Spain’s Crises: 1898, 1917, and the Progressive Biennium
The Crisis of 1898: The End of an Era
Economic Crisis
In the last decade of the 19th century, Spain faced a severe economic crisis. The trigger was an agrarian crisis, following the collapse of wine production and a decline in corn production due to competition from non-European countries. The country was hit by inflation, currency depreciation, and a collapse in exports. This forced Spain to impose a protectionist policy to safeguard its industrial and agricultural producers.
Social Crisis
The economic
Read MoreTehran, Yalta, and Potsdam Conferences: 1943-1945
Tehran Conference 1943 (Stalin, Roosevelt, Churchill)
The relationship between the three leaders seemed to improve. A definite date was set for the opening of a second front (May 1944), and in return, Stalin agreed to declare war on Japan once Germany was defeated.
State of the War
The Allies had begun to win the war after critical turning point victories in 1942. Soviets were pushing Germans into retreat on the Eastern front. American and British forces drove Germans from North Africa and invaded
Read MoreCatalan Nationalism and the Tragic Week of 1909
Catalanism from the Left
Those who left the Lliga Regionalista (1904) after the king’s visit decided to found a new party, the Nationalist Republican Center, headed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner. This new party was defined as nationalist, democratic, and republican. It had little success because Lerroux’s party garnered most of the votes. The crisis led Catalan solidarity parties to unite all Republicans into one called the Federal Nationalist Republican Union, with the exception of Lerroux’s party.
Read MoreIndustrial Revolution: Causes and Key Features
Causes of the Industrial Revolution
Religious Aspects
Protestantism was the predominant religion in England. This religion encouraged hard work and influenced the emergence of a new entrepreneurial class (industrial bourgeoisie). This new social class wanted to work for “the glory of God”.
Political Aspect
A political revolution had taken place in England. The King’s absolute power was replaced by a parliamentary democracy.
Slave Trade
England had gained control of the slave trade monopoly after the War
Russian Revolutions of 1917 & World War II: Causes and Development
The Russian Revolutions (1917)
The February Revolution: Russia entered World War I as a contender for diplomatic and imperialistic reasons, primarily the desire to control the Balkan area. The war was a cataclysm for Russia. After an extreme demonstration where women chanted cries for “Peace and Bread,” the autocracy fell. Soviets (assemblies) were quickly built in the cities. A provisional government, supported by the bourgeoisie, controlled Russia, and it became a parliamentary republic.
Lenin arrived
Read MoreRussian Revolution of 1917: From Tsarism to Communism
The Russian Revolution of 1917
The Tsarist Autocracy
At the beginning of the 20th century, Russia was a vast empire under Tsar Nicholas II, clinging to monarchical absolutism. Its economy and social structures lagged behind Europe. The Tsar held absolute power, governing by decree without a constitution or parliament. A loyal bureaucracy and a powerful army enforced his control, with the Orthodox Church serving as a key ideological pillar. Agriculture dominated the economy, with land concentrated
Read More