Marxism, Spanish Colonialism, Crisis of ’98, and Alfonso XIII’s Reign
Marxism and the Rise of Socialism
Key Figures: Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels denounced the exploitation of the working class (proletariat) by the bourgeoisie and advocated for a workers’ revolution to dismantle capitalism. Through revolution, the proletariat would seize political power and establish a workers’ state, socializing property. The elimination of private property would, in theory, lead to the gradual disappearance of social classes and the state, culminating in an ideal communist society:
Read MoreCatalan-Aragonese Crown: Expansion and Society
The Expansion of the Crown of Aragon
The Causes of the Expansion: The defeat of Peter II of Aragon at the Battle of Muret (1213) ended a period in which the Crown of Aragon had expansionist aims in the lands of southern France.
The Conquest of Majorca and Valencia: The first objective of the Catalan nobles and merchants was the Balearic Islands, as they were a rich Muslim kingdom. The conquest of the Kingdom of Valencia was an initiative of the Aragonese nobles and military-religious orders.
Land Distribution
Read MoreSecularization and Agrarian Changes in 19th-Century Spain
Introduction
Secularization involved freeing property assets that, under the Old Regime, remained as ‘dead hands’. Initially, property was disassociated from the nobility. Then, Church and municipal property were disentailed. This process freed assets for the market, a significant departure from the Old Regime. Secularization was the most impactful practical step taken by Liberal governments, encompassing two key measures: seizure of assets held in mortmain and their subsequent sale via public auction.
Read MoreFranco’s Spain: Politics, Economy, and Society
Franco’s Totalitarian Regime
Franco was the head of state and held the title of leader, concentrating all powers, including command of all the armies. All parties, unions, and political associations were declared illegal, except for the Traditionalist Spanish Falange and the National Syndicalist Offensive Boards. The National Trade Union Central, a vertical union, engaged employers and workers. Franco legislated by decree, and his power was for life. He decreed the abolition of the Statute of Autonomy
Read MoreFascism in Italy and Rise of Nazism in Germany
The Situation in Italy After World War I
How was the situation in Italy after World War I?
Italy experienced a crisis. On the one hand, the people’s situation worsened, and the country was in debt to finance the war, causing a sharp rise in prices and increased unemployment due to military demobilization.
The Rise of Fascism in Italy
Impact on Workers, Peasants, and the Upper Classes
How did this affect workers and peasants? What did the middle and upper classes fear? Which parties did they begin to
Read MoreRiace Warriors: Unveiling the Bronze Masterpieces of Ancient Greece
Riace Warriors: General Information
Name: Warriors of Riace
Architect: Unknown
Chronology: 460-430 BC
Original Location: Coast of Riace (Calabria Region)
Current Location: Museo Nazionale of Reggio Calabria
Style: Classical Greek
Materials Used: Bronze
Construction Technique: Lost-wax casting
Topic: Two nude warriors, very similar to each other. These sculptures are from the Classical period (447-432 BC), towards the end of the Punic Wars and during the time of Alexander the Great. This era was also significant
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