Key Historical Events: Spain, WWII, Cold War, Franco Era
Reformist Biennium
The government conducted a policy of reforms which intended to solve the problems of Spain and democratize public life.
- Reform of State: It wanted to end centralism. Catalonia won approval of a statute of autonomy, a parliament, and its own government. The Basque Country and Galicia did not adopt it.
- Social Reform: Aimed to improve the working conditions of laborers. It established a 40-hour work week, a rise in wages, and the creation of insurance.
- Land Reform: Sought to achieve a more equitable distribution of land property with the Law of Bases of Agrarian Reform.
Dictatorship of Primo de Rivera
In a second phase, Primo de Rivera formed a civilian board. During this time, agriculture and industry were promoted, which led to the creation of roads, etc. In 1930, Primo de Rivera resigned, and there was an attempt to return to a parliamentary system, but the monarchy’s discredit led to the Republicans winning in 1931.
Consequences of the Second World War
- Political Level: Caused the fall of totalitarian regimes and the revitalization of democratic political systems.
- Internationally: Europe lost its global hegemony permanently, leading to the rise of the U.S. and the USSR.
- Economic: Caused massive destruction of fields, industries, infrastructure, and cities. The U.S. was the only exception, as it did not suffer war on its territory.
- Demographically: The war caused thousands of deaths, and millions of wounded and maimed.
- Social Level: The cruelty of war created a deep moral crisis and left its mark on the population.
Stages of the Cold War
Period of Maximum Tension
- Berlin Blockade
- Korean War: After the defeat of Japan, Korea was divided into two zones, north and south, under Soviet and American control, respectively. This led to a war that ended in 1953 with the restoration of the previous border.
Peaceful Coexistence
From 1956, a period marked by a will for dialogue and the search for formulas of peaceful understanding began.
Distention
- Appearance of Protest Movements: In the Western bloc, student revolts occurred against the Vietnam War.
- Formation of a Group of Non-Aligned Countries: Integrated by the new states encountered after decolonization.
Recrudescence of the Cold War
- Soviet Union: Increased the arms race, invaded Afghanistan, and threatened to deploy missiles in Europe.
- U.S.: Supported anti-communist dictatorships, helped overthrow Marxist governments, and launched the “Star Wars” initiative.
End of the Cold War
Beginning in 1985, Mikhail Gorbachev initiated internal, political, and economic reforms. The result was the end of the Cold War.
Topic 11: The Age of Autarky
The autarkic policy was based on state intervention in all sectors of the economy. The expropriated lands were returned to their former owners, and the state controlled the price and production of wheat. The National Institute of Industry (INI) was created to promote basic industry and autarky. Through the creation of state enterprises, some services were nationalized, such as rail. Public works were promoted, and both internal and external trade was controlled. Exports and imports were minimized.
Consequences: Economic and social problems.
The Military Developments of the War
The aim of the coup was to take Madrid, the capital. Two army corps were sent against it: one from Navarre and another from Africa, led by General Franco. The resistance encountered and the defeats of Jarama and Guadalajara forced a change in plans. The war shifted first to the Cantabrian coast, whose incorporation gave the rebels control of important industrial and mining areas, and then to the Mediterranean, in order to divide the Republican area in two. To help, the Republicans launched an offensive on the Ebro, which caused many casualties on both sides. The rebels ultimately won and took Catalonia.
The Causes of Decolonization
- The Impact of the Second World War: The territory of the colonies was subjected to armed conflicts, and their people to a war effort. This made the colonies gain awareness of their importance. The war just diminished the prestige of the powers, which suffered heavy losses. The division of the world into blocs meant the permanent loss of global superiority in Europe.
- Emergence of Nationalist Movements in the Colonies: They opposed foreign domination. They were reinforced by the diffusion of liberal and Marxist ideologies, which supported the freedom of peoples, and the emergence of leaders (Gandhi).