Causes and International Intervention in the Spanish Civil War
Reasons for the Coup
- The attempt to end the economic and social reforms of the left-wing Republican groups had created many enemies.
- The desire to restore public order.
- The desire to end the autonomous regions to unify the state.
- The fear of a proletarian revolution.
- The Army’s desire to return to political life.
- The defense of traditional Catholic values against secular history.
The Conspiracy
Since the Popular Front won the elections, several different general trends began planning a conspiracy against
Read MoreThe Historical and Cultural Context of Locke’s Philosophy
Locke’s Historic and Cultural Context: Political conditions in Europe during the seventeenth century followed the consolidation of absolutism. The capitalist economic crisis, exacerbated by war, led to a progressive decline of absolutism and the ruling aristocracy. The bourgeoisie exploited the situation to gain power. Secularization gained ground, and the clergy lost influence in politics. This period was marked by revolution, particularly with the English Revolution of 1688, which defended the
Read More19th Century Europe: Restoration, Liberalism & Nationalism
Key 19th Century European Concepts
Restoration
A return to the political system of the Ancien Régime imposed by the victorious European countries after Napoleon’s defeat in 1815. It was led by the Congress of Vienna, and its main principles were absolutism, maintaining a balance of power in Europe, the right to intervene in other countries, and restoring the legitimacy of kings to their thrones.
Holy Alliance
One of the two European alliances formed to enforce the agreements made by the Congress of
Read MoreSpain’s Democratic Board Manifesto 1974
The Democratic Board Manifesto (1974)
This manifesto, drafted illegally and made public on July 29, 1974, announced the creation of the Board, consisting of democratic parties and organizations of the anti-Franco opposition. It should be noted that at that time, General Franco was hospitalized, and for this reason, was forced to temporarily transfer power to Juan Carlos. Franco returned to assume the leadership of the state until his death on November 20, 1975.
The aim of the manifesto was to prepare
Read MoreSpain’s Political Leaders: Franco Era to Democracy
Key Figures in Spain’s Modern Political History
Manuel Gutiérrez Mellado
A Lieutenant General and a key military figure during Spain’s transition to democracy. As First Vice President of the Government for Defense Affairs (appointed by Adolfo Suárez in 1976), he played a crucial role in military reforms, including repealing the outdated military ordinances of Carlos III and replacing them with new ones. He is famously remembered for his courageous confrontation with Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Tejero
Read MoreFrench Revolution: Causes, Events & Radical Change
The French Revolution: A Turning Point
In 1789, a historical process developed in France that destroyed the economic and social foundations of the Old Regime and eliminated the absolute monarchy. The ideas that drove the French Revolution influenced subsequent liberal and socialist revolutionary movements.
Seeds of Revolt: Pre-Revolutionary France
France was a country grappling with significant social conflict and a monarchical state in crisis. The French state suffered from a severe financial crisis,
Read More