Spain in Crisis: Reign of Alfonso XIII and Social Unrest
Issue 14: Spain During the Reign of Alfonso XIII
The term of Alfonso XIII is separated into two periods:
- The crisis of the Restoration, which ended in 1923.
- The dictatorship of Primo de Rivera, which ended the parliamentary system, dragging the monarchy itself into its failure.
With regard to the international sphere, the reign coincides with an arms race leading to the First World War, which affected the Spanish economy and politics. The disaster of 1898 led to Regenerationism, a movement led by intellectuals
Read MoreDescartes’ Methodical Doubt: A Foundation for Certainty
Methodical Doubt
Descartes’ aim was to find absolutely certain truths, truths upon which it is impossible to doubt at all. These truths would provide a basis for building true knowledge with absolute security. The first problem was how to find them, and he developed a method to solve it. Once obtained, the question was where to start searching. The response, and the beginning of this process of finding true knowledge, is called methodical doubt.
The Process of Methodical Doubt
Requiring an absolutely
Read MoreDescartes’ Philosophy: Mind, Body, and the Existence of God
Problems of Solipsism
If we affirm that our own existence is based on our thinking, we can only guarantee it from within. We cannot say anything beyond that which is within us. Four themes appear in this uncertainty:
- The existence of the body.
- The existence of the world.
- The existence of other minds.
- The validity of mathematical truths.
Body and Soul
Descartes identified the soul as a substance. A substance is a reality that remains after change and is independent of anything else. What defines the self
Read MoreLiterary Movements: Realism and Naturalism in Spain
Realism and Naturalism in 19th-Century Spanish Literature
Linguistic Terms
- Presets: Words and phrases taken from another language adapted to their pronunciation and spelling.
- Foreigners: Words or expressions borrowed from another language, conserving their pronunciation and spelling.
- Calco Lexicon: The formation of words or phrases using the literal translation of foreign terms.
Realism
Realism is a literary movement that appeared in the second half of the 19th century. It is manifested especially in
Read MoreMastering Conditional Sentences in English
Understanding Conditionals
Conditional sentences express a condition and its result. They are essential for expressing hypothetical situations, wishes, and regrets. Let’s look at some examples:
Unfortunately, the teacher won’t cancel the math test.
I wish the teacher would cancel the math test.
I’m sad that we haven’t got a dog.
I wish I had a dog.
Joe is sorry that he ate all the chocolates.
Joe wishes he hadn’t eaten all the chocolates.
Pam will help you, but only if you pay her.
Unless you pay
Linking Adverbials in Academic Writing
Listing Points
- First of all, to start with, to begin with,
- Firstly, secondly, thirdly, …
- Finally, lastly, last, last but not least
- In the first place, in second place
- Then, next
Adding Information, Emphasizing
- Additionally, in addition
- As well as, besides (this)
- Also, again
- More important, on top of that
- Moreover, what is more
- Furthermore, apart from this
- Similarly, in the same way
- In particular, specifically
- Not only X but also Y
- To make matters worse
- As a matter of fact, in fact
- Another important aspect of X
18th-Century Spain: Enlightenment, Neoclassicism, and Societal Shifts
Enlightenment and Neoclassicism
The European Enlightenment
In the 18th century, also known as the Enlightenment, the figure that represents the desire to modernize society according to rational standards appeared in France. Its origins are:
- Descartes: Reason was the only way to knowledge of reality.
- Locke and Bacon: Observation and experimentation are essential methods to analyze the world.
The main manifestation of the free spirit of enlightenment was published in France by Diderot and d’Alembert. In
Read MoreNietzsche’s Philosophy: Dionysian vs. Apollonian
Nietzsche’s Critique of Morality
Nietzsche, fundamentally a philologist rather than a philosopher, recognized two fundamental aspects of Greek culture: the Apollonian and the Dionysian. The Apollonian represents unity, reason, harmony, and measure. The Dionysian embodies multiplicity, life, orgies, and is not subject to reason, measure, or harmony. For Nietzsche, the wisdom of Greek culture lay in acknowledging both of these elements. However, he believed that the Dionysian element was lost, leaving
Read MoreMaritime Operations: Roles, Incidents, and Terminology
Crew Roles and Responsibilities on a Merchant Ship
On a merchant ship, each department has specific roles that ensure the vessel operates efficiently. The Deck Department handles navigation, cargo, and the ship’s safety, with the Captain at the helm, supported by officers and cadets. The Engine Department maintains the ship’s propulsion and machinery, with engineers overseeing maintenance and repairs. The Catering/Steward’s Department provides meals and ensures the crew’s comfort, from the Chief
Read MoreHuman Digestive System: Ingestion to Egestion
The Alimentary Canal
The alimentary canal is a long tube that forms part of the digestive system, along with the liver and pancreas. Key features include:
- Peristalsis: The movement of muscles that contract and relax to propel food along the canal.
- Sphincter Muscles: Specialized muscles that close off sections of the tube.
- Mucus: A substance produced in goblet cells that helps food slide easily.
Ingestion
The process begins in the mouth with the teeth, lips, and tongue. Saliva plays a crucial role:
- Water