Spain’s Restoration: Politics & Society (1876)
The Political System of the Spanish Restoration
The Restoration signified a return to conservatism and consolidated the liberal revolutionary cycle. This was achieved through the approval of a set of laws proposed for the Restoration during the *Sexenio*. The pacification of various sectors of society and its leaders was key. A broad framework for policy was established, an agreement was reached with the Church, and the army was subordinated to civil power. The theoretical framework, devised by Cánovas,
Read MoreSpain’s Crises and Dictatorships: 1917-1930
The Fall of the Dictator and the Dictablanda
The Fall of the Dictator: Alfonso XIII chose to withdraw confidence from the dictator, who resigned in January 1930.
Dictablanda: General Berenguer took his place, but the return to constitutional normality was so slow that it was called a “soft dictatorship” (dictablanda). Aznar called elections, but because Alfonso XIII was committed to the dictatorship, the elections were presented as a vote for or against the monarchy.
Crises of 1917
Military Crisis
The
Read MoreAbsolute Monarchy, Revolution, and War in Spain: 16th-19th Centuries
The Rise of Absolute Monarchy in the 16th Century
The 16th century witnessed a process of centralization that consolidated power in the hands of the King, a trend that had begun in the 15th century with the rise of authoritarian monarchies. Factors such as crop failures and famine contributed to the belief that a strong, centralized power was necessary. While the nobility lost political influence, they retained their social and economic privileges.
Characteristics of Absolute Monarchy
In an absolute
Read MoreCarlos I and Felipe II: Reigns and Conflicts
Carlos I: Heir of an Empire
By his mother’s side, he inherited the kingdoms of Castile, Navarre, Aragon, the Italian territories, and American possessions. By his father’s side: the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Franche-Comté, and the German possessions of the Habsburgs after the death of his grandfather.
Internal Problems
Carlos I arrived on the peninsula in 1517 without speaking Castilian and surrounded by Flemish advisors. In 1520, he left for Germany due to riots that occurred.
The Revolt of the
Read MoreSpain’s Liberal State: 1833-1874
The Construction of a Liberal State (1833-1874)
Al-Andalus: History, Economy, and Legacy
Al-Andalus: A Historical Overview
1) Al-Andalus. In 711, a civil war erupted in the Visigothic kingdom on the Iberian Peninsula between Roderick (Rodrigo) and the family of Witiza, a former king. Witiza’s family sought assistance from the Muslims in North Africa. Musa, the governor of this region, and his general, Tariq, led their troops to the Peninsula and defeated Roderick at the Battle of Guadalete. However, Musa and Tariq did not restore power to the Visigoths. Instead, within four years, their
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