Franco Regime Consolidation and Spanish Transformation (1950s-1970s)
Consolidation of the Franco Regime: Economic and Social Transformations
From Autarky to Development
The 1950s began with growing international acceptance of the Franco regime. The Cold War made Spain a key ally for the U.S., culminating in the 1953 U.S.-Spain agreements. Spain granted military bases in exchange for economic and military aid, leading to increased international recognition, including admission to the UN in 1955, and membership in the World Bank, IMF, and OEEC.
While maintaining its
Read MoreSpanish Agriculture: A Deep Dive
Agriculture in Spain
Until recent decades, agriculture was the most important sector in our country, carried out using rudimentary methods. Animal strength was fundamental, especially for traction and transport.
Since the early 20th century, a gradual abandonment of rural areas has occurred. Young people preferred the city, which offered fixed salaries (as opposed to the uncertainties of the countryside) and a higher standard of living. Simultaneously, the progressive industrialization of society
Read MoreEuropean Union Formation and Structure
1. Creation of the EU
1.1 The Need for a European Trading Bloc
Creating a European common market wasn’t a new idea. The Treaty of Rome, signed in 1957 by Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, embodied the first viable proposals. The treaty foresaw that the European Economic Community’s (EEC) prosperity, and its political and economic unity, were interdependent. To achieve an internal market, the EEC established a concrete policy focused on the free movement of goods, services,
Read MoreSpain’s Political and Administrative Structure: Regional Policies and European Integration
Political-Administrative Divisions
The Municipality
Its function is to serve residents. The government comprises the mayor and council, elected by the residents.
The Province
A territorial entity formed by municipalities. Its role is to promote provincial interests, provide services, and coordinate them. The provincial government comprises the deputation (Chairman and Members) chosen from elected councilors.
The Autonomous Region
A territorial entity formed by provinces or islands, endowed with legislative
Read More19th Century International Trade: Trends and Transformations
18. International Trade in the Nineteenth Century: Transformations and Trends
International trade expanded throughout the 19th century, driven by the globalization of primary products, minerals, and agricultural goods. Europe remained the hub of global commerce, with Britain holding a dominant, albeit declining, position. The growth of trade mirrored its geographical expansion, as more countries and territories joined global trade networks.
Trade Routes: Trade routes largely followed established
Read MoreSpanish Vegetation and Flora
Formations
Vegetation and flora encompass the plant species within a vast territory. Floral kingdoms are subdivided into regions. The Iberian Peninsula belongs to the Holarctic kingdom, encompassing landmasses north of the Tropic of Cancer. It features three floral regions:
- Boreoalpine Region: High-altitude areas of the Pyrenees and Cantabrian Mountains.
- Eurosiberian Region: Northern Iberian Peninsula, parts of the Central System, and Iberian Mountains.
- Mediterranean Region: Remaining areas of the Peninsula.