Ferdinand VII’s Reign: Absolutism and Liberal Uprisings

Ferdinand VII’s Return to Spain and the Restoration of Absolutism

Ferdinand VII returned to Spain in 1813, following the Treaty of Valençay, amidst an atmosphere of enthusiasm and cheers. Advocates of absolutism urged Ferdinand VII to restore the old order. Before Ferdinand VII even reached Madrid, the Manifesto of the Persians was presented, encouraging the king to disregard liberal proposals.

Ferdinand VII, nullified the Cadiz Constitution of 1812 and all the legislative work of the Courts of Cádiz

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Regency of Isabella II: Political and Economic Changes

2 Elizabeth II from 1833 to 1843: The Regencies

The period is divided into two regencies:

Regency of María Cristina (1833-1840)

Following the death of Ferdinand VII, his wife and widow, María Cristina, assumed the regency due to the minority of Isabella II. The ruler, Cea Bermudez, remained in government, intending to maintain the existing political and economic system. However, he was forced to make concessions, though not enough to modernize the country politically, economically, or administratively.

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Political Parties in Spain: A Look at the Republican Era

Republican Action: Led by Manuel Azaña. The political agenda included:
Modernizing the country by driving a complete reform of the structures.
Strengthening democratic institutions.
To achieve these two objectives, Azaña made a pact with the PSOE, implementing reforms focusing on agriculture,
Health, education, armed forces, and granting regional autonomy. They had supporters in the middle classes
of cities. Later, it merged with the Socialist Radical Party to form the Republican Left.
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Ancient Greek Historiography and Oratory: Herodotus to Demosthenes

Ancient Greek Historiography and Oratory

Item 9

There are two periods in historiography: the first from Homer to Herodotus, and the second from Herodotus to Polybius and Latin historiography.

Herodotus

Herodotus lived during the Second Persian War and the start of the Peloponnesian War. He authored a historical work, divided by the Alexandrians. The work focuses on the wars that confronted the Greeks and Persians.

Main Features of Herodotus’ Work:

  • The theme is the Persian Wars.
  • It is a universal story.
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Revolutionary Cycles in 1820, 1830, and 1848 Europe

Revolutionary Cycles in Europe: 1820, 1830, and 1848

Opposition to the Restoration System: Liberalism and Nationalism

Status of the Restoration: Conquerors of Napoleon, Holy Alliance, charter granted (see previous item).

Ideological Tendencies Against the Restoration:

  • The bourgeoisie does not accept a return to the Ancien Régime.
  • Joint interest of the bourgeois intellectuals; workers will request universal suffrage.
  • Spread through Western Europe.

Liberalism

  • Disseminated writings of philosophers (Benjamin
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Conservative Reformism: A Period of Political Instability

T-9: Conservative Reformism

Introduction

The reign of Alfonso XIII saw a period of political instability. The initial strong start of the reign was followed by a crisis. The dynastic parties initiated reforms to regenerate political life. The conservative governments attempted some reforms, such as the ACIENDA, local government or electoral law. But the attempt to clean up the political system was a failure. While the Turno parties were losing influence, the opposition was strengthened.

Republicanism

Republicanism

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