The Rise of Totalitarian Regimes and Spain’s Early 20th Century Crisis
Causes of the Rise of Totalitarianism
The rise of totalitarianism is explained by the critical situation experienced across the continent, where the liberal system was deemed guilty of the prevailing instability. Key factors included:
- The difficult recovery following a terrible war (WWI).
- The concern about a workers’ revolution similar to the one that had triumphed in Russia (Bolshevism).
- The widespread fear of the economic crisis (Great Depression context).
Characteristics of Fascist Totalitarianism
Fascist
Read MoreSpain’s Restoration: The Regency of María Cristina and Rise of Nationalism
The Regency of María Cristina of Habsburg
Following the death of Alfonso XII in 1885, his wife, María Cristina of Habsburg, became regent until their son, Alfonso XIII, came of age. The political leaders Cánovas and Sagasta signed the Pact of El Pardo, committing to support the regency and facilitate a peaceful, alternating turnover of governments between their parties. Both leaders honored the agreement, and María Cristina respected the decisions of their governments.
However, this system, known
Read MorePrecursors to World War I: Powers, Alliances, and Crises
Great Powers and Pre-War Tensions
France: Colonial Power and Historical Grievances
- President: Poincaré
- Other Figure: Raimond Cleverman
- Colonies: 29 (including Madagascar and West Africa)
- Historical Context: Lost the Franco-Prussian War, lost Alsace-Lorraine.
Austria-Hungary: Internal Strife and Balkan Ambitions
- Ruler: Franz Josef
- Status: A “patchwork empire” with 0 colonies.
- Ambitions: Wanted Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Internal Issues: Czech language forbidden in schools.
Great Britain: Global Empire and Domestic
Read MoreThe Spanish Civil War: Origins, Factions, and Global Intervention
The 1936 Coup d’État and the Start of the Civil War
The military uprising began on July 17th in Melilla, extending across the Iberian Peninsula on the 18th and 19th. The government, led by Prime Minister Casares Quiroga, reacted slowly and resigned. Diego Martínez Barrio was briefly appointed but resigned due to lack of support. Finally, on July 19th, José Giral formed a new government and made the crucial decision to deliver weapons to civilians. Citizens immediately engaged in the defense of
Read MoreThe Political Regime of Francoism: Structure and Ideology
The Francoist Regime: Core Characteristics
International and Internal Recognition
The regime established by Franco had good relationships with its peers, namely Hitler’s Germany and Mussolini’s Italy. This external support was crucial, leading to Franco’s military victory and subsequent international recognition as a leader, as well as internal recognition as the savior of Spain.
The resistance did not constitute a major nuisance. The middle classes offered passivity, while economic elites and peasants
Read MoreSpanish Civil War (1936-1939): Causes and International Dimensions
The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)
Causes of the Civil War
To explain the Spanish Civil War (SCW), two main theories exist:
- The theory of war as a result of a fascist intervention (Left perspective).
- The theory of war as justification to stop the international communist advance (Right perspective).
However, the SCW was ultimately the result of many complex factors.
The Military Uprising
A group of monarchists and conservatives, supported by other right-wing military figures, prepared a conspiracy following
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