Key Concepts: History, Politics, and Economics Explained
Why is Galdós considered a novelist of reality?
He draws on reality to write his work, mainly set in 14th-century Madrid. Representative works include: Doña Perfecta and Misericordia.
What are Clarín’s novels?
La Regenta, Su único hijo.
What is the difference between the way of achieving democracy in Britain and France?
In Britain, democracy was achieved based on electoral reforms under a stable parliamentary monarchy. In France, it was achieved under successive revolutions and political instability.
Read MoreFrancoism in Spain: Politics, Economy, and Society (1959-1975)
Francoism in Spain (1959-1975)
In the early 1950s, Franco, having initially liberalized the economy, found himself unable to carry out his plan of autarky. This situation propelled Spain towards modernization. However, the regime’s core principles and behavior remained unchanged.
Political Aspects
Political Transformations: In the 1960s, Franco’s power was divided between two political factions:
- Opus Dei Technocrats: Supported by Carrero Blanco, they managed to liberalize the economy while maintaining
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