Franco’s Regime: Spain Under a Military Dictatorship
1. Franco: A Military Dictatorship
The regime of Francisco Franco (1939-1975) was a dictatorship characterized by opposition to communism and liberal democracy, and the defense of traditionalism and unity in Spain.
A Totalitarian Regime
Franco was head of state and held the title of “Caudillo” (Leader) in Spain. He concentrated all executive, legislative, and judicial power. He was also the supreme commander of all the armies.
All parties, unions, and political associations were outlawed, and their
Read MoreRise of Fascism and Nazism in Europe (1918-1939)
The Rise of Fascism and Nazism (1918-1939)
1918 – Abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II.
1919 – Elections in Italy. The Fascist Party presents itself. A failed uprising in Berlin aims to proclaim a council of workers, emulating the Soviet model. Anton Drexler founded the National Socialist German Workers’ Party in Munich.
1921 – Fascists gain 35 seats in a very violent election. Centrist parties were severely impacted, and the edges were strengthened. Following the failure of legal means to access the government,
Read MoreArticle 6 of the LOE 1967: Franco’s Powers
This is a legal text, specifically Article 6 of the Organic Law of the State (LOE). Title II of the document was published in the official gazette on November 1st, 1967, fulfilling the obligation to publicize the law before it came into force.
The LOE and Franco’s Regime
The LOE was one of the Fundamental Laws, a set of basic rules sought for the institutionalization of Franco’s regime, which had emerged after the triumph of the Nationalists in the Spanish Civil War. (LOE1967)
Franco presented the
Read MoreEuropean History: Key Events and Figures
French Revolution (1789-1799)
Causes:
- Neglect of the state by Louis XV & XVI.
- Irresponsible & inefficient administration.
- No true representative assembly.
- Chaotic legal system.
- Growing middle class excluded from politics but infused with the ideas of the philosophes.
- Financial bankruptcy of the treasury.
Mercantilism
Governmental regulation of all aspects of the economy, which accompanies absolutism.
Absolutism
The most prevalent form of government in the 17th century. It is best described as a stringent
Charles V and Philip II: Spanish Empire’s Rise and Fall
Charles V: Inheritance and Reign
Charles V inherited a vast empire. From his maternal grandparents, the Catholic Monarchs, he received the Spanish kingdoms in 1516, becoming Charles I of Spain. From his paternal grandparents, Maximilian I and Mary of Burgundy, he inherited the title of Holy Roman Emperor, becoming Charles V. Charles was born in Flanders and initially appointed Flemish nobles to key government positions. This caused the Revolt of the Comuneros in Castile, leading to changes in the
Read More19th Century Imperialism: Causes, Conflicts, and Political Opposition
Causes of 19th Century Imperialism
In the second half of the 19th century, some European powers, and shortly after, the United States and Japan, dominated areas of the planet, giving rise to modern imperialism. Different causes contributed to this phenomenon:
Economic Reasons
The process of industrialization undertaken by the powers during the 19th century generated new needs for the functioning of the capitalist model, including:
- The search for markets to dispose of their products.
- The need for raw