Spain’s Revolutionary Sexenio: 1868-1874
1. The Glorious Revolution of 1868
The Revolutionary Sexenio began with a military coup that quickly gained a revolutionary character. This revolution was led by the educated middle and lower-middle classes. Without the support of those most dissatisfied with the nation, perhaps the coup would not have succeeded so easily. In the Spanish countryside, landlords had become laborers. In the cities, artisan guilds disappeared and became the proletariat, lowering their standard of living. The 1866 crisis
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The French Revolution: Causes and Impact
The French Revolution was a major historical event that marked the beginning of a series of social, political, economic, and cultural transformations in Europe during the nineteenth century. It replaced the old regime with the neoliberal system, and its impact was felt in many places. Broadly, it is considered to have initiated in 1789 and closed in 1815 with the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte, who stabilized and gave substance to the revolutionary changes.
Causes
Read MoreWorld War II: Key Phases, Spain’s Role, and Post-War Art
World War II: Key Phases and Turning Points
First Phase: Axis Offensives (1939-1941)
Germany achieved many victories. Its main strategy was the Blitzkrieg (lightning attack).
1941: Italy and Germany invaded Greece. Many countries joined the Axis powers (Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria). In June, Germany invaded the USSR.
Africa: In September 1940, Italy attacked British military positions in Egypt. They needed support from Germany.
Asia and Oceania: Japan invaded Allied colonies. On December 7, 1941,
Read MoreColonialism and the First World War: Causes and Impacts
The Scramble for Africa and the Rise of Colonialism
European powers intensely competed for control of Africa during the late 19th century. The British aimed to establish dominance from north to south, while the French expanded from west to east. Belgium, Germany, Portugal, Italy, and Spain also pursued colonial ambitions in Africa. To prevent open conflicts, these colonizing powers convened at the Berlin Conference in 1885. They agreed that countries already established on the coast could claim the
Read MoreSpain’s Crisis of 1898 to the Second Republic: A Historical Timeline
Crisis of 1898
In 1895, a new uprising for independence broke out in Cuba. It lasted until 1898, when the United States declared war on Spain after the battleship Maine sank. Spain’s defeat meant the loss of its last colonies. This was known as the “Disaster of ’98”. It caused frustration among the political class and pessimism among intellectuals, and it spurred the emergence of Regenerationism.
Alfonso XIII’s Reign
In 1902, Alfonso XIII ascended to the throne. The 1876 Constitution remained in force,
Read MoreSpanish War of Independence: Causes, Battles, and Key Figures
Spanish War of Independence
The Spanish War of Independence was a conflict fought on Spanish territory against the French invasion. Napoleon Bonaparte, through the Treaty of Fontainebleau signed on October 27, 1807, agreed with the Spanish King Charles IV (through his minister Manuel Godoy) to occupy Portugal to enforce the trade blockade against Great Britain.
French troops entered Spain as allies, but Napoleon decided to take military control of the country. This led to a rift between Charles IV
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