French Revolution: Key Events and Figures 1789
Key Events and Figures of the French Revolution
The Old Regime and the Three Estates
French Revolution: A major change in government that began in 1789. It brought an end to the absolute monarchy and a start to a representative government.
Old Regime: A combination of the absolute monarchy and feudalism in France. It included the three estates.
- First Estate: Consisted of the Roman Catholic Clergy. They received special privileges and paid no direct taxes.
- Second Estate: Consisted of the Nobles. They
Russian Revolution: From Tsarist Autocracy to Soviet Power
Autocracy in Early 20th Century Russia
In the early twentieth century, the Russian Empire was a vast country where absolutist monarchy still prevailed. Moreover, its economy and social structures were among the most backward in the European continent. Agriculture was the main economic activity, and land was in the hands of a few landowners, who belonged to a privileged aristocracy. Most people were farmers. In some parts of the empire, an industrial process had begun, driven largely by foreign capital.
Read MoreEnlightenment and Reforms in 18th-Century Spain
The Reign of Charles III: An Era of Reforms
Charles III ruled as an absolutist king but appointed several Enlightenment thinkers as counselors, including Aranda, Floridablanca, and Olavide.
Economy
- He populated new lands for cultivation, such as the Alpujarras.
- Limited the privileges of the Mesta farmers.
- Promoted Royal Factories.
- Protected Spanish trade with American colonies.
Culture and Science
- Created Academies and primary schools.
- Reformed universities.
- Established Sociedades de Amigos del País to foster
John Locke: Historical and Philosophical Context
John Locke: Historical Context
English Civil War (1640-1649)
Confrontation between the parties of the absolutist monarchy (nobility, large landowners, Catholics, and Anglicans) and the parties of the parliamentary monarchy (small landowners, commercial and industrial bourgeoisie, Calvinist Puritans).
In 1649, Cromwell established a republic, but their political modes remained absolutist (dissolution of Parliament, repression, etc.).
Restoration of the Monarchy (1660-1685)
Absolutism returned:
- The power
The Tumultuous Years of the Second Spanish Republic
The Second Spanish Republic: A Tumultuous Era
Alfonso XIII went into exile after the Republican victory in the municipal elections of April 12, 1931. On April 14, the Second Republic was proclaimed, forming a provisional government headed by Alcalá Zamora. The June 1931 general election saw a left-wing victory with 279 seats, compared to the center (119) and right (41). The Constituent Cortes drafted a new constitution, adopted in December 1931. This Constitution defined Spain as a “democratic republic”
Read MorePolitical Forces of the Second Spanish Republic: Parties & Constitution
The Second Spanish Republic: Political System
The essence of the new political system:
The key elements of the political system of the Second Republic are parties and the Constitution of 1931.
Political Forces
A large number of newly established political parties mobilized huge masses of members and supporters.
A) Fascist Groups:
- JONS (Juntas of the National-Syndicalist Offensive). Emerged in 1931 and led by Ramiro Ledesma Redondo.
- PHALANX. Founded in 1933 by José Antonio Primo de Rivera, son of the dictator,