19th Century Liberalism and Revolutions
19th Century Liberalism
Liberalism is an ideology that has its basis in the principles of the Enlightenment. It proposes a new form of organization that affects political, social, and economic development.
Its main precursors were philosophers and thinkers of the Enlightenment (18th century), before the French Revolution. The American and French Revolutions attempted to implement liberal ideas, which were confirmed in the United States but initially failed in Europe.
Throughout the 19th century, many
Read MoreFranco’s Dictatorship in Spain: Phases and Evolution
Franco’s Dictatorship: From Civil War to Technocracy
The Spanish Civil War concluded with the victory of the insurgent forces, establishing a civilian dictatorship. This regime ensured the social dominance and economic interests of the oligarchy, the Church, and the Army. The initial phase was characterized by the persecution of the opposition and an autarkic economic system. The dictatorship underwent several adaptations:
- Fascist Dictatorship: Until the end of World War II.
- International Isolation:
The Communist Bloc and Its Influence 1945-1976
The Communist Bloc
A) The People’s Democracies
- a) Countries liberated by the Red Army formed coalition governments between Communists and other democratic forces.
- b) Both the Communists and the Soviets enjoyed great prestige because of their role in the fight against the Nazis during the war.
- c) The Cold War caused the USSR to reinforce control over its sphere of influence. Thus, the Soviet government allowed the Communists to take power, birthing exclusive and forced them to establish socialist systems
International Conflicts and Events: 1870-1939
League of Nations
- Manchurian Crisis (1931): Japan’s invasion of Manchuria, leading to its occupation and the establishment of the puppet state of Manchukuo.
- Abyssinian Crisis (1935): Italy’s invasion of Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia), leading to international condemnation and sanctions.
- Spanish Civil War (1936-1939): Internal conflict in Spain between Republicans and Nationalists, with foreign intervention and the testing of the principle of non-intervention.
- Failure to Prevent German Rearmament: Germany’
Victorian Era: Alliances, Capitalism & Imperialism
The Victorian Era and European Alliances
In Europe, the Victorian Era (1837-1901) saw the United Kingdom maintain its position as the strongest commercial and financial power in the world, lasting for 63 years.
European Alliance System
- Bismarck’s Alliance System: Promoted by Chancellor Otto von Bismarck (a very important figure in Germany), this system comprised a set of alliances based on secret diplomacy. Its objectives were to isolate France, which was at enmity with Germany due to the loss of Alsace
Key Figures and Events in American History
Pilgrim Fathers – Settlers of Plymouth, Massachusetts, the first permanent colony in New England (1620). Of the 102 colonists, 35 were members of the English Separatist Church (a radical faction of Puritanism) who had earlier fled to Leiden, the Netherlands, to escape persecution at home.
Anti-Federalists – A movement that opposed the creation of a stronger U.S. federal government and which later opposed the ratification of the Constitution of 1787. The previous constitution, called the Articles
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