Spain’s Economic and Social Transformation in the 19th Century
Economic Modernization
Spain’s economic development in the 19th century was limited. It remained a predominantly agricultural country with little industry, and its industrial implementation was delayed compared to other European countries. However, in the last quarter of the century, significant political, social, and economic transformations laid the groundwork for 20th-century economic modernization.
Demographic Changes
This period saw a significant rural exodus, with a final wave of emigration from
Read More17th Century Europe: Monarchies and Conflicts
Spain in the 17th Century
Philip III (Ruled 1598 – 1621)
In the 17th century, Spain suffered a political and economic crisis because three weak kings ruled it. They didn’t rule directly; instead, they had favorites (nobles who governed for them).
Philip III became king in 1598, and his favorite was the Duke of Lerma. In 1609, Moriscos were expelled (they were not trusted), and this damaged the economy because they were peasants. In 1604, he signed a temporary peace agreement with England, and in
Read MoreWar of Independence and Political Revolution in 1808
The Crisis of 1808: War of Independence and Revolution
Background: Crisis in the Old Regime
The old regime was characterized by a stratified structure inherited from the Middle Ages and significant economic problems across Europe. Charles IV was an inept ruler with little political interest; his wife largely controlled political affairs.
Foreign Policy: Spain initially attempted to isolate itself from France (‘Florida Blanca’ policy). Aranda tried to avoid the king’s execution until 1796. Godoy then
Read MoreSpain’s Political Shift: 1898-1931
1. The Decline of Dynastic Rule (1898-1917)
At the beginning of the twentieth century, Galicia experienced a political dynamic distinct from the rest of Spain. Dynastic parties began to lose electoral hegemony, alongside the rise of Catalan republicanism. In 1902, Alfonso XIII reached the age of majority, opening an opportunity to regenerate Spanish political life.
Conservative President Antonio Maura implemented reforms in finance and administered a local electoral law. However, these reforms were
Read MoreKey Events: Columbus, Carlos V, Plague, and Spanish Institutions
Key Historical Events and Institutions in Spain
Columbus was recognized with the title of Admiral, Viceroy, and Governor General, and granted a tenth of the wealth obtained from the lands he discovered. He departed from the Port of Palos on August 3rd and by December, he had discovered the Antilles, Cuba, and Hispaniola. By 1504, he had already made three more voyages. The discovery heightened the rivalry between Spain and Portugal, leading to papal intervention and the subsequent signing of the
Read MoreInterwar Period: Economic Crisis & Rise of Totalitarianism
The Interwar Period (1919-1939)
The Economic Crisis
The Initial Situation
- The United States: Economic powerhouse of the time.
- Large industrial, commercial, and financial sector: “Roaring 20s”
- Europe: Need for economic reconstruction.
Problems in Europe:
- Adapting to a “peace” economy.
- Financial chaos.
“Dawes Plan” of aid to Germany (1924)
The “Crash” of 1929
- Caused by speculation in the U.S.
- Bankruptcy of the New York Stock Exchange.
- Leads to:
The “Great Depression”
The Great Depression affected the world economy,
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