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 MoreCharles I and Philip II: Spain’s 16th Century Empire
Charles I and Philip II: A Look at Spain’s Empire
Charles I: Through his lineage, Charles I inherited a vast empire. His ancestors included Juana of Castile, the Catholic Kings of Spain, and the German prince Felipe of Habsburg.
- Father’s side: He inherited the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Franche-Comté. His grandfather Maximilian of Austria received the German possessions and the title of Habsburg emperor.
- Mother’s side: He inherited the kingdoms of Castile, Navarre, the Crown of Aragon, the American
French Revolution: Causes, Key Events, and Impact
The Social and Economic Crisis in 18th Century France
In the late 18th century, the Third Estate aspired to profound social reforms. The peasants opposed the heavy taxes and rents imposed on them by the feudal lords. The bourgeoisie wanted to end the privileges enjoyed by the nobility and the clergy.
Two Major Crises:
- Economic Crisis: The result of a series of poor harvests since 1760.
- Financial Crisis: Caused by the monarch’s lack of money.
The Revolution of 1789
In May 1789, the Estates General met
Read MoreSpanish Civil War: Azaña’s Analysis of Land Reform
Introduction: Azaña’s Perspective
The following text is an excerpt from Manuel Azaña’s work, “Causes of the War in Spain,” published in French exile in 1939.
Manuel Azaña’s Background
Manuel Azaña, a politician and writer, founded Acción Republicana. He contributed to the advent of the Second Republic as part of the Revolutionary Committee, which led the interim government. Between 1931 and 1933, as prime minister, he oversaw the passage of the Agrarian Reform Law. In 1936, he again became head
Read MoreCauses of World War I: Imperialism and Alliances
The Path to World War I: Imperialism and Alliances
Imperialism and the First World War
1870-1871: War between Prussia and France, leading to the creation of the German Empire and the decline of the French Empire. Europe entered a new era marked by economic and political rivalries, particularly colonialism.
Colonial Losses and Gains
In the 19th century, a few European powers maintained significant colonial holdings:
- The Portuguese: Africa and Asia
- Dutch: South America and Indonesia
- Great Britain: Canada