19th Century Spain: Social and Economic Transformations

1. Population Growth in 19th Century Spain

Population growth during the 19th century in Spain was slow due to high mortality rates (29‰ in Europe, 18‰ in Spain). The population increased from 11.5 million in 1800 to just over 18.5 million in 1900. Factors contributing to this slow growth included persistent epidemics like cholera (1853, 1865, and 1885) and influenza (1890), tuberculosis, and livelihood crises. Mortality rates began to decline (14‰) towards the end of the century, alongside

Read More

The Catholic Monarchs and the Rise of Spain

The Catholic Monarchs: The Conquest of the Nazari Kingdom
Without conquering Granada, the Reconquista would not have been completed. The Catholic Monarchs, joining the forces of Aragon and Castile, built tensions in the Nazari kingdom. They conquered the area around Granada, leaving the city isolated. The war lasted ten years and was won diplomatically. King Boabdil signed the capitulation on January 2, 1492. The terms were generous but not sincere; they allowed Muslims (Moors) to remain in the

Read More

Urban Morphology of Valencia: A Historical Perspective

Urban Centers: Metropolitan Area

Urban sprawl significantly impacts major cities. A metropolitan area administratively encompasses several municipalities with intertwined economic and social relations. These areas typically exhibit the following characteristics:

  • A major city heads the area, with its economic activity extending outwards and influencing the surrounding region.
  • Strong economic and social relationships exist between the central city and surrounding nuclei.
  • The central city provides employment
Read More

A Journey Through the History of Garden Styles

WORK UNIT 7: A History of Garden Styles

1. Historical Applications of Gardens

Throughout history, gardens have served various purposes. Here are some examples of garden styles that reflect these applications:

  • Gardens as Places for Rest and Recreation: These gardens prioritize ornamental beauty and tranquility. Examples include the classical Persian gardens and the Japanese Zen gardens.
  • Practical Gardens: These gardens focus on functionality, cultivating fruits, vegetables, herbs, and medicinal plants.
Read More

Raw Materials, Energy Sources, and Types of Industry & States

Raw Materials and Energy Sources

Raw Materials

Raw materials are natural resources that transform industries. They can be:

  • Organic: Derived from living organisms, including agriculture (cotton), livestock (skin), logging (wood), and fish (oil).
  • Minerals: Come from the Earth’s crust, found in fields or areas with high mineral content. Minerals can be metallic (iron), nonmetallic (quartz), rock quarrying (granite), or uranium (mineral energy).

The production of raw materials is concentrated in countries

Read More

Japan’s Industrial Revolution

The Extra-European Industrial Revolution: Japan

Japan’s Unique Industrialization

Japan stands as a unique example of an Eastern nation achieving remarkable industrial progress largely independently, with minimal external assistance, while retaining its existing social structure and character.

Pre-Industrial Japan

Japan, an archipelago of mountainous, volcanic islands, relied heavily on agriculture. Cultivated land comprised only 16% of the total territory. Fishing, hunting, farming, and trade served

Read More