Spain’s Political Evolution: 1979 to 2008
The Implementation of the Constitution
Once approved, the Constitution and its precepts were put into practice. This was as crucial as the very enactment of the constitutional text: they had to consolidate the newly established democracy.
Following the adoption of the Constitution, the Parliament was dissolved, as required, and new elections were called. These elections gave a new victory for the Union of the Democratic Centre (UCD), but again without an absolute majority. The Spanish Socialist Workers’
Read MoreAsturias Revolution 1934 and the Popular Front in Spain
Revolution of Asturias (October 1934)
Following the election victory of the right, the Socialists raised the possibility of a popular revolution. To understand this attitude, it is necessary to consider events that were unfolding in Europe, especially the rise of Hitler in Germany. These facts were interpreted by large sections of the left as a preview of what could happen in Spain, given the similarities of the political situation. The spark that ignited the revolution was the formation of a new
Read MoreAlfonso XIII’s Farewell Manifesto: Spain’s 1931 Political Shift
Alfonso XIII: A Manifesto of the Nation, 1931
Historical Context
This is a political document, a fragment of the farewell manifesto of King Alfonso XIII, dated April 13, 1931. This was a day after municipal elections in which Republican candidates had won in the main Spanish cities. Its author is King Alfonso XIII, son of Alfonso XII. His personal reign spanned from 1902 to 1931. The King read the manifesto to his Cabinet on the afternoon of April 14 before going into exile. The next day, it was published
Read MoreThe Rise of Royal Power in Medieval Catalonia
Consolidation of royal power: Since the 12th century, monarchs began to impose themselves over the feudal lords. From the 12th century, monarchs had the strength to confront the bourgeoisie and assert authority over the nobility. The seventh unit managed to achieve a strong reign. The bourgeois wanted to liberate and secure their rights to develop trade and dictate their own laws.
Some kings and burghers offered support through charters (not subject to feudal constraints) and advantages for trade.
Read MoreFascism in Italy and the 1929 Economic Crisis
Fascism in Italy
Fascism was also defined by its anti-parliamentarism, its anti-Marxism, and anti-capitalism. It blamed liberal democracy for all the ills of society. It pretended to implement certain social reforms to attract the middle classes, the proletariat, and the peasantry, who were threatened by unemployment and low wages. Initial anti-capitalism was tempered by the financial support of big business, which provided funding to Fascism. The use of paramilitary forces was intended to create
Read MoreUN Resolution on Franco’s Spain: Exclusion from Membership
Historical Context and Authorship
This historical text is a primary source of legal and political content. Authorship is attributed to the General Assembly of the United Nations, a supranational institution created at the end of World War II to foster peace and international relations, similar to the League of Nations, albeit more successfully. The United Nations (UN) is an international association that unites the world’s governments. It was founded on October 24, 1945, in San Francisco at the end
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