Key Changes and Reigns: 15th-16th Century Europe and Spain
Changes in the 15th Century
Economic Changes
- Agricultural production increased: there was an increase in the amount of land under cultivation. The three-field system was maintained. The main crops were cereals. Agriculture and livestock continued to be the main economic activity.
- Intensified commercial activity: agricultural production resulted in surpluses, and these were sold at markets and fairs.
- Expansion of craftsmanship, controlled by guilds. Introduction of the domestic system: peasants made
Key Terms of the Franco Dictatorship in Spain
Key Definitions from Francoist Spain
- Generalísimo of the Armies
- Title received by Francisco Franco during his dictatorship, signifying his role as the supreme commander of the armed forces.
- Caudillo
- Title adopted by Franco during his dictatorship, meaning ‘leader’ or ‘chieftain’, signifying his supreme political authority, akin to a head of state.
- Dictatorship
- Political system under Franco where all power was concentrated in his hands, establishing a dictatorial regime.
- FET y de las JONS
- Falange Española
Spain’s 19th Century Political Transformation
Spain’s Transition: Moderate to Liberal Democracy
Reign of Elizabeth II: Moderate Liberalism (1833-1868)
Fernando VII died in 1833, and his daughter Elizabeth II inherited the crown as a minor. Due to her age, she had two regents: her mother, Maria Cristina, and later General Espartero.
Carlist Wars: Dynastic and Political Conflict
The succession of Ferdinand VII led to a dynastic dispute, confronting Don Carlos (the king’s brother, defending absolutism) against the supporters of Isabel II (representing
Read MoreTransformations in the Late 19th Century: Europe and Spain
The Second Half of the Nineteenth Century
During the second half of the nineteenth century, capitalism was consolidated in the more advanced countries, and states in the modern sense emerged, with a central government, unitary legislation, a common tax system, etc.
In social terms, the bourgeoisie and proletariat were very widespread, whose clashes were ongoing. In parallel, the old nobility continued to decline. Although the bourgeoisie and nobility continued fighting over power, the middle class
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Colonial Legacy: Problems of New Countries
Newly decolonized countries faced serious problems, both economic and political. Some were inherited from the decolonization process itself, while others stemmed from difficulties integrating into the international system and achieving internal stability.
Key limitations included:
- Economic Impoverishment: Characterized by low per capita income levels, the prevalence of the primary sector, and very low economic growth.
- Lack of Infrastructure: A major problem
Causes and Key Stages of the French Revolution
Causes of the French Revolution
The French Revolution was triggered by a combination of factors:
Ideas of the Enlightenment
Enlightenment thinkers promoted ideas such as the equality of all people under the law, the separation of powers, and popular sovereignty. These concepts challenged the existing absolute monarchy and social hierarchy.
Political Crisis
France was an absolute monarchy ruled by Louis XVI. The King refused to hold the Estates General, preventing the Third Estate from presenting their
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