Spanish Succession War & Bourbon Reforms (1700-1714)
The War of the Spanish Succession (1700-1714)
Political developments in 18th-century Spain resulted from a dynastic change, as the Habsburgs (los Austrias) were replaced by the Bourbons. Consequently, the government in Spain became more centralized.
- Charles II was the last Spanish King of the Habsburg line. He died without heirs, but in his will (testamento), he appointed Philip of Anjou (grandson of Louis XIV of France) as his successor, who acceded to the throne as Philip V.
- The danger of a possible
The Fall of the Tsarist Regime and the Rise of the USSR
The Russian Revolution: Causes, Events, and Impact
Background: The Russo-Japanese War (1905)
In 1905, Russia, underestimating the rising power of Japan, engaged in a war for control of Korea and Manchuria, including Port Arthur. Russia’s surprising defeat against the industrialized Japan exposed the weaknesses of the Tsarist regime, a giant with feet of clay. Russia was a backward country with millions of illiterate peasants, a weak bourgeoisie, and limited industry. The Tsar decided to spearhead
Read MoreFerdinand VII’s Reign: Absolutism, Liberalism, and American Independence
Ferdinand VII: Absolutism, Liberalism, and the Emancipation of Spanish America
Absolutist Six-Year Period (1814-1820)
Ferdinand VII returned to Spain in March 1814 after Napoleon’s defeat. The Treaty of Valencia restored him to the crown. Many Spaniards, including those who authored the “Manifesto of the Persians,” hoped for a return to absolute monarchy. Ferdinand VII responded with the Decree of Valencia, abolishing the reforms of the Cádiz Cortes and restoring the Old Regime. This period was
Read MoreFranco’s Regime: Ideals, Power, and Policies in Spain
Franco’s Regime: Ideals and Consolidation of Power
Franco established a new state based on the ideals of July 18th: the defense of class interests, the creation of social order, and the defense of corporate interests, all stemming from a reaction against perceived social chaos, communism, and anti-Catholicism. The regime’s foundation was victory in the Spanish Civil War. A coup d’état initiated a military dictatorship, concentrating all power in Franco himself. This dictatorship was a direct response
Read MoreTreaty of Fontainebleau & Spanish Uprising 1807-1840
Causes and Consequences: Treaty of Fontainebleau & The Mutiny of Aranjuez
Treaty of Fontainebleau (1807)
The Treaty of Fontainebleau (1807) allowed French troops to enter Spain under the pretext of invading Portugal. However, it led to French occupation and sparked Spanish resistance.
Mutiny of Aranjuez (1808)
The Mutiny of Aranjuez (1808) was a popular revolt against Prime Minister Godoy. It resulted in Charles IV’s abdication in favor of his son, Ferdinand VII, ultimately facilitating Napoleon’
Read MoreKey Events and Periods in British History
Definitions
- Dominions: During the fight for independence, the term “dominions” referred to territories that were part of the British Empire but had acquired a high degree of autonomy in their internal government.
- The Great Heathen Army: This was a coalition of Viking warriors that invaded England, with the goal of conquering and settling in English territory. The GHA conquered several Anglo-Saxon kingdoms but faced resistance in Wessex under King Alfred.
- Welfare: In the 1940s, “welfare” referred to