The Democratic Sexenio and the Search for Stability in Spain (1868-1873)
1. The Democratic Sexenio (1868-1873)
The Revolution of 1868 (“The Glorious”) and the Provisional Government (1868-1870)
The revolution was a conspiracy led by General Prim, with collaborators like Serrano and Topete. The naval revolt began in Cadiz, followed by pronouncements from other generals. Topete initiated the uprising, and events unfolded rapidly. A revolutionary council appointed Prim, who took control of Cadiz. Revolutionary boards emerged across the country, including Seville, Malaga,
Read MoreThe Roaring Twenties & the Great Depression: A Global Economic Overview
The Roaring Twenties: Light and Shadow
The 1920s began with economic hardship, particularly after 1924. However, a period of improvement and international cooperation followed. The post-war readjustment was challenging for European economies due to destruction, inflation, and unemployment. After 1923, production increased, unemployment decreased, and living standards improved.
Authoritarian empires dissolved, and new, fragile democracies emerged. These democracies faced economic crises and social
Read MoreThe Reign of Isabella II and the Rise of Spanish Liberalism
Regency of Maria Cristina (1833-1840)
Elizabeth II’s Claim to the Throne
Born to Ferdinand VII and Maria Cristina, Isabella’s claim to the throne was contested due to the Salic Law of 1713, which prevented female succession. Ferdinand VII amended the law shortly before his death, naming Isabella as his heir. Upon his death, Maria Cristina assumed regency until Isabella came of age. However, Carlist supporters of Carlos María Isidro (Ferdinand’s brother) rejected the change and initiated the First
Resistance, Strength, and Flexibility Training
Resistance
Definition
Resistance is the physical capacity consisting of the maximum delay of fatigue during a given time during physical exertion.
Class of Resistance
In the Form of Muscular Work
- Dynamic Resistance: Work with movement
- Static Resistance: Work without movement
In Connection with the Preparation
- De base
- Específica
- Competitiva
In Connection with Muscle Mass Involved
- Local: Exercises that place on 1/7 of the general musculature
- General: It involves more than 90% of body mass
In Connection with the
Read MoreLudovico and Annibale Carracci: A Study of Their Works
Ludovico and Annibale Carracci: Masterpieces
Flagellation (1585)
Musée de la Chartreuse, Douai. 190x265cm. This piece, echoing Annibale’s provision for friezes and character placement, centers around a column where Christ is bound. Compositional balance is achieved with three figures on each side. The architecture is thought to be inspired by Vignola’s Palazzo Bianchi in Bologna, while the background’s spatial coherence hints at Annibale’s contributions. Ludovico’s use of body geometry creates momentum,
Read MoreMendizabal’s Disentailment Decree of 1836
Mendizabal’s Disentailment Decree
Background
This Royal Decree, drafted in Madrid on February 19, 1836, addresses the legal and economic challenges following Ferdinand VII’s death. The succession crisis between his brother, Carlos Maria Isidro, and daughter, Isabella II, ignited the First Carlist War (1833-1839). The 1834 Royal Statute, a compromise by Martinez de la Rosa, failed to reconcile the Carlists and Liberals. After Count Toreno’s limited reforms, Mendizabal, with international prestige
Read MoreManzanares Manifesto of 1854: A Turning Point in Spanish Politics
Manzanares Manifesto: A Historical Narrative
Background
This manifesto, drafted on July 7, 1854, in Manzanares, Spain, became a pivotal document in the 1854 revolution. Dissatisfaction with the existing political climate, marked by favoritism and corruption within moderate governments, fueled reactions among various factions, including moderates themselves. Progressive governments, historically excluded from power except through uprisings, saw an opportunity for change.
The Catalyst for Change
Rising
Read MoreThe Reign of Alfonso XIII and the Rise of the Second Spanish Republic
Alfonso XIII
The age of Alfonso XIII began with a serious crisis that led to the Conservatives and Liberals to initiate reforms to regenerate the political and social life. Samuels-Polavieja and Antonio Maura attempted reforms until 1909, but were a failure. While the opposition was strengthened:
– The Republicans increased with the creation of the Republican Union and the Radical Party.
– The Catalan nationalist groups reached a broad electoral victory (Catalan Solidarity).
– Socialism (PSOE)
Read MoreThe Reconquista and the Rise of the Spanish Monarchy
The Reconquista (722-1492)
The Resistance (8th-11th Centuries)
The Reconquista, a period of fluctuating Christian-Muslim conflict, spanned from the early 8th century to the late 15th century. Driven by a combination of population growth, feudal expansion, and religious motivations, the Christian kingdoms gradually reclaimed territories conquered by the Muslims. Early resistance emerged in northern Spain, forming pockets of Christian power:
- The Kingdom of Asturias: Following the victory at Covadonga
Feudalism and the Ancien Régime: A Socio-Political Overview
Seigneurial Rights
Lords received income and benefits based on their land ownership. These economic rights stemmed from the exploitation of their properties, with peasants performing various tasks (personal prestations). The lord also required fees for using monopolies and exercised jurisdictional powers over a broader territory. This included the tithe, where farmers gave a tenth of their crops to the church.
The Estates System
The Ancien Régime society was divided into three closed classes determined
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