Capitalism’s Post-War Transformation: Growth and Welfare States
The Capitalist World Since 1945
The capitalist world since 1945 covered large areas of the planet. The most important areas were North America, Western Europe, and Japan, which experienced a growth spurt called the “welfare state,” interrupted only by the oil crisis in 1973. These were the golden years of the capitalist system, which had undergone a profound change to avoid repeating the mistakes that led to the crisis of 1929. In the 1980s, neoliberalism emerged, and the state minimized its involvement
Read MoreSecond Spanish Republic: Reforms and Challenges (1931)
Biennium 1931: The Second Spanish Republic
The Second Spanish Republic emerged from Republican causes, marked by constitutional aspirations and a provisional government focused on social, educational, labor, and military reforms.
Proclamation and Initial Actions (April 14, 1931)
On April 14, 1931, the Second Republic was proclaimed in Eibar, where the Republican flag was first raised. Several cities, including Barcelona, Seville, Zaragoza, and others adhering to the San Sebastián Pact (SSEB), joined
Read More20th Century Thought: Marx, Nietzsche, Freud, and Darwin’s Impact
20th Century Mentality: Marx, Nietzsche, Freud, Darwin
The 20th century saw a significant shift in mentality, largely influenced by the works of Marx, Nietzsche, Freud, and Darwin. While differences existed, a consensus emerged, primarily criticizing the prevailing ideas of modernity. Each thinker explored hidden aspects of human existence: Marx examined economic forces, Freud delved into the unconscious, and Nietzsche questioned established values. Darwin’s theory of evolution challenged traditional
Read MoreUnderstanding the Second Spanish Republic: Key People and Events
Key Figures and Events of the Second Spanish Republic
Niceto Alcalá Zamora: Born in Priego de Córdoba, he was a member of the Liberal Party and a deputy since 1905. Radicalized during the dictatorship in 1930, he declared himself a Republican, joined the revolutionary committee, and became its head. Upon the proclamation of the Republic, he became interim prime minister but resigned. Soon after, however, he accepted the position of president and remained until 1936.
Alejandro Lerroux: His incendiary,
Read MoreOrigins and Impact of World War II
Causes of World War II
One of the causes was the Treaty of Versailles, which imposed tough conditions on the vanquished. This produced resentment and ultra-nationalist reactions. Another cause was the economic crisis of 1929. It discredited democracies, which failed to resolve problems such as increased unemployment, and led to the rise of fascism in Europe. Nazi expansionism was also a factor, favored by the attitude of European democracies (France and Britain) and isolation from the politics of
Read MoreFascism and Nazism: Origins and Rise to Power
The Rise of Fascism and Nazism in Europe
All right-wing authoritarian movements, including fascism, share common characteristics: the rejection of the bourgeois world, the repression of leftist political parties and trade unions (which they considered extremist), a tendency to rely on the armed forces of the state, the rejection of parliamentary democracy and its institutions, and the combination of strong nationalism with xenophobia and racism.
Fascist movements, such as those in Italy and Germany,
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