Natural Resources, Hazards, and Exploitation: A Comprehensive Overview
1. Natural Resources and Their Exploitation
Natural Resources
Natural resources are elements of nature that society uses to its advantage. They can be categorized as:
- Renewable (able to regenerate quickly) and non-renewable (finite and exhaustible).
- Overexploited, when consumed at a faster rate than they regenerate. This can be mitigated through conservation and control measures.
Natural Hazards and Population
2. Natural Hazards
Natural hazards stem from the behavior of nature, not human action.
- Their effects
Primary Sector Activities and Economic Systems
Primary Sector Activities
Primary sector activities involve obtaining natural resources. Examples include:
- Agriculture
- Mining
- Fishing
- Forestry
- Livestock
Agricultural Space
Soil: Increased thickness and water retention improve soil quality. Lower or higher pH, porosity, and the presence of clay particles and nutrients also affect agricultural productivity.
Atmospheric Agents: Rain, wind, and harvests influence agriculture.
Exposure: Optimal exposure ensures suitable growing conditions.
Gradient: A smooth
18th Century Europe: Society, Enlightenment, and Bourbon Spain
The Ancien Régime
The Ancien Régime was the dominant social, economic, and political system in Europe from the 16th to the 18th century. Kings held absolute power, believed to be divinely ordained. However, in England, the monarch’s power was checked by the two Houses of Parliament. This difference led to significant events, including the execution of Charles I in 1649 and the overthrow of James II in 1688. James II was replaced by William III of Orange, who signed the Bill of Rights, limiting
Read MoreOpposition, Crisis, and Interventionism in Early 20th Century Spain
Opposition to the Dictatorship
Opposition to Primo de Rivera’s dictatorship came from various sectors of Spanish society:
- Dynastic parties: Criticized the regime’s length.
- Military leaders: Participated in conspiracies like the “Sanjuanada” plot.
- Republicans: Formed the Republican Alliance.
- Nationalists: Especially in Catalonia, opposed the suppression of Catalan culture.
- Communists and Anarchists: Faced persecution, leading to the creation of the Iberian Anarchist Federation (FAI).
- Intellectuals and Academics:
Spanish Economy in the Early 20th Century: Growth, Crisis, and Transformation
Spanish Economy in the Early 20th Century
Energy and Technological Advances
The growth of the Spanish economy in the early 20th century was driven by new energy sources like electricity and oil. These advancements overcame the previous obstacle of lacking competitive energy sources due to poor coal quality. The electrification of Spain occurred in two phases between 1880 and 1914. In Catalonia, electrification reduced energy dependence on coal thanks to hydroelectric production. Progress in petroleum
Read More19th Century Spain: Society, Economy, and Colonialism
1. Population Growth
In the nineteenth century, the Spanish population increased, although less than in other European countries. This was due to lower mortality and maintained fertility.
- Decline in mortality
- Improved diet
- Disappearance of epidemics
- Improving hygiene
- Medical advances
2. Migratory Movements
- Rural exodus (to industrialized areas)
- Latin America (late nineteenth century)
3. Urbanization
As a result of the rural exodus, there was an increase in urbanization.
4. Liberal Land Reform
- Abolition of the