Russia’s Revolutions: From Tsarist Rule to Bolshevik Victory
The Fall of the Tsars in Russia (1905-1917)
The End of the Tsars
In the early twentieth century, Russia was still an absolute monarchy. The monarch concentrated supreme power in his hands and exercised it without limits. Although there was a parliament (Duma), its powers were very limited, as the Tsar could convene or dissolve the Duma at will. The economy remained largely agrarian. However, the establishment of some heavy industries and the construction of the railroad led to growth in the working
Read MoreMonarchy, Enlightenment, and Colonial Rivalry in the 18th Century
Two Models of Monarchy
The Absolute Height of State
During the 18th century, absolutism reached its apogee in Europe. France developed absolutism, while England saw the rise of parliamentary monarchy.
The Absolute Monarchy in France
During the 18th century in France, Louis XIV, XV, and XVI reigned.
The Divine Right: Imbued with a sacred character, French monarchs were considered representatives of God on Earth.
Centralized Power: Most decision-making was concentrated in the King’s figure.
Bureaucracy:
Read MoreSpanish Crisis: Cadiz Courts & 1812 Constitution (1808-1814)
Crisis of the Ancient Regime (1808-1814): Courts of Cadiz and 1812 Constitution
Influence of the French Revolution and Consequences of the Alliance with Napoleon
The new King Charles IV and his minister Floridablanca tried to avoid the influence of the French Revolution. To that end, they established strong controls on customs and censorship to isolate Spain from France.
After a short period in office for Aranda, Charles IV appointed Godoy as Prime Minister. When Louis XVI was executed in France, the
Read MoreSpanish Civil War: Key Campaigns and Aftermath
The Evolution of the Fronts: Campaigns Around Madrid
On the Nationalist side, Franco was chosen as chief military commander at a meeting in Salamanca (21 September 1936), and given the title GeneralĂsimo. Franco won another victory on 27 September when his troops relieved the Alcázar in Toledo. This gave Madrid time to prepare a defense, and was a personal success for Franco. In the North of Madrid (Guadarrama and Somosierra) the troops of Mola were stopped. However, the Francoist troops reached
Read MoreBritish Monarchy: Stuarts, Hanoverians, and Acts of Union
The Later Stuarts and William of Orange
After the Stuarts, James II caused fears of a Catholic restoration. William of Orange was invited to take the throne and sailed to England with an army. James II fled to France, and William and Mary were crowned joint monarchs in 1689.
The Eighteenth Century (1688-1789)
House of Hanover
Mary died in 1694, leaving William as sole ruler. The succession was problematic as neither William nor James II’s daughter, Anne, had children. Fears existed that the
Read MoreAftermath of the Spanish Civil War: Consequences and Beneficiaries
The Consequences of the Spanish Civil War
The Spanish Civil War had a tragic impact on Spain, resulting in deaths, disappearances, widespread exile, repression, and significant economic losses. However, some groups benefited from the new political and social landscape.
Deaths and Disappearances
The war resulted in approximately 1 million population losses, with about 300,000 deaths on the battlefields. Additionally, around 200,000 people were shot and killed by both sides. The Franco regime continued
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