Spanish Monarchy: Formation & Decline (1492-1700)

1. Catholic Monarchs (1492-1700)

1.1. Territorial Configuration

The marriage of Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon in 1469 initiated significant events:

  • Consolidation of the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon.
  • Creation of a unified national state through the conquest of Granada (January 2, 1492), ending the Reconquista.
  • Occupation of Navarre in 1512.
  • Strategic marriages to isolate France (e.g., Joanna to Philip of Habsburg, Catherine to Henry VIII of England).

The state had a confederal nature, with

Read More

European Union: Structure, Policies, and Urban Dynamics

Structural and Cohesion Funds

The EU’s structural and cohesion funds aim to reduce regional imbalances and wealth disparities among member states. These funds encourage economic and social development in less developed regions. The four main types of structural funds are:

  • European Regional Development Fund (ERDF): Corrects regional imbalances through investments in transport infrastructure and research.
  • European Social Fund (ESF): Tackles unemployment and improves worker training.
  • European Agricultural
Read More

Population Dynamics and Global Trends in the 21st Century

Reliability of Demographic Data

Data reliability varies across countries and requires correction and updates. Factors influencing reliability include census completeness (e.g., conflicts in Cambodia and Afghanistan), statistical service quality (e.g., Bhutan), and data update methods (e.g., Iceland). A 1% error margin is generally acceptable. Developed countries with high literacy rates and democratic systems tend to have more reliable data.

Demographic Transition Model

This model describes population

Read More

Economic Overview of Catalonia: Key Sectors and Trends

Sector Productivity and Economic Situation in Catalonia: The predominant sector is the tertiary sector, which accounts for 65.9% of the GAV. Andalusia is below the state average of 67.3% and the Spanish average of 71.6% in the European Union. Magnitude and Situation Regarding VAB in Spain and the EU: The industrial sector contributes 22.1% of GVA, above the Spanish average of 17.5% and the EU average of 20.2%. The subsectors include traditional (textile, chemicals, machinery, agro-food) and emerging

Read More

Understanding the Service Sector: Evolution and Impact

The Unit Service Sector

Service: Non-material goods and services meeting post-industrial society needs. Society: Societies undergoing tertiarization. GDP: Value of national production. Active population: Shift as per Petty-Clark law.

Classification of Services

Management

  • Public: Administration, defense, education, health, transport, communications.
  • Private: Education, health, transport, services for families and businesses.

Type of Service

  • Social: Health, education, grants (basic needs).
  • Other: High-performance
Read More

Medieval Christian Kingdoms: Land Use & Social Structure

Christian Kingdoms in the Middle Ages: Land & Society

The introduction of the feudal system coincided with the restocking process. In the Asturian kingdom, a warrior nobility emerged, seizing the best lands, reinforced by the arrival of Mozarabs from the south.

The Douro Valley, sparsely populated due to border conflicts, saw Christian peasants colonizing the region, forming communities of free men. The Asturleonese kings sanctioned these occupations, asserting their authority.

In Castile, peasant

Read More