Francoism: Political Repression and Evolution in Spain
Franco’s Regime (1939-1975)
ITEM 6: Nature of the Scheme: Personal dictatorship of Franco with absolute and unlimited power.
Franco’s Political Thought: From military service in Africa to Catholicism, Franco was a promulgator of Spanish nationalism. He held the military virtues of discipline, hierarchy, order, and national values. He maintained profitable relationships with the Church. He interpreted the history of Spain as an imperial destiny, mimicking the time of the Catholic Monarchs, the conquest
Read MoreParis Peace Conference & Aftermath: Reshaping Europe After WWI
Peace Treaties (1919-1920)
The Peace of Paris
In 1918, before the end of the war, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson’s Fourteen Points enunciated the principles upon which peace should be based.
At the Paris Peace Conference, attended only by the victorious powers, peace was organized, partly inspired by Wilson’s proposals. Five treaties were signed with the defeated nations, designing a new map of Europe and establishing the League of Nations to ensure future peace.
The Treaty of Versailles, signed with
Read MoreFernando VII: Absolutism, Liberalism, and the Spanish Crisis
The Era of Fernando VII: Absolutism Versus Liberalism
The return of Fernando VII marked the end of liberal reforms.
The First Restoration (1814 to 1820)
Fernando VII returned in 1814 and was welcomed by the people. Encouraged by the Manifesto of the Persians, issued by army officers, the Church, and conservative politicians, he moved to overturn the Constitution and dissolve the Cortes. On May 4, 1814, the king led a coup, issuing a decree that nullified all reforms approved by the Cortes. Many liberals
Read MoreSimón Bolívar’s Travels and Transformation in Europe
How were Bolívar’s travels in general?
During his first trip, Bolívar met María Teresa Rodríguez del Toro, whom he married after fulfilling numerous requirements, including the King’s permission. After their marriage in 1802, his wife returned to Venezuela and died eight months later from a serious illness. This left Bolívar alone and deeply sorrowful. He also learned about Mexico and Cuba in Spain and France.
His second trip was a distraction from his early widowhood, lasting three years, during
Read MoreSpanish 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