Royal Succession and Power in Medieval Spanish Kingdoms
Christian Kingdoms in Medieval Spain (I)
1. Political Fragmentation
- Various kingdoms.
- General tendency towards hereditary monarchy.
- Mixed systems with some elective elements.
2. Asturian Kingdom
- Influence of the Visigothic monarchy.
- Kings were appointed by the nobility and the high clergy.
- Anointing and coronation ceremonies.
3. Kingdom of Navarra
- System of dynastic succession.
- Direct legitimate heirs: Men before women.
- Oldest before, when there was equality of degree in kinship (parentesco) and sex.
- Election
Labor Movements: Revolts, Ideologies, and the First International
Workers’ Revolts
The living conditions of the first proletarians in factories were dire. The first manifestations of protest came after 1830 and had a Luddite character, as seen in Alcoy and the famous fire at the Bonaplata factory in Barcelona in 1835. Unemployed workers started a fire there. In Barcelona in 1834, the first union formed by weavers.
In Barcelona in 1854, the first general strike in Spain occurred. The labor movement spread to other areas and gained momentum during the six-year revolutionary
Read MoreSocialism, Italian and German Unification: 19th Century
Utopian and Scientific Socialism in the 19th Century
Utopian socialism emerged in early 19th-century France. It was used to designate doctrines opposed to capitalism, defending equality and solidarity in a new society. A number of thinkers from the middle class and even the nobility, concerned about social contradictions resulting from industrialization, developed theories that proposed different solutions and models of society. Among these figures were Saint-Simon, Fourier, Blanc, and Blanqui. They
Read MoreCharles IV’s Reign: Spain & the French Revolution’s Impact
The Reign of Charles IV: Spain on the Brink of Change (1788-1808)
The reign of Charles IV (1788-1808) in Spain coincided with a period of immense upheaval in Europe, marked by the Enlightenment, enlightened despotism, and the initial impact of the French Revolution.
Key Events and Developments:
- Succession Law Reform (1789): A project to change the Spanish succession law was initiated in 1789.
- The French Revolution and its Aftermath: The French Revolution, which began in 1789, culminated in a 23-year
19th Century Colonialism: Causes and Impact
19th Century Colonialism
Colonialism, a phenomenon as old as history, involves a powerful state (metropolis) conquering other lands to extract wealth, settle surplus population, and spread its lifestyle. In the 19th century, European powers established colonial empires in Africa and Asia. This era of colonialism was unique due to its link to the Industrial Revolution. Europe’s demand for raw materials and new markets for manufactured goods fueled this expansion.
This period also saw rapid empire building,
Read MoreCenter-Right Biennium in Spain: 1933-1935, Elections, and 1934 Revolution
The Center-Right Biennium (1933-1935)
The general elections were held in November 1933 under a new electoral law that favored the formation of broad alliances and became effective with electoral and voting rights for women. The campaign developed in an environment of strong political confrontation and an impressive display of propaganda. The right, especially the CEDA, mobilized Catholic voters in their defense of order and religion. The radical wing of the Socialists (Caballero) showed a break in
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