Fernando VII: Absolutism, Liberalism, and American Independence
Fernando VII: Absolutism, Liberalism, and the Loss of Spanish America
In 1814, Fernando VII returned to Spain under the Treaty of Valençay. He rapidly moved to establish absolutism. This process was consolidated with the decree of May 4, 1814, which nullified the 1812 Constitution and the decrees of the Cortes of Cadiz. Fernando VII had significant support from the nobility and clergy, as evidenced in the “Manifesto of the Persians,” which rejected the liberal reforms of Cadiz.
However, neither absolutism
Read MoreDecolonization of Asia and Africa: A Comparative Study
Decolonization of Asia and Africa
Great Britain, Holland, and France were the three most important colonial powers in Asia. The independence of the colonies had peculiar features in each case.
Decolonization in Asia
British Colonies
In Great Britain, the process was relatively peaceful. India achieved its independence in 1947, but at the expense of the separation of Pakistan (a country with a predominantly Muslim population). It was followed by Burma and Ceylon (now called Sri Lanka) in 1948, and Malaysia
Read MoreModern Architecture Evolution: Post-War to 1960s
The Future of Architecture in Italy
Examples of modern, cutting-edge architecture include the Fiat car factory. In Germany, there was an exhibition on modern art. Nazi ideology brutally influenced pictures, posters, films, and public buildings. Hitler was regarded as the artist of the nation. An important work from this period is the Olympic Stadium.
Modern Masters After World War II
World War II disrupted the architectural impulse that gave rise to modern architecture. However, modern architecture
Read MoreSpain in the 15th Century: Unification, Expansion, and Society
The Dynastic Union of Castile and Aragon
The Dynastic Union refers to a new model of monarchy where each kingdom maintained its autonomy and independence, despite being under the rule of the same monarchs. It was a union of crowns, not a merging of countries.
Expansion on the Iberian Peninsula
The Conquest of Granada
Isabella took possession of Granada after the death of the Muslim king. Castile then conquered the territory, culminating in its capture in 1492.
The Incorporation of Navarre
Ferdinand invaded
Read MoreDecisive Battles of the Spanish Civil War
Phase 3: The Decisive Battles
This phase of the Spanish Civil War started from a relative balance of forces. However, over twenty months of war, the balance gradually deteriorated for the insurgents.
A) The Fall of the Cantabrian Fringe (April-October 1937)
When the uprising took place in July, Oviedo in Asturias, Santander, and the provinces of Vizcaya and Guipuzcoa remained loyal to the Republic. In late 1936, Mola took San Sebastian and Irun to bridge the communication from Republican northern France.
Read MoreMarxism: Influences, Surplus Value, and Social Movements
Marxism: Main Influences and Core Concepts
Marxism, an ideology developed in the 19th century by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, drew upon several key intellectual influences.
Key Influences on Marxist Thought
G.W.F. Hegel: Dialectics
Marx adopted the concept of dialectics from G.W.F. Hegel, a prominent figure in German Idealism. Dialectics is a method of understanding history as a series of conflicts between opposing ideas (antagonisms). Each conflict leads to the emergence of a new societal structure.
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