Spanish Conquest & Colonization: Impact on Spain
Conquest and Colonization (1519-1550)
The process began with Magellan and Elcano’s first circumnavigation of the world (1519-1522), passing Cape Horn. The first stage of the conquest was led by Hernán Cortés. He landed in Mexico, founded Veracruz, and militarily dominated the Aztecs (1522) and a large area inhabited by the Mayans. This became the viceroyalty of New Spain. The second stage was directed by Francisco Pizarro, who conquered the Inca Empire (Peru, Ecuador) and its capital, Cuzco, in
Read MoreKey Historical Transformations: 18th-19th Centuries
Proto-industrialization
Traditional manufacturing systems for production were the guild system and concentrated manufactures, also in cities. This had an important momentum in the 17th and 18th centuries. The production rate (putting-out system) in the rural environment was developed by merchants looking for more quantity and to increase production. The rural industry contributed to forming an expert workforce (proto-industry).
The Enlightenment
The Enlightenment was an intellectual movement with the
Read MoreSpain’s Foreign Relations & Political Shifts (1962-1975)
International Relations and Political Shifts in Spain (1962-1975)
International Relations
In 1962, European countries called into question Spain’s economic income and precision. Spain, under Franco, was more democratic than it seemed.
In the 1970s, Spain and other countries configured a Route Options Agreement that considerably reduced tariffs and established favorable conditions for Spanish industrial exports.
Spain also participated in the process of decolonization in Africa. On June 19, 1955, France
Read MorePrimo de Rivera & Spanish Civil War: A Deep Dive
Primo de Rivera’s Dictatorship (1923-1930)
In 1923, General Miguel Primo de Rivera led a military coup against the Spanish government. He claimed that only a dictatorship could end the problems that had emerged during the reign of Alfonso XIII. Alfonso XIII accepted the dictatorship, and Primo de Rivera was named president of the government.
The dictatorship was supported by:
- Business owners, the Church, and the army (to obtain order).
- Socialist trade unions (to introduce social and labor reforms).
The
Read MoreConsequences and Proceedings of World War I
Consequences of World War I
On October 27, 1918, Germany agreed to peace negotiations, and William II had to hand over power. A proletarian revolution spread throughout Germany, which was subsequently suppressed. Preparations for the Versailles Conference began in Europe.
In 1919, representatives of the victorious countries met at Versailles to prepare the final peace treaty. That same year, Germany signed the Treaty of Versailles. It was forced to drastically reduce its army and weapons and pay
Read MoreFranco’s Regime in Spain: 1936-1975
The term “Franco regime” refers to the political and social movement that supported the dictatorial regime in Spain. It emerged during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), led by General Francisco Franco, and prevailed until his death in 1975. From the post-Franco period (or *tardofranquismo*), which coincides with the Spanish Transition, “Francoism” describes political positions considered similar to, or reminiscent of, Franco’s characteristic nationalist, conservative, undemocratic, autocratic,
Read More