Spanish Constitution 1812 & Reign of Ferdinand VII
The Spanish Constitution of 1812
Key features of the 1812 Constitution:
- Hereditary constitutional monarchy.
- Declaration of rights: inviolability of domicile, freedom of the press, legal equality, and elementary education for all.
- Confessional state.
- Indirect universal suffrage in the fourth grade.
- Creation of the Militia.
- Separation of powers:
- Legislative: Unicameral Cortes.
- Executive: Monarch.
- Judicial: Courts of Justice.
The constitution is important because it marked the beginning of Spanish constitutionalism
Read MoreThe Russian Revolution and the Rise of Stalin’s USSR
The Russian Revolution
The Russian Revolution erupted in 1917 during the First World War. It was a Bolshevik revolution that overthrew Tsar Nicholas II and established the world’s first communist state. In the early twentieth century, the Tsarist empire was extensive and dominated by monarchical absolutism, but its economy lagged behind the rest of Europe. Politically, the Tsar held the greatest power, supported by a loyal bureaucracy and army, while the Orthodox Church provided an important ideological
Read MoreDecolonization: Causes and Global Impact
Concept and Causes of Decolonization
The concept of decolonization defines the historical process by which the colonies of European empires won their independence. It was a relatively fast process, since it only lasted thirty years.
Impact of World War II
World War II showed the world the weakness of the European imperial powers: France and Britain were defeated in the first years of the conflict, and Germany and Italy were defeated at the end. The myth of invincibility was definitely broken. The European
Read MoreSpain’s Transition to Democracy: 1982-2004
Spain’s Democratic Transition: 1982-2004
From 1982, Spain began a period of democratic normalcy in which two parties alternated in government: the PSOE (1982-1996) and the PP (1996-2004).
The Governments of the UCD
Once the constitution was approved, Parliament was dissolved, and elections were called for March 1979. The UCD, presided over by Adolfo Suárez, won again. The UCD gained 168 deputies, the PSOE 121, and the PCE 23 seats. The largest party on the right, Democratic Coalition, won only 10
Read MoreKey Laws and Battles of the Second Spanish Republic
Congregations Law (June 2, 1933)
Regulated and supervised state activities of religious orders, granting the ability to dissolve an order if it became a danger to the state. Prohibited religious congregations from teaching from October 1. The discontent that led to this law forced Niceto Alcalá Zamora to dissolve the Parliament and call general elections.
The Azaña Law (April 1931)
Reduced the number of officers by awarding full-pay retirement to generals and officers who were sworn not to the Republic.
Read MoreKey Historical Events and Concepts Explained
Economy & Society
Economy: The oil crisis caused inflation and increased unemployment.
Society: This crisis led to social unrest and strikes. Illegal trade unions were formed.
Spanish Transition to Democracy
Transition to Government: The restoration of a democratic system in Spain was led by King Juan Carlos I. Carlos Arias Navarro was the prime minister.
Measures Taken: The Law for Political Reform, democratic elections, an amnesty, and the legalization of political parties were implemented.