Key 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.
Key
Read MoreSpain’s Socialist Victory & Reforms (1982-1986)
Victory of the Socialist Party in Spain (1982)
In 1982, the Socialist Party’s victory marked the end of a period of political transition in Spain and the beginning of another.
1982 General Election and the First Socialist Government
During the election campaign, the Socialist Party (PSOE) used a slogan promising change and aiming to elevate Spain’s economic and social standing to that of other European countries. They committed to creating jobs, improving public administration and democracy, and implementing
Read MoreFeudal Europe: Kingdoms, Religion, and Society
Following the Carolingian rule, Europe consisted of a mosaic of kingdoms and states. The common elements were the Christian religion and the political, economic, and social structures of feudalism. For this reason, medieval Europe is also known as Christian and feudal Europe.
After the death of Charlemagne in 814, Europe entered a period of great insecurity. The causes of this insecurity were the struggles among the Emperor’s successors, attacks by Muslims in the Mediterranean, and the arrival of
Read MoreAuthoritarian Regimes: Stalinism, Fascism, and Nazism
The Rise of Authoritarian Dictatorships
In Germany, Italy, and the USSR, authoritarian dictatorships rose to power, sometimes evolving into totalitarian regimes. Several factors contributed to this rise:
- World War I established military organizational habits, such as chain of command and comradeship.
- The war aroused nationalist feelings, reinforced by the economic crisis of 1929 and protectionist policies.
- State power increased through intervention in the economy and society.
- New parties formed, representing
Feudalism: Society, Architecture, and the 14th Century Crisis
Feudalism: Dependency Ratios and Social Structure
Dependency Ratios:
- King and Feudal Lords: A relationship of servitude existed between the King and the feudal lords (nobles). The feudal lords provided military aid to the king and council in return for fiefs.
- Feudal Lords and Knights: Lords used knights to help the king and defend their own fiefdoms. Knights became vassals of the lords in return for support. This divided the nobility into upper and lower classes.
- Feudal Lords and Peasants: Feudal lords