The Fall of the Monarchy and the Rise of the Second Spanish Republic
Berenguer’s Government (January 1930 – February 1931)
Berenguer’s government shared the same goal as Aznar’s government under Alfonso XIII: to save the monarchy. Having already failed by associating with the dictatorship, it sought a return to the pre-coup regime of 1923. This is known, as per Ortega y Gasset, as the “Berenguer error.” This was because:
- It was believed that a return to the system was possible, ignoring the connections to the already exhausted dictatorship.
- Elections should have been
Spanish Constitution of 1978: Key Aspects & Evolution
The Spanish Constitution of 1978
In 1978, political leaders and society at large were aware of the weakness of democracy. So, for the first time, the supreme law was not imposed by the ruling party, but was negotiated by political forces. This is called the *development policy of consensus*. The Constitution begins when a paper is composed of 7 members representing UCD, PSOE, PCE, AP, and the Catalan group.
Key Features of the Constitution
The 1978 Constitution consists of 169 articles, included in
Read MoreEconomic Liberalism, Absolute Monarchy, and Industrial Revolution
Economic Liberalism
Economic liberalism is a political doctrine that supports capitalism as an economic model. Economic thinking had evolved. Mercantilist protectionism from the 17th century was challenged by the ideas of economic liberalism, championed by British thinkers. Its founder, Adam Smith, established these principles:
- Personal interest and the pursuit of maximum profit are the engines of the economy.
- The various interests are regulated by the market due to price, supply, and demand.
- The state
Francoism: Repression, Opposition, and Transition
International Isolation (1945-1950s)
After World War II, the victorious Allied powers considered Francoist Spain a last vestige of fascism. In 1946, Spain was denied entry into the newly formed United Nations (UN). The UN saw the Franco regime as a threat, and there were efforts across Europe to reduce fascist symbols.
The Cold War and Shifting Alliances
The emerging Cold War led to a change in the United States’ stance towards Spain. Due to Spain’s strategic location and anti-communist position,
Read MoreMonarchy Transformations and the Rise of Humanism
Historical Context
Political Transformations: Evolution
From Feudal Monarchy to Authoritarian Monarchy and the Rise of States.
Feudal Monarchy: The feudal monarchy was a political and social system established in medieval Europe. The king granted land (fiefs) to nobles, who became his vassals. In return, nobles provided military and political support. Peasants (serfs) worked the land and paid taxes to the nobles, living under their protection. Free peasants were known as “villains.”
Vassalage System:
Read MoreFrench Revolution: Origins and Early Stages
The Outbreak of the French Revolution (1789-1792)
The Failures of the Old Regime
In France, the Old Regime was destroyed by the French Revolution (1789-1799), which had its origins in the failures of the system:
- Social unrest: The Third Estate, which paid taxes, resented the privileged estates that scarcely paid taxes at all. The wealthy bourgeoisie was also frustrated by its lack of political power.
- The economy: A tax crisis was caused by overspending on the American Revolutionary War. Bad harvests