Spanish Golden Age: Art, Empire, and Decline
Dutch Artists
Rembrandt
He was a Dutch painter and engraver. Art history considers him one of the greatest Baroque masters of painting and engraving, being surely the most important artist in the history of the Netherlands.
Flemish Artists
Rubens
A Baroque painter from the Flemish school. His exuberant
War of the Spanish Succession: Causes and Outcomes
War of the Spanish Succession (1701–1714)
The War of the Spanish Succession (1701–1714) was the last of the general European wars caused by King Louis XIV‘s efforts to extend French power. In America, the conflict corresponding to this period was known as Queen Anne’s War (see French and Indian Wars).
Causes of the War
The precarious health of the childless King Charles II of Spain left the succession open to three principal pretenders:
- Louis XIV, on behalf of his eldest son, a grandson of King
Spanish Bourbon Dynasty: Succession, Reforms, and Enlightenment
War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714)
The War of the Spanish Succession was a major European conflict that occurred between 1701 and 1714, triggered by the death of Charles II of Spain without a direct heir. The enthronement of Philip V, a Bourbon, alienated Great Britain, the Dutch Republic, and Austria, who feared the union of the Spanish and French thrones. The Crown of Aragon supported Archduke Charles of Austria. Philip V, backed by France and Castile, ultimately secured his recognition
Read MoreByzantine & Carolingian Empires: History & Culture
The Byzantine Empire: Legacy of Rome
The achievements made by Rome during the Republic and the Empire contributed to the formation of a great empire around the Mediterranean. It survived invasions by Germanic peoples until 395 AD. Then:
- The Western Roman Empire disappeared in 476 when Odoacer, leader of the Heruli, deposed the last Roman emperor, Romulus Augustulus.
- The Eastern Roman Empire, later known as the Byzantine Empire, survived the Germanic invasions and lasted until 1453. The name comes
Spanish Historical Evolution: Constitutions & Society
Spanish Constitutions of the 19th Century
- 1812 Cádiz: National Sovereignty; Separation of powers; Proclamation of Individual Rights, legal equality; Census suffrage.
- 1837 Progressive (Espartero): National Sovereignty; Broad separation of powers; Increased rights; Denominational light; Increased right to vote (not universal suffrage).
- 1845 Moderate (Narváez): Shared sovereignty between the Crown and Courts; Rejection of separation of powers, limited individual rights; Catholic confessional state;
Europe 1919: Post-WWI Territorial Changes
Europe in 1919: The Territorial Impact of World War I
This political history map represents Europe in 1919, highlighting the territorial implications of the First World War. Between 1900 and 1914, two antagonistic blocs formed, leading to a policy of rearmament among the great powers. This period is known as the Armed Peace.
The Formation of Alliances
In 1882, the Triple Alliance was signed between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. This alliance was a cornerstone of international politics until
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