Nineteenth Century History: Liberalism, Imperialism, and Spain’s Evolution
19th Century European Political Systems and Imperialism
Liberalism
A political system that emerged in 19th-century Europe, originating notably in England and France. Key characteristics included:
- Universal male suffrage (though often limited initially).
- Freedom of religion and expression.
Prominent political parties of the era included Liberal, Conservative, and Labor parties.
Context: The women’s suffrage movement, particularly active around 1933, advocated for women’s right to vote.
Glossary: Rigging:
Read MoreThe Catholic Monarchs: Unifying Spain and Shaping a New Era
The Dynastic Union of Castile and Aragon
The marriage of Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon in 1469 marked the dynastic union of two major Hispanic crowns: Castile and Aragon. However, this union was purely dynastic, not political, as neither Isabella nor Ferdinand intended to create a unitary and centralized monarchy.
TheConcordia de Segovia stipulated the conditions under which the monarchs would rule on an equal footing across all their territories. Crucially, each kingdom retained
Read MoreKey Events & Concepts of Early 20th Century History
Russian History: Autocracy, Revolution, and Stalinism
Czarist Autocracy: Absolute Rule in Russia
The Czarist autocracy was a system where the Tsar held absolute power, ruling by decree, unbound by any constitution or accountable to a parliament. A loyal bureaucracy and a powerful army maintained control of the empire, while the Orthodox Church served as the regime’s ideological pillar. Agriculture was the primary economic activity, with land owned by a privileged aristocracy. The majority of the population
Read MoreThe Russian Revolution and the Formation of the Soviet Union
The Russian Empire: Pre-Revolutionary Context
Russia was a vast empire with a policy of Russification, encompassing its administration, language, and religion. The country lagged behind European states in industrial development, which was notably poor. Sovereignty rested with a single person, the Czar, against whom no political activity was allowed.
The 1905 Revolution: A Precursor
The revolution began in 1905 following a brutally suppressed demonstration. This event significantly devalued the image
Read MoreSpain’s Second Republic: From Monarchy to Civil War
The Fall of Alfonso XIII and the Second Republic
In 1930, Alfonso XIII’s system attempted to restore the constitutional order of the Restoration, but the monarchy was so discredited that republican groups began to unite to overthrow the king. They were joined by prominent intellectuals such as Miguel de Unamuno, José Ortega y Gasset, and Gregorio Marañón. Partisan political groups supporting the republic signed an agreement in 1930 (the Pact of San Sebastián), committing themselves to establishing
Read MoreSpain’s Regency Era: Maria Cristina & Espartero (1833-1843)
The Spanish Regencies: Maria Cristina & Espartero (1833-1843)
Maria Cristina’s Regency (1833-1840)
Fernando VII died on September 29, 1833, and his widow, Maria Cristina, assumed the regency. This period solidified the division within liberalism into two main streams: Moderate Liberals, who sought a balance between absolutism and popular sovereignty, and Progressive Liberals, who advocated for the principles of the Cortes of Cadiz and comprehensive social and political reform.