th-century Madrid. Representative works include: Doña Perfecta and Misericordia.
What are Clarín’s novels?
La Regenta, Su único hijo.
What is the difference between the way of achieving democracy in Britain and France?
In Britain, democracy was achieved based on electoral reforms under a stable parliamentary monarchy. In France, it was achieved under successive revolutions and political instability.
Why is the British political system described as bipartisan?
Because it had two main parliamentary parties: the Tories and the Whigs.
What is the difference between a republic and a parliamentary monarchy?
In a republic, the head of state is the president. In a monarchy, the head of state is the king or queen.
Could these two forms be considered democratic governments?
Yes, if the citizens have the last word.
Which state began the process of unification in Italy?
The state of Piedmont.
Why?
It had become an industrial power and needed to remove trade barriers.
Which empire did they face?
The Austrian Empire.
Was the Italian unification process fair and democratic?
Yes, because the people voted overwhelmingly in favor of the Italian kingdom.
What was the first step toward German unity?
The economic union.
Which state started the process, and which country was the main obstacle to overcome?
The state of Prussia, and Austria was the main obstacle.
How was industrial power harnessed in the new era?
Commodities markets were used to sell industrial products and to obtain raw materials, creating opportunities for profit.
How were rules established for the orderly distribution of Africa? Which large industrial powers arrived late to the division of Africa?
In 1885, Bismarck convened the Berlin Conference, where it was decided that any power with a coastal settlement would have to conquer the interior. Military occupation was preferred. Germany arrived late.
What were the agricultural changes produced in the colonies?
Europeans replaced traditional crops with single-crop plantations, such as cocoa and rubber.
What benefits did the metropolis obtain from the colonies?
The colonies exported cheap raw materials to the metropolis, and the metropolis sold expensive industrial products to the colonies.
What does the term “acculturation” mean?
It refers to the imposition of the region, language, and customs of Europe, and the loss of indigenous cultural traditions.
What is the “clergy”?
Those charged with governing the established church.
What is “Desamortización”?
The state expropriated property of the church and then auctioned it off to get money to pay its debts.
What is the “Ferroviaria radio network”?
A network centered in Madrid, from which various cities were reached.
Was Spain a nation behind in the Elizabethan age? Why?
Yes, because it was still an agricultural country, and its principal source of wealth was the land.
Why was the Constitution of 1869 considered advanced? What was missing from this constitution to be fully democratic?
Because it stated that power came from the people and not the king. It established universal male suffrage and full freedom. It was missing women’s participation.
What were the main political problems of the Restoration? Who was responsible for these problems?
Apparent national sovereignty, distorted election results, and marginalized other political parties. The nobles and wealthy bourgeoisie were responsible.