Spanish Land Confiscations: 1833-1855
The Disentailment in Spain (1833-1855)
With the death of Ferdinand VII in 1833, Spain inaugurated a period of political liberalism. This shift included a series of basic provisions aimed at changing state law to promote freedom of work, commerce, industry, and contract. Crucially, this also involved provisions for the exploitation of land. Moderate governments, while guaranteeing property rights, sought to mobilize the vast mass of agricultural properties that had been tied to the privileged classes
Read MoreKey Events: Enlightenment, French Revolution, and Spanish Independence
Key Historical Events
The Enlightenment
T.2 ILLUSTRATION: Characteristics included confidence in human reason, faith in progress, right-wing happiness in this world, and nature as the principle of right. Enlightenment thought: Advocated for an egalitarian society, government participation of citizens, deism, physiocracy, and instruction. ILLUSTRATED DESPOTISM: Involved reforms in politics, society, economy, and culture.
War of Succession (1701-1713)
Aspiring to the throne of Spain were Felipe de Borbón
Read MoreLeague of Nations: Border Disputes Resolved 1920-1925
Border Disputes in the 1920s
Vilna: 1920, Conflict Between Poland and Lithuania
After World War I, both Poland and Lithuania were newly created by the peace settlement. Vilna was the capital city of Lithuania. However, by 1920, 30% of its population was Polish, and only 2% were Lithuanian. A private Polish army took control of the city. Lithuania asked the League for help.
The League of Nations (LON) protested to Poland, but the Polish forces did not pull out, so it was not successful. France and Britain
Read MoreSpain’s Second Republic: Rise and Challenges
The Second Republic
The Second Republic emerged during a time of global crisis, marked by the 1929 crash and the rise of fascism, which posed a threat to democratic systems. Several factors led to its establishment:
- In 1930, Alfonso XIII attempted to reinstate the constitutional system of the Restoration. However, the monarchy’s reputation was severely tarnished, leading Republican groups and intellectuals to unite against the king.
- In 1930, Republican political groups signed the Pact of San Sebastian,
The Enlightenment and Enlightened Despotism in Europe
The Enlightenment
The Enlightenment was an intellectual movement developed in Europe during the 18th century. It emphasized reason as the primary tool for analysis. Governance systems, it argued, should be guided by what was most reasonable. Man was at the center of Enlightenment theories, which defended people’s natural rights and tolerance as the basis for human coexistence. Enlightenment thinkers opposed the traditional, estate-based society, advocating instead for a system of social and legal
Read MoreThe Institution of Free Education: Origins and Impact
Birth of the Revolutionary ILE
After the six-year period (1868-1874) of the Restoration, Cánovas, chairman of the Conservative party, appointed the Marquis de Orovio as Minister of Education. Orovio’s policy restricted the freedoms of teachers, promoting a more conservative approach to education. Some teachers rejected this policy, initiating a conflict with the ministry. This became known as the first university question, occurring six years after the revolution.
In 1874, Orovio’s term ended, and
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