Post-War and Social Poetry in Spain: 1940s & 1950s
Post-War Poetry in Spain: The 1940s
Existential Poetry
The Spanish Civil War dramatically impacted intellectual and artistic life, dividing poetry into two main streams. Established poets like Dámaso Alonso and Vicente Aleixandre continued their work alongside the Generation of ’36. In exile, poets like Juan Ramón Jiménez and León Felipe focused on the theme of Spain, evident in works like Felipe’s Verses and Prayers of a Walker.
Rooted Poetry
Centered around the Escorial and magazines like Garcilaso,
Read MoreThe Second Spanish Republic: From Interim Government to Revolution
1. Interim Government
On April 14, 1931, the Committee became the revolutionary Provisional Government, represented by Zamora, Lerroux, Azaña, Quiroga, and De Los Ríos. Chaired by Zamora, the government aimed to establish a democratic political system. It implemented a series of social, political, and military reforms and convened a Constituent Assembly to provide legal support for the new regime. This government faced conflicts such as the burning of convents in Andalusia and Madrid and protests
Read MoreSpanish American Independence & the Reign of Isabella II
1. Francisco Miranda and the Beginnings of Emancipation
In the early 19th century, the first ideas of independence arose in Spanish America, spearheaded by Francisco Miranda. This man paved the way for Bolívar and San Martín. The reasons for independence were:
- Philosophical: Based on reason, the right to happiness, and other arguments advanced by the American colonists.
- Economic: Based on the idea that the metropolis exploited the colonies with taxes and a ban on free trade and industries.
- Indigenous:
Regency of María Cristina (1885-1902): Politics, Regionalism, and Nationalism
The Regency of María Cristina (1885–1902)
Political Developments
Upon the death of Alfonso XII, his second wife, María Cristina, assumed the regency with the support of the dynastic parties and signed the Pact of Pardo. She empowered the Liberals between 1885 and 1890, leading to the liberalization of the regime and the development of several reforms. The Commercial Code and Civil Code were approved, aligning the law with the principles of economic and political liberalism. Social reforms included
Read MoreRenaissance Architecture in Spain: Styles and Evolution
Renaissance Architecture in Spain
The Emergence of the Renaissance in Spain: Chronology and Historical Context
Spain maintained strong relations with Italy due to the numerous campaigns waged by Ferdinand of Aragon, the Crown of Aragon’s dominion over Naples and Sicily, and the continuous exchange of artists and materials between the Italian states and the Hispanic monarchy. This allowed the essence of the Renaissance to be assimilated by the end of the 15th century and spread throughout the 16th
Read More19th Century Spain: Demographics, Social Structure, and Culture
1. Demographics
Throughout the 19th century, Spain’s birth rate remained among the highest in Europe, never falling below 3%. This was due to various factors, including the persistently high infant mortality rate. Malthusian practices were not observed. Mortality remained above 20%. Three major cholera waves between 1834 and 1885 caused half a million deaths, with a mortality rate of 1/3. This high fatality rate stemmed from poor social hygiene and the use of cesspits until the mid-century when sewers
Read MoreThe Restoration System in Spain (1875-1898)
Overview
The Restoration period (1875-1898) is viewed differently by historians. Some see it as a time of institutional stability and peaceful coexistence compared to the turbulent decades prior. Others criticize it as a sham democracy, lacking genuine parliamentary representation and based on agreements between dynastic parties.
The Cánovas System
Antonio Cánovas del Castillo orchestrated the restoration of the Bourbon monarchy. He aimed to reconcile with forces from the 1868 revolution. His system
Read More19th Century Spanish Nationalism & Politics: Restoration, Regency, and More
Restoration and the Rise of Nationalism
Catalan Nationalism
The Catalan nationalist movement’s growth during the Restoration period is intertwined with economic development. Several factors contributed to this rise:
- The Catalan bourgeoisie, initially hopeful for power during the Six Years’ War, shifted away from the central government and towards nationalist ideals.
- The Renaixença, a cultural movement, championed the Catalan language and criticized the government’s centralist policies.
- Early nationalist
Challenges and Transformations in Spanish Fisheries and Industry
Problems in Spanish Fisheries and Industry
Fisheries
Demographic Problems
The fishing workforce is scarce, aging, and unskilled.
Economic Problems
- The fishing fleet is too large relative to fishing opportunities and has a high average age.
- Fleet reduction has been achieved through early retirements and shipbreaking.
- Fleet renovation and modernization have been aided, but aid is limited to vessels under 400 GT.
- There is little economic diversification and insufficient use of telecommunications and new technologies.
The Reign of the Catholic Monarchs of Spain
The Problem of Unity in the Iberian Peninsula
The Iberian Christian kingdoms consisted of four entities: the Crown of Aragon, Navarre, Portugal, and Castile. Castile, demographically and territorially dominant, suffered a severe political crisis during the reign of Henry IV. Isabella I succeeded to the Castilian throne, contesting Juana la Beltraneja’s claim. To strengthen their position and unite the Crown of Aragon with Castile, Isabella married Ferdinand II of Aragon.
The death of the monarch
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