European and Spanish Geography Overview
European Relief
The Mountains, Ancient Massifs, and Plateaus
The oldest mountains are located in the northwest and east of the continent. Notable for its magnitude are the Scandinavian Mountains and Ural Mountains. In the center are small mountain ranges and plateaus such as the French Central Massif.
Large Plains
These plains extend from northern France to Russia.
The Alpine Ranges
These are more recent mountains, including the Pyrenees, the Alps, the Balkans, the Carpathians, and the Caucasus Mountains.
Read MoreEconomic Growth and Trade in Europe’s Ancien Regime
Economic Growth in Europe’s Ancien Regime
A) Summary
Was there economic growth in Europe during the Ancien Régime? It was long believed that there was no economic growth due to consistently low productivity levels and a lack of structural change, as the percentage of the agricultural labor force remained the same. However, we now know that there was economic growth, albeit slow (50% between 1500 and 1800). Notably, two European countries deviated from this general trend: Holland and England, where
Read MoreLate Feudalism and Overseas Expansion: Finance and Development
ITEM 2. Late Feudalism. Overseas Expansion. FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE ARTICLES
Next to the agricultural economy in the AR
Developed an urban dimension also existed mainly based on secondary and tertiary activities, which were implemented mainly in the existence of a particular urban system played by trade and particularly the colonial trade, and industrial typology in some cases at the origin of the subsequent industrial revolution technology.
A) The Functionality of European Cities in the Old
Read MoreSpanish Monarchy: Charles V and Philip II
Charles V
Early Reign and Challenges
Upon the death of his maternal grandfather, Ferdinand, in 1516, Charles of Habsburg inherited the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon. He was crowned king and traveled to the Iberian Peninsula, despite not knowing Castilian. Flemish advisors occupied important positions in the court and church, causing resentment among the Castilian nobility.
Charles I summoned the Cortes to vote for new taxes, leading to immediate protests in Castile and Aragon. The Castilians demanded
Read MoreSpanish & Catalan Agriculture: An In-Depth Analysis
Spanish Agriculture: A Regional Overview
Wine and Olives
Across Spain, from Galicia to the Canary Islands, quality wine production is paramount. Castile-La Mancha leads in wine volume. Olives, requiring a drier climate, thrive primarily in the Guadalquivir Valley, along the Mediterranean coast, and near the Ebro River.
Fruits, Vegetables, and Irrigation
Irrigation is increasingly crucial in Spain’s arid climate. Irrigated fruit trees, such as citrus (especially oranges) in Valencia and peaches and pears
Read More18th Century Spain: Enlightenment & Bourbon Reforms
1. Introduction: The 18th Century – The Age of Enlightenment
The 18th century, known as the Enlightenment, was a pivotal period in European history, particularly in Spain. It marked a significant shift from the Middle Ages and laid the groundwork for modern society. This era was characterized by:
a. The End of the Ancien Régime
The 18th century witnessed the decline of the Ancien Régime, a European social and political system rooted in the Middle Ages. The Ancien Régime was defined by:
- A stratified