Key Concepts in Social History and Economics

Luddism

An English movement against the new industrial system, which manifested in spontaneous and violent actions, including the destruction of instruments of production considered responsible for unemployment.

International Workers’ Association (IWA)

Abbreviation for the International Workers’ Association, a workers’ organization based in London, also known as the First International. It formed sections or federations in several countries and was led by a Central Committee. It advocated for the emancipation

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Spain’s Transformation: From Bourbon Succession to Liberal Revolutions (1700s-1800s)

The War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714)

Causes of the Conflict

  • Death of Charles II of Spain without an heir.
  • Clash of candidates: Philip of Anjou and Charles of Austria.

Conflicting Sides

  • International Alliance: Austria, Holland, Portugal, and Britain supported Charles of Austria.
  • France: Supported Philip V of Bourbon.
  • Spain: The Crown of Aragon supported Charles of Austria; the rest of the territory recognized Philip V.

Resolution: Peace of Utrecht (1713)

  • International recognition of Philip V as King
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Industrial Revolution: Causes, Energy, and Production

Causes of the Industrial Revolution

Population Growth

Since the eighteenth century, plague epidemics were disappearing, and the development of agriculture allowed for increased food production, leading to a significant decline in mortality.

  • European mortality, including infant mortality, declined.
  • The birth rate decreased slowly but remained high, leading to considerable vegetative growth.
  • Population growth was greater in cities. There were also significant migrations, especially to America.

Agricultural

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Natural Resources: Fibers, Livestock, and Medicinal Uses

Sericulture: The Art of Silk Production

Sericulture is an agro-based industry focused on the rearing of silkworm moths, Bombyx mori, for the production of raw silk. This valuable yarn is obtained from silkworm cocoons and plays a significant role in rural employment, poverty alleviation, and earning foreign exchange.

Silkworm Life Cycle and Silk Production

The silkworm undergoes four distinct stages in its life cycle:

  • Egg
  • Caterpillar (larva)
  • Pupa
  • Adult Moth

When the worms hatch, they are called caterpillars.

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Agricultural Sectors, Livestock, and Fisheries: Economic Insights

Agricultural Sectors and Production

Cereal Crops

Cereals serve as human food, livestock feed, and for biofuel production, with efforts focused on achieving higher yields.

Legumes

Legumes are consumed by both humans and livestock. Their production faces challenges due to difficulties in mechanization and typically results in low yields.

The Vine

The vine produces wine, often consumed fresh. Production has significantly grown from 90 wells, attributed to improved cultivation techniques.

Olive Cultivation

The

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Essential Economic Principles and Concepts

Classification of Goods and Services

  • Services (e.g., transportation)
  • Consumer Goods (e.g., food)
  • Production Goods (e.g., machines)
  • Durable Goods (e.g., electrical appliances)
  • Perishable Goods (e.g., food)
  • Public Goods (e.g., libraries)
  • Private Goods (e.g., personal cars)
  • Intermediate Goods (e.g., paper)
  • Final Goods (e.g., a book)
  • Complementary Goods (e.g., washing detergent)
  • Substitute Goods (e.g., pears and apples)

Determinants of Productivity

  • Training, Experience, and Skills of Workers: Well-trained individuals
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