Russian Revolution and Stalinist Era: Key Events and Impacts
The Russian Revolution: A Historical Overview
In the early twentieth century, Russia was ruled by Tsar Nicholas II, an autocrat. The population consisted of landless peasants, industrial workers living in squalor, and aristocrats who owned the land and industries. In 1905, unrest forced the Tsar to concede some power to the Duma and implement social and political reforms. However, by 1915, unease grew due to Russia’s involvement in World War I.
The February Revolution (1917)
By February 1917, Russia
Seventeenth Century Crisis: Spain’s Decline and Golden Age
The Seventeenth Century Crisis in Spain
In the seventeenth century, Castile ceased to be the dominant world power. Its kings, known as the Austrians, delegated governmental tasks to their trusted confidants, shielding themselves from problems. Notable figures included Philip III’s Duke of Lerma and Philip IV’s Count-Duke of Olivares, as well as Juan Carlos II of Austria. These figures replaced organized councils, governing with the king’s confidence. This reflected the dynasty’s physical and intellectual
Read MoreRegency, Liberalism, and the Carlist Wars in Spain
The Regency, Liberalism, and the Carlist Wars
Following the death of Fernando VII, his daughter Isabel succeeded him, under the regency of his widow, Maria Cristina of Naples. The Pragmatic Sanction overturned Salic law, sparking protests from Carlist parties, staunch supporters of absolutism. This ignited the First Carlist War, fundamentally rooted in the desire to maintain absolutism.
The Ideology of Carlismo
The ideology of Carlismo centered on the unification of the throne and the altar, advocating
Read More19th Century Spain: Constitution, Liberals, and Restoration
Unit 1: The 1812 Constitution
The principal aim of the new constitution was the prevention of arbitrary and corrupt royal rule. It provided for a limited monarchy which governed through ministers subject to parliamentary control. Suffrage favored the position of the commercial class. The constitution set up a rational and efficient centralized administrative system. The 1812 Constitution established the principles of universal suffrage, national sovereignty, constitutional monarchy, freedom of the
Read MoreWorld War I: Causes and Consequences
The First World War (1914-1918)
The First World War, or Great War, was an armed conflict that took place between 1914 and 1918. It resulted in over 10 million casualties. More than 60 million European soldiers were mobilized from 1914 to 1918. Originating in Europe due to the rivalry between imperialist powers, it became the first conflict to cover more than half the planet. It was once the bloodiest conflict in history. Before the Second World War, this war was called the Great War or the War of
Queen Cristina’s Regency: Carlist Uprising & Liberal Reforms
Queen Cristina’s Regency (1833-1840)
The Carlist uprising and subsequent war forced Queen Cristina to trust her husband’s opponents, facilitating the introduction of reforms into the political system. The alliance between the queen regent and the Liberals was an agreement of convenience, as it was the only force capable of maintaining the rights to the throne of Princess Elizabeth. Over the years, the link between the liberal movement and the advocacy of Princess Elizabeth was reinforced.