Spain’s Seventeenth Century: Imperial Decline and Socio-Economic Crisis
The Decline of the Spanish Empire in the Seventeenth Century
The crisis of the Spanish Empire coincided with the general crisis of the seventeenth century (depression, religious radicalization, crisis of the absolutist state). It developed in two stages. The first stage coincides with the reign of Philip IV and the Spanish intervention in the Thirty Years’ War, which began as a religious war between Catholics and Calvinists and eventually became a general war that decided European hegemony between
Read MoreImpact of World War I on Spain’s Political Landscape
Spain and the First World War
The years of the Great War were crucial to understanding twentieth-century Spain. This is due to two reasons: its neutrality in the conflict and the fact that 1917 became a pivotal year for the decomposition of the political system of the Restoration.
War was declared on 28 July 1914, and two days later, the decree of neutrality and non-intervention was published. Alfonso XIII decided that Spain would keep away from conflict, remaining absolutely impartial, despite the
Absolutism vs. Liberalism: Spain (1808-1834)
Absolutism and Liberalism (1808-1834)
The French Revolution initiated a process where the old regime collapsed, opening the way to political liberalism, the expansion of capitalism, and the consolidation of the social class. Political liberalism is based on these principles:
- Sovereignty is not of divine origin but emanates from the people. Citizens delegate sovereignty through their vote.
- The king is not above the law. He must swear to the constitution, which is the fundamental law of the state.
- The
Russian Revolution: From February to October
The Revolution: February to October
Despite its ultimate failure, the revolutionary test of 1905 was instrumental in the formation of key political forces in the Revolution of 1917.
The Revolutionary Climate
During the months before the outbreak of a new revolution, conditions were consolidated so that it would be successful:
- The Russian army suffered a series of defeats against the German Army.
- Some problems of the war against Japan repeated, such as the lack of supplies and old-fashioned military technology.
The Second Spanish Republic: Origins, Government, and Constitution
The Second Republic: Causes, Provisional Government, and 1931 Constitution
After the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera, Alfonso XIII attempted to restore the old parliamentary system, but this effort failed with the governments of Berenguer and Aznar. Consequently, opposition parties signed the Pact of San Sebastián in August 1930, aiming to establish a republic. The elections of April 12, 1931, resulted in a victory for anti-monarchist parties. Recognizing his unpopularity, Alfonso XIII chose to
Read MoreThe Great War: A Comprehensive Analysis
World War I
World War I was an armed conflict between the Triple Entente (France, Russia, and Great Britain) and the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy). It developed between 1914 and 1918 and marked the end of 19th-century thinking and culture. The war concluded with the victory of the Triple Entente and the dissolution of traditional empires like the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empires.
Causes of World War I
- Armed Peace (1890-1914): Military opposition between two blocs (Triple