The Industrial Revolution: Economic Shifts and Technological Advancements
The Industrial Revolution: Early Foundations
In the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, Europe experienced a recovery of agriculture and trade. The fourteenth century brought a crisis that weakened feudal lords and led to the emergence of employees and small farmers. Monarchs struggled for power with feudal lords. From the sixteenth century, silver from Peru was distributed through looting, war, and trade. Monarchs had to resort to bankers for expenses. During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries,
Read MoreSpain’s Late 19th Century: Crisis, Modernization, and Social Change
The Regency of María Cristina: Political System in Crisis (1885-1902)
After Alfonso XII’s death in 1885, his widow María Cristina served as regent until their son, Alfonso XIII, came of age. During this period, several crises significantly weakened the political system:
Challenges to Political Representation
Even after universal male suffrage was introduced in 1890, electoral fraud persisted. This created a growing divide between “official Spain” (the manipulated parliamentary system) and “real
Read MoreUnderstanding Unemployment, Migration, and Economic Impacts
The Impact of the Oil Crisis on Energy Prices
The oil crisis has caused a rise in energy prices. Many employers consider how to avoid its impact by reducing costs, sometimes through measures like substituting workers with machines or, unfortunately, dismissing workers.
When facing this kind of crisis, implementing a series of measures is crucial:
Governments often carry out a policy of wage moderation.
Unemployment in the European Union
Unemployment levels are closely linked to economic growth. Automation,
Read MoreSufi Traditions, Vijayanagara, and Mughal Rural Society
Similarities and Differences Between Be-Sharia and Ba-Sharia Sufi Traditions
Meaning of Sharia: The Sharia is the law governing the Muslim community. It is based on the Qur’an and the Hadith, traditions of the Prophet including a record of his remembered words and deeds.
- Some mystics initiated movements based on a radical interpretation of Sufi ideals. Many scorned the khangah and took to mendicancy and observed celibacy. They ignored rituals.
- They observed extreme forms of asceticism. They were known
Spain’s 16th Century: Economic Boom, Crisis, and Societal Structure
Economy and Society in 16th Century Spain
Economic Developments and the Price Revolution
Economic developments in 16th-century Spain were marked by significant growth and the Price Revolution. Both Castile and Aragon experienced a major boom across all economic sectors, particularly those related to urban and commodity production, international trade, and port activities. Population growth and increasing demand from America for all types of products further stimulated this demand.
Another important
Read MoreUnderstanding Urbanization and Cultural Landscapes
Lecture 10
Popular Culture: The practices, attitudes, beliefs, traits, and preferences held in common by large numbers of people who are otherwise heterogeneous.
Food, Fashion, Technology
Cultural Groups: Associated with particular foods.
Landscape: The visible human imprint on the land.
Natural/Physical Environment
Human Environment: Urban, rural, suburban, etc.
Cultural Landscape: The outcome of interactions between people (societies) and their environments; a result of cultural adaptation.
Lecture 10
Culture: