Spanish Civil War: Political, International Impact & Aftermath
The Spanish Civil War: Political and International Dimensions
The Spanish Civil War began with a military uprising aimed at overthrowing the Republic. What was intended as a coup quickly escalated into a conflict lasting almost three years. Historians have proposed two different approaches:
- Posing the Civil War as a conflict of marginal secondary interest for the great powers of the time.
- Considering it a prologue to the Second World War, where leading ideologies of the time—Fascism, Communism, and
Venezuelan Colonial History: 16th-18th Centuries
The Foundation of Cities
Founded in 1545, El Tocuyo served as a foundational point from which settlements expanded into central and western Venezuela. Key settlements towards the center included Borburata (1549), Valencia (1553), Nirgua (1554), Caracas (1567), and Victoria (1595).
Ethnic Groups
- Miscegenation Examples:
- White with Indian: Mestizo
- Black with White: Mulatto
- Indian with Black: Zambo
- Company Privileges Example: The prohibition of marriage between whites and people of color (browns, blacks,
The Spanish War of Succession and Bourbon Reforms
The Absolute Monarchy of the Bourbons: War of Succession
The last monarch of the House of Austria, Charles II, died in 1700 without issue. The only candidates were Philip of Anjou and the Archduke Charles of Habsburg. Charles II’s testament designated Philip V as his successor (1700), and he was sworn in 1701. This created a conflict between the European powers. With Philip V strengthening the influence of the Bourbons in Europe, Great Britain, Holland, and Portugal, contrary to that, gave their
Read MoreJFK and LBJ: Presidency, Policies, and Legacy
JFK’s Election and Presidency
In what year was Kennedy elected?
John F. Kennedy was elected in 1960.
What was important about the 1960 election?
Kennedy’s charisma and appearance played a significant role, especially in the televised debates against Nixon.
Why were some people hesitant about Kennedy’s election?
Concerns included his inexperience, young age, and Catholic faith.
Why were most of Kennedy’s proposals defeated by Congress?
Lack of a strong mandate and opposition from “Dixiecrats” (Southern Democrats)
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
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