Madrid in the Spanish Civil War: Columns and Battle
Columns March to Madrid (1936)
This stage took place between July and November 1936. It involved various military columns on both sides. The rebels were supported by some military professionals, such as José Vicente Miaja and Rojo, the brightest official on the Republican side. Overall, the central government lost control of public order and the military initiative for several months, as it lacked capable and disciplined troops. The fleet and officers were also ineffective.
The capture of Madrid
Read MoreSpain’s Democratic Transition: Governments (1978-2000)
The New Democracy Through Its Spanish Governments (1978-2000)
Introduction
Spain, a democratic country, experienced significant transformations between 1978 and 2000. Two key European circumstances shaped this period: the resolution of historical challenges (Civil War and the 36-year dictatorship) and Spain’s integration into the European Union. Under the monarchy of Juan Carlos I, Spain modernized its political, social, and economic structures, although the latter two were initiated during the Franco
Read MoreUnderstanding the Ancien Régime, Enlightenment, and More
The Ancien Régime
The Ancien Régime refers to the institutions that the revolutionary tradition sought to overthrow. This tradition encompassed:
- Politically, identification with the absolute monarchy.
- Socially, a society based on estates.
- Economically, a command economy heavily regulated by the State.
- Intellectually, attitudes and beliefs dominated by the principle of authority.
The Enlightenment
The Enlightenment developed in Europe during the 17th century, primarily in France. Enlightenment thought
Read MoreThe Rise and Fall of Fascism in Italy Under Mussolini
The Rise and Fall of Fascism in Italy
The Rise of Mussolini: Causes
- Post-War Economic Crisis: Inflation, strikes, and widespread protests destabilized the nation.
- Creation of the Fasci: Groups of citizens trained as soldiers to maintain order.
- Fasci de Combattimento (Blackshirts): A paramilitary group with ultranationalist ideology, opposing socialist parties and trade unions.
- Formation of the National Fascist Party: Consolidating power under a single banner.
- The March on Rome: This forced the government
Franco’s Spain: Understanding the Dictatorship (1939-1975)
Francoist Regime
At the end of the civil war in 1939, Franco imposed a totalitarian regime similar to those of Hitler and Mussolini in Germany and Italy. In contrast to Germany and Italy, his regime did not fall after World War II but continued until his death in 1975.
Ideological Foundations
- Fascism: Fascist ideology, represented by the Falange, advocated the concentration of power in a single person, Franco. He was given the title El Caudillo, and fascist symbols such as the fascist salute, paramilitary
Conquest and Organization of the American Empire
The Spanish Indies was the name given to the territories conquered by the Crown of Castile in America. It was a quick conquest through scientific and military superiority.
Expeditions
In 1511, the conquest of the Caribbean islands (Cuba, El Salvador, Haiti) was completed.
The Conquest of Mexico
Hernán Cortés conquered Mexico in the battle of Otumba in 1521. The Aztecs lived there. The Aztecs appropriated their wealth and retained the emperor Moctezuma as a hostage. All the territories of the Aztecs
Read More