Causes of World War II: Treaty of Versailles to Appeasement
The Peace Treaties of World War I
Harsh conditions were imposed on the defeated countries, especially Germany, and some victorious countries were dissatisfied, as in the case of Italy. This generated a feeling of humiliation and frustration in these countries, increasing nationalist sentiment in the masses.
The Great Depression
The economic crisis impoverished many people, and millions of workers became unemployed. European nations applied protectionist measures and tried to gain access to new markets
Read MoreOctober Revolution and 1929 Wall Street Crash: A Historical Analysis
The October Revolution
What began in February as an insurrection against Tsarist absolutism transformed, in just a few months, into the first socialist revolution in the world. Russia transitioned from autocracy to socialism in only seven months. The prestige of the Bolsheviks increased among the working classes, and their membership grew.
Lenin had returned to Russia from exile in Switzerland. Germany facilitated his passage, along with other socialist leaders, because they knew that the pacifist
Read More19th Century Spain: From Absolutism to Restoration
Ferdinand VII’s Reign and its Aftermath
Ferdinand VII returned to Spain. Initially, he was committed to restoring the Constitution of 1812. However, he later repealed the constitution and ruled as an absolute monarch. Colonel Priego led a revolt that forced the monarch to abide by the Constitution of 1812. The period from 1823 to 1833 was known as the “Década Ominosa” (Ominous Decade), characterized by an absolutist reign. Spain faced a difficult situation upon Ferdinand VII’s return due to the
Spain’s History: Monarchy, Republic, and Civil War
Item 9: Spain in the First Half of the 20th Century
First Decades of Alfonso XIII’s Reign (Early 1900s)
Initially, a two-party system characterized by the alternation of power between liberals and conservatives. However, this system was marred by rigged elections.
Problems:
- Resurgence of nationalism
- Military sensitivity to criticism
- Moroccan War
- Development of the labor movement and leftist opposition
- Anarchist terrorism
A major crisis was the “Tragic Week” in July 1909, involving sending reservist troops,
Read MoreKey Figures & Events of the Spanish Civil War
Cardinal Segura: A Controversial Figure
Cardinal Pedro Segura Sáenz was a prominent Spanish cleric and a key member of the Church hierarchy. He served as Cardinal Primate of Spain and Archbishop of Seville. He held the position until his death in 1957, although he was ousted in 1931 and returned in 1937.
General Cabanellas: Leadership in the Nationalist Uprising
General Miguel Cabanellas, a senior general, presided over the National Defense Council established on July 24, 1936. Although he held this
Read MoreSpain’s Restoration Period: Politics and Society (1876-1890)
The Spanish Restoration (1876-1890): Politics and Key Events
The Carlist Wars were neutralized, leading to the removal of Basque privileges and institutions (1876). However, the Basque Country retained fiscal autonomy through the Economic Agreement (1878). The end of the war in Cuba was followed by another conflict in 1895, resulting in the island’s independence and war with the United States.
Key Features of the 1876 Constitution
A new constitution, inspired by the 1845 version, was introduced in
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