Victorian Era: Alliances, Capitalism & Imperialism
The Victorian Era
In Europe, the United Kingdom continued to be the strongest commercial and financial power in the world for 63 years (1837-1901).
European Alliance System
Bismarck Alliance System: (a very important person in Germany) These were a set of alliances, based on secret diplomacy, promoted by Chancellor Otto von Bismarck. Their objectives were to isolate France, at enmity with Germany due to the loss of Alsace and Lorraine in the Franco-Prussian War, and to prevent its alliance with Russia
Read MoreSpain’s Economic Shift: Autarky to Industrialization
The National Institute of Industry (INI) and Autarky (1940s)
Many public enterprises were created through the INI. The main group companies (Iberia, Endesa, Aunos, etc.) were established during these early years. During this period, the free market operation was replaced by the arbitrary fixing of prices by the state.
The state controlled the market, and producers were forced to sell all production at a price set in advance. The valuation of food prices below their actual value caused many producers
Read MoreSpain’s Restoration Period: Politics and Society
The Restoration Period in Spain (1874-1931)
If these measures resulted in the expected outcome, resorting to “rigging” is, in other words, to vote on behalf of deceased neighbors. The change in power was predetermined by the tacit agreement between the political and social powers that possessed it; that is, by what is called “the oligarchy and *caciquismo*.”
The oligarchy was formed by political leaders of both parties, related to landowners and the wealthy bourgeoisie. At their service was the *cacique*
Read MoreCold War: Confrontation and Coexistence
Cold War and Peaceful Coexistence
The Cold War, a model of international relations that developed after World War II, was based on permanent antagonism between blocs led by the United States and the Soviet Union. It was a tense confrontation, without ever escalating to direct military conflict between the two superpowers, but it spurred a massive arms race.
Key Conflicts:
- The Korean War (1950-1953): Following World War II, North Korea was occupied by Soviet troops, and the South by American troops,
Spain Under Franco: Post-Civil War Politics & Economy
Spain’s Economic and Social Development Under Franco: The Situation in Andalusia
A few months after the conclusion of the Spanish Civil War, the world plunged into World War II. The Franco regime was linked to the fascist powers of Germany, Italy, and Japan.
When the World War triggered in September 1939, Spain immediately declared itself neutral. Franco knew that the country was not able to participate in a new war. The Axis powers probed the possibilities of Spain’s integration into the conflict
Read MoreMexican History: Independence, Reform, and Revolution
Mexico: Independence, Reform, and Revolution
Independence and Early Challenges (1821-1830)
- Mexican independence, initiated by priests Hidalgo and Morelos, was finalized by Agustin Iturbide under conservative auspices in 1821.
- Ships began entering Mexico in 1823, but a trade deficit emerged (more imports than exports), covered by the export of precious metals. This led to:
- Bankruptcy
- Unsafe roads
- A drain of gold and silver
- Costly bureaucracy
- Foreign loans in 1824-1825 increased national debt.
- Partial recovery