Spain’s Political Evolution: 1981-2000
The Government of Calvo Sotelo (February 1981-October 1982)
Upon the confirmation of Calvo Sotelo in Parliament on February 23, 1981, the chamber was invaded by a group of civil guards under the command of Lt. Col. Antonio Tejero. The King informed all military personnel to return to their barracks. The nation’s government was kidnapped, and the country lived through moments of great tension. This event marked the end of military intervention in Spain’s political affairs and consolidated democracy
Read MoreFranco’s Dictatorship: Nature, Support, and Legacy in Spain
The Nature and Support of the Franco Regime
The Franco period (1939-1975) was characterized by a military dictatorship that embodied the values of the victors of the Spanish Civil War. Spain experienced a void of normal politics, and the dictator enjoyed absolute power. Franco, a military Africanist, professed an aggressive and exclusionary Spanish nationalism. He considered the army the essence of national virtues and religious feeling. These values were reinforced by the support of the Catholic
Read MoreThe Tragic Week of 1909: Colonialism, Revolt, and Catalan Identity
The Tragic Week of 1909
The colonial policy and the War in Morocco aimed to restore the army’s prestige after the 1898 disaster and serve economic interests: mining, public works, and new markets. It also sought to align with other great powers in Africa. Spain’s involvement in Morocco stemmed from two treaties.
The Algeciras Conference (1906) established a Franco-Spanish protectorate in Morocco. The Hispano Treaty (1912) granted Spain a strip in northern Morocco (the Rif) and an enclave on the Atlantic
Read MoreSpanish Colonial Era: Finances & Administration in India
The Colonial Era
The distant land of India had a very important role in international politics developed by the Spanish monarchy, a policy that was guided by the Catholic faith. The riches of the conquered territories were the main financial support of large Spanish companies.
Thus, New Spain realized the emperor sent his effort and money for the war.
The performance of this company required a wealth of materials and thus created a sufficient financial organization, indicating that the farm was one
Read MoreKey Terms and Events of 20th Century International Relations
General Assembly
One of the six principal organs of the UN. All member states are represented and meet once a year.
Atlantic Charter
A joint policy agreement prepared by the USA (Franklin D. Roosevelt) and the British Prime Minister (Winston Churchill) in 1941. The charter set out the common principles of the two allies at the end of the Second World War.
Pacific Coexistence
A new stage dominated by the distancing at the end of the 1950s. The climate of tension between the two blocs gave way to this
Read MoreSpanish Labor Movements: Socialists and Anarchists in the 19th Century
The Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE)
The Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) officially entered the political scene. In Madrid, 900 activists called for a strike of printers. As a consequence, Pablo Iglesias was arrested, and many printers were fired. The PSOE slowly grew from this setback, usually attributed to two factors: the rigidity of discipline and the hierarchy of the party, and the desire to participate in the existing political system through legal procedures to achieve its objectives.
Read More