Spain’s Second Republic: A Time of Change and Division
The Second Spanish Republic (1931-1936)
In 1931, the Second Republic was proclaimed, putting an end to the monarchy of Alfonso XIII. The arrival of the Republic was an attempt to modernize Spain and to establish, for the first time, a truly democratic system.
Reformist Biennium (1931-1933)
The triumph of the left allowed the formation of a coalition government led by the Republican Socialist Manuel Azaña. This government undertook a broad program of progressive reforms:
- Political Reform: The 1931 Constitution
Key Political and Economic Texts of 19th Century Spain
Confiscation of Mendizabal
Value: 12.1.2
This economic-political document addresses economic and social issues. It is contextualized within the liberal reforms that were consolidated during the Regency of Maria Cristina, during the minority of Isabel II, who could not govern. It is a decree from Mendizabal to the Queen. The exposition Mendizabal makes in the text clearly states three purposes or objectives:
- Improve public finances.
- Contribute to the overall economic development of Spain.
- Contribute to
Photo Consent on Social Media: Respect and Privacy
I’m going to talk about consent when publishing a photo. With the advancement of social networks and the easy way of using them, anyone can take a picture of you and upload it on social media. This is good and also bad because, depending on the purpose for which that person uploads the picture, it can be interpreted in a different way. If the photo is taken secretly and the person can be humiliated through it, the application is being used badly. But, if the photo is taken with the consent of the
Read MoreWorld Wars and Totalitarian Regimes: Causes and Consequences
Causes of World War I
- Colonialism and imperialism
- Competition for raw materials
- Bloc politics
- Alliances (France, Great Britain, Russia)
- Central Empires (Germany and Austria)
- Armaments race
- Balkans: Serbia becomes independent and desires the Southern Slavs
Consequences of World War I
- Massive loss of life and material destruction
- Increase in military personnel and development of new weapons
- Bombing of populations, use of submarines, and widespread hunger
- Poor living conditions
- Economic hardship
- Massive population
Rise of Nazism in Germany: From Crisis to Dictatorship
The Rise of Nazism to Power
The Nazi militias violently opposed the republic and staged several insurrectionary attempts. They also clashed with communist organizations and their members.
The Nazis’ Ascent to Power
Despite some economic stability, the consequences of the 1929 crisis were very tough on Germany. The withdrawal of American capital dragged many banks into bankruptcy, leading to closures, unemployment, and social discontent. In 1932, there were over six million unemployed in Germany.
The
Read MoreThe Cadiz Constitution of 1812: Spain’s First Liberal Charter
Introduction
This text is a selection of articles from the Cadiz Constitution, a primary source and legal text. It was the first Spanish Constitution and one of the earliest liberal constitutions, after the American and French ones. It was issued in 1812 while Spain was fighting the War of Independence against the Napoleonic occupation. That’s why it was drafted in Cadiz, the only city free of French occupation.
While it was being drafted, King Ferdinand VII and his father, Charles IV, abdicated their
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