18th Century Society & Politics: From Feudalism to Enlightenment
Demographic System
Rural agrarian societies of the old regime were closely tied to the economy. Common features included high birth rates, high mortality rates, and minimal natural growth (just over 2/1000 annually). These populations were vulnerable to plagues, wars, and endemic diseases, which significantly impacted the younger generation. Subsistence crises often resulted from poor harvests.
Traditional Agriculture
Agriculture and livestock farming were the primary economic activities. Traditional
Read MoreMedieval Land Reclamation and Economic Growth
Expansion Rates and Economic Growth
Three factors fueled economic growth: population growth, land reclamation (breaks), and technological innovations. This population growth led to expanded colonization and reshaping the European landscape through land reclamation, particularly deforestation.
The Phenomenon of “Breaks”
The “breaks” phenomenon, a lengthy process with varying regional starting points, began in the eighth and ninth centuries, driven by lords and peasants. Land expansion required the
Read MoreEconomic and Social Changes in Spain During Franco’s Dictatorship
Autarqia (1939-1950)
The first stage of Franco’s dictatorship was marked by an economic policy of autarky, aiming for self-sufficiency and reducing imports. This was driven by the economic difficulties of the post-Civil War period and Spain’s international isolation following World War II.
Key features of this period:
- Economic isolation and state intervention in production, distribution, and pricing.
- Creation of the Instituto Nacional de Industria (INI) to produce goods that the private sector couldn’
Spain’s Industrial Revolution: A Late and Uneven Process
1. Spain’s Late Entry into the Industrial Revolution
1.1. Causes of Delay
Unlike England, where the industrialization process began in 1770, Spain’s industrial revolution started much later, between 1800 and 1830. This delay was due to several factors:
- Expensive Fuel: England relied on coal, while Spain’s coal reserves were expensive and difficult to extract.
- Limited Demand: The demand for steam engines, a key innovation of the Industrial Revolution, was low in Spain.
- Lack of Capital: Spain lacked the
The Iberian Peninsula: From Prehistory to the Middle Ages
Process of Humanization in the Iberian Peninsula
Paleolithic Era
Lower Paleolithic:
Homo erectus, stone tools. 1994 Atapuerca human fossils of Homo antecessor (780,000 years old). Predatory economy of small human groups, nomads, use of stone tools.
Middle Paleolithic:
Homo neanderthalensis, perfected stone tools and practiced funeral rites.
Upper Paleolithic:
Homo sapiens, advanced culture, refined stone and bone tools. Rock Art sites in Altamira, Tito Bustillo, etc.
Pre-Roman Settlements
1st Millennium
Read MorePrehistory and the Development of Human Civilization
Prehistory: A Journey into the Past
Concept
Prehistory encompasses the vast period before written records emerged, dating back approximately 6 million years. This era, preceding the advent of writing, is dedicated to reconstructing human life before historical documentation.
Sources
Our understanding of prehistory relies on various sources:
- Human Remains: Bones, teeth, and other bodily remains offer insights into diet, cause of death, and certain customs.
- Artifacts: Utensils, tools, and dwellings reveal