Decrees of Nueva Planta: Reshaping Spain’s Kingdoms
Impact on the Crown of Aragon
Following Philip V’s victory in the War of Succession, the Decrees of Nueva Planta dramatically altered the political landscape of the Crown of Aragon. These decrees, enacted between 1707 and 1716, aimed to punish the kingdoms that had supported Archduke Charles and consolidate power under the Bourbon monarchy. Citing the “right of conquest,” Philip V abolished the existing charters of the Aragonese kingdoms (except the Aran Valley) and imposed a Castilian model of
Read MoreHumanization & Romanization of the Iberian Peninsula: A Historical Overview
Humanization in the Iberian Peninsula
The process of humanization began in Africa 5 million years ago. Homo ergaster migrated from Africa approximately 1.5 million years ago, evolving into Homo erectus in Asia and Homo antecessor in Europe. The oldest Homo antecessor remains (800,000 BC) were discovered in Atapuerca, Burgos. These tall, strong hominins, with a cranial capacity of around 1000cm3, were hunter-gatherers. Remains of Homo heidelbergensis, dating back 300,000 years, have also been found
Read MoreSpanish History: Colonization to Centralization
Roman Colonization of the Iberian Peninsula (800 BC – 218 BC)
This period saw Mediterranean peoples vying for control of trade and mineral wealth. The main colonizers were:
- Phoenicians: Established settlements along the Andalusian coast, including Almuñécar and Cadiz.
- Greeks: Primarily focused on the Alicante coast, with notable settlements like Emporion (Ampurias) and Roses.
- Carthaginians: Succeeded the Phoenicians in trade, establishing settlements in Ibiza, Almeria, and Cartagena.
During this time,
Read MorePreindustrial and Industrial Urbanization in Spain: An Overview
Preindustrial Urbanization
Early Cities
Urban nuclei first appeared about 2000 years ago, especially in peripheral areas due to colonization. These locations were defensive and well-connected, introducing an irregular path. The first pre-industrial cities were established between 1100 and 800 BC by the Phoenicians (Gades, Malaka), followed by the Greeks from the 8th century BC (Rhodes and Emporion), and then the Carthaginians (Carthage).
Roman Urbanization
In the 2nd century BC, the Romans arrived and
Read MoreEconomic and Industrial Transformation of Spain in 19th and 20th Centuries
Economic Transformation of Spain
Slow Growth and Sectoral Imbalance
The Spanish economy in the 19th and early 20th centuries was characterized by slow growth and a significant sectoral imbalance. This had several consequences:
- Lack of capital for industrial innovation.
- Limited domestic investment in industry, with much capital going towards public debt.
- Difficult terrain hindering transportation and domestic market integration.
- Limited population growth.
- Scarcity and dispersion of energy resources.
- Wars
Urban Morphology of Bilbao: A Historical Overview
Bilbao: A History of Urban Development
The Old City
Bilbao’s Old City, a defining feature, is situated on the Nervión River estuary, which shaped its maritime character. Its grid layout, enclosed by a frame, reflects a mix of residential, manufacturing, and commercial activities. The 14th-century wall was replaced in the 17th century by the Ronda street. The 18th century saw the construction of buildings like the Plaza Nueva and El Arenal promenade, fostering commercial and craft activities and expanding
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