14th-15th Century Iberian Political & Social Upheaval
Castilian Political Institutions (14th-15th Centuries)
The Castilian crown strengthened in the 14th and 15th centuries, with the king defending absolute supremacy. This doctrine asserted the king as ruler of subjects, subordinated to the monarch’s unlimited authority and responsible only to God. The strength of the Castilian monarchy manifested in several ways:
At the State Level:
- Castile and its territories merged, leading to the emergence of royal institutions.
- The Royal Council (1385), heir to the
Hominization and Pre-Roman Peoples in the Iberian Peninsula
Section 2.1: Hominization in the Iberian Peninsula
Hominization is a long evolutionary process beginning with the earliest hominids and culminating with Homo sapiens. It began in Africa some 5 million years ago with Australopithecus (who walked upright), followed by Homo habilis (capable of building and using tools) and Homo erectus (the first hominid to use fire and migrate out of Africa).
The remains of the oldest hominid fossil found in Europe are located at the site of Atapuerca (Burgos) and belong
Read MoreThe Roca-Runciman Pact and Argentina’s Economic Shift
Protectionist Measures During the 1929 Crisis
Following the 1929 crisis, central countries adopted extreme protectionist measures to safeguard their economies. This involved reducing purchases of raw materials and foodstuffs from peripheral nations like Argentina.
Impact of the Global Economic Crisis on Argentina
The global economic crisis significantly impacted Argentina’s trade balance and agricultural capitalists’ income. Maintaining investments in the primary export sector became increasingly challenging.
Read MoreSpanish Society & Economy (1875-1931): Growth, Social Change, and Labor
Society and Economy During the Restoration (1875-1931)
Population Growth and Migration
The Spanish population grew slowly but steadily. The mainland coastal provinces experienced the greatest population growth due to declining mortality rates, although the birth rate remained lower. Life expectancy increased from 35 in 1900 to 50 in 1930, thanks to economic changes, improved public health and hygiene, and more abundant food supplies. Rural populations grew, but increased unemployment led many peasants
Read MoreSpain: Geography, Culture, and Economy
Spain
Geography, Culture, and Economy
Major Cities and Attractions
Madrid
Madrid offers a vibrant mix of daytime activities and nightlife. Its theaters showcase a variety of dramatic works. Art enthusiasts can explore renowned museums like the Prado Museum and the Reina Sofia National Art Center. Antique collectors will find treasures on Calle del Prado, and the city’s diverse culinary scene caters to every taste.
Must-sees: Palacio de Oriente, the sunset, Paseo de Recoletos, and the beginning of Calle
Read MoreIntroduction to Agriculture
History of Agriculture
Agriculture, the cultivation of land for food and raw materials, dates back to the Neolithic period. In the late eighteenth century, an agricultural revolution began, marked by rapid changes in land ownership and farming practices. This revolution had two main consequences: reduced labor needs in agriculture, and improved nutrition leading to lower mortality rates and population growth. Many farmers migrated to cities in search of work, initiating a gradual depopulation of
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