Spanish Economy: State Intervention & Infrastructure (1898-1929)
State Intervention
Another feature of the Spanish economy was the restriction of competition between companies and consistent state intervention in the economy. Companies established agreements to fix prices. This led to higher sale prices in Spain compared to other countries. The steel industry, particularly the company Altos Hornos de Vizcaya, clearly exemplified this restriction of competition, practically monopolizing Spanish iron and steel production.
State intervention manifested in two directions:
Read MoreFrench Revolution: Causes and Stages 1789-1799
The French Revolution
In 1789, France was in a deep economic and social crisis. Since 1760, poor harvests had caused food prices to augment. The bourgeoisie, enriched by the economic growth of the eighteenth century, was dissatisfied with its political marginalization, since only the privileged could have positions of power and social recognition. Following Enlightenment ideas, the bourgeoisie wanted to end the Old Regime.
The monarchy was in a financial crisis caused by the expenses of the state
Read MoreSpain Under Queen Isabella II: Politics, Wars, and Revolution
T.1 B.3: Queen Isabella II (1833-1868)
The reign of Queen Isabella II (1833-1868) begins with the establishment of a liberal regime characterized by national sovereignty, division of powers, and defined duties. Nine political parties emerged, broadly divided into two groups: Moderates and Progressives.
- Moderates: Supported by nobles, bureaucracy, and landowners. They favored shared sovereignty between the courts and the King, a bicameral legislature (Congress and Senate), restricted census suffrage,
French Revolution: Causes, Phases, and Legacy
Causes of the Revolution
In 1789, France was in crisis. An economic and social crisis, starting with the crop failures of the 1760s, showed the financial weakness of the state. The bourgeoisie was politically marginalized; the privileged classes could hold office and enjoy social recognition, but the bourgeoisie sought to end absolutism and the entire system of the Old Regime.
The French Revolution began with a revolt of the aristocracy. The privileged refused to pay taxes and requested that King
Read MoreFranco’s Regime in Spain: Politics and Economy
Franco’s Regime: A Deep Dive into 20th-Century Spain
Political Landscape of Franco’s Dictatorship
The Franco regime was a dictatorship characterized by opposition to communism and liberal democracy, and the defense of traditionalism in Spain. Franco concentrated all powers (legislative, executive, and judicial). All political parties and trade unions were illegal, except for the official party (FET y de las JONS) and a single union (CNS). Elections were suppressed, and Franco legislated by decree.
Read MoreWorld War I: Causes, Participants, Phases, and Effects
Causes of War
- France wanted to recover the region of Alsace-Lorraine.
- The Austro-Hungarian Empire occupied and then annexed Bosnia-Herzegovina, leading to nationalist protests by Serbians living in Bosnia and angering Russia (Serbia’s traditional ally).
- Industrialized European countries expanded their empires and competed for control of colonies, especially in North Africa.
- Britain and Germany engaged in a naval arms race, building powerful new battleships known as dreadnoughts.
The Alliances
- The Triple