Crown of Aragon Expansion & Catholic Kings’ Unification of Spain
The Crown of Aragon’s Mediterranean Expansion
The expansion of the Crown of Aragon in the Mediterranean was due to balanced development. Agricultural surpluses led to abundant capital, establishing a strong currency and fostering business and commercial crafts, alongside social stability.
The monarchy established a territorial economic empire in the Mediterranean based on long-distance trade, an international legal apparatus, and military conquest. Trade focused on eastern Mediterranean routes, with
Read MoreUnderstanding Industrialization: A Comprehensive Analysis
Understanding Industrialization
Factors Driving Industrialization
Agricultural development in England generated significant capital that was invested in industry. Changes favoring agriculture, labor, and cities led to a population increase and a workforce for factories. Surplus farmers and industrial products created demand for steel. Modern England (London) became a commercial and maritime power. Accumulated capital from fabric sales was used to promote the industrial sector. Great Britain possessed
Read MoreAmerica’s Discovery, Conquest, and Colonial Administration
The Discovery of America
The discovery of America by Christopher Columbus in 1492 was one of the most important events in European history and shaped the political, social, and economic landscape for centuries. Christopher Columbus, a Genoese sailor, presented his plan to reach India by sailing west, first to Portugal and then to Castile. After tough negotiations, the Capitulations of Santa Fe were signed in 1492 between the Catholic Monarchs (RRCC) and Columbus, granting him titles and benefits
Read MoreEconomic Activities: Sectors, Agriculture, and Minerals in Venezuela
Economic Activities and Sectoral Classification
Economic activities can be classified according to their sectoral approach:
- Primary Sector: Extractive activities based on natural resources, such as mining, agriculture, and fishing.
- Secondary Sector: Transforms raw materials extracted from nature.
- Tertiary Sector: Commercial activities and services.
Agricultural Production: Evolution and Systems
Agricultural production has changed significantly over the years. Initially, simple stone or wood tools and
Read MoreReconquista and Repopulation of Spain: 8th-15th Centuries
The Reconquista
Definition: The expansion of the Christian kingdoms in the north of the Iberian Peninsula into territory controlled by Muslims, primarily taking place between the 11th and 13th centuries. It began shortly after 711 and ended in 1492, lasting eight centuries. Key battles included the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa (1212) and the Battle of Covadonga.
Repopulation (Repoblación)
This was the occupation of lands conquered from the Muslims by the Christian population. It was promoted in several
Read MorePortuguese and Spanish Maritime Exploration (15th-16th Centuries)
Portuguese Maritime Exploration
From the mid-15th century, the Portuguese prince, Henry the Navigator, encouraged the development of navigation skills and the exploration of the African coast. Portugal’s aim was to gain access to Sudan’s gold supplies and trade with India. Initially, there was competition with Castile in this region, but it was resolved with the signing of the Treaty of Alcáçovas in 1479. The treaty granted Castile the right to conquer the Canary Islands, while Portugal was allowed
Read More