Spain’s Economic Shift: Stabilization, Growth, and Challenges (1950s-1970s)
Spain’s Economic Shift (1950s-1970s)
Stabilization Measures
The launch of the stabilization plan marked a shift from interventionist economic policies. Promoted by international agencies as a condition for loans, it aimed to address Spain’s dwindling gold reserves and finance imports. The government committed to reducing state intervention, lowering the deficit, and removing trade barriers. Despite liberalization efforts, dismantling public intervention proved slow, with many market areas remaining
Read MoreMedieval Europe: Society, Feudalism, and Christianity
The Early Middle Ages
Charlemagne
Crowned king of the Franks in 768, Charlemagne built a Christian state. The Frankish kingdom became the largest in Europe, and Charlemagne was crowned emperor by the Pope, marking a moment of political unification in Western Europe. However, the empire was short-lived, dividing into three kingdoms upon Charlemagne’s death.
Viking Invasions
Western Europe faced invasions from Vikings and Muslims. Between the 8th and 10th centuries, Vikings and Normans, originating
Read MoreMedieval Iberian Kingdoms: Rise and Fall
The Kingdom of Asturias and León
The Kingdom of Asturias was formed by Visigothic nobles who joined with the Cantabrian population. In 722, Don Pelayo slowed the Muslim advance at the Battle of Covadonga and founded the kingdom. Expanding their territory, they conquered León and made it their capital.
The Kingdom of Castile and León
The Kingdom of León was divided into counties governed by counts who reported to the king. Castile, an important county located on the eastern frontier, was governed
Read MoreComprehensive Geography of Spain: Geology, Climate, & Urbanization
Lithology of the Iberian Peninsula
Siliceous Area
This zone comprises the oldest rocks of the Iberian Peninsula, dating back to the Primary and Archaic eras. Predominant materials include granite, slate, quartzite, and gneiss. This area extends across Galicia, Leon, and Extremadura, with branches reaching into the western Cantabrian Mountains, Central System, Montes de Toledo, and Sierra Morena. Outcrops of these materials also appear in the Pyrenees, Catalan Coastal Range, and Penibético System.
Read MoreEconomic and Social Transformations in 19th Century Spain
Economic and Social Transformations in Spain (1800-1900)
Economic Changes
The Spanish economy between 1800 and 1900 was characterized by slow growth and backwardness compared to other European countries. Several factors contributed to this:
- Low population growth
- Devastation caused by wars (Independence, Carlist, colonial)
- Poor communication infrastructure
- Lack of capital for new technologies in industry
- Shortage of raw materials and energy sources
Agricultural Transformations
Enlightenment thinkers in the
Read MoreClassification of Natural Raw Materials and Industrial Development
Classification of Natural Raw Materials
Animal Origin
Materials like wool, hides, and livestock are sourced from animals and utilized in the textile industry to create products such as clothing.
Vegetable Origin
These can be agricultural products, for example, cotton used to make various products, or rubber for tires.
Mineral Origin
Extracted from the subsoil and classified into three groups:
- Metallic Minerals: Metals are extracted (e.g., hematite, bauxite).
- Non-metallic Minerals: Other raw materials are