The Crisis of 1898: Spain’s Loss of Cuba and the Philippines
Background and Causes
Antecedents
The Spanish Empire: formation and emancipation until 1826.
Since 1868, when Cuba had a liberation movement that was harshly repressed:
- The Grito de Yara (October 1868) began the Long War that lasted 10 years, and whose leaders were Maceo and Gomez.
- Some Spanish politicians tried to pacify the island through the abolition of slavery (one of the main demands of the insurgents). Even the Constitution of the First Republic provided that Cuba was one of the 17 states of the
Post-War Economic Recovery: Bretton Woods to Oil Crisis
Post-War Economic Planning
The end of the gold standard caused economic challenges:
- Foreign exchange controls and bilateral trade led to a decline in trade.
- The need to restore an international payments system.
- The Atlantic Charter of 1941 outlined goals such as no territorial expansion, self-determination, reduced trade restrictions, and global cooperation.
- In 1942, the Mutual Aid Agreement was drafted as a war aid program.
Following this, many countries met in Bretton Woods in 1944 to sign agreements.
Read MoreKey Concepts and Figures of 19th Century Spain
Key Concepts of 19th Century Spain
- Liberal Monarchy: Characterized by a constitution, separation of powers, and two liberal parties (moderate and progressive).
- Cacique: A person with undue political influence in a town, often exploiting laborers for votes.
- Ruler: Someone who governs in place of the king.
- Moderate Party: Advocated for restricted suffrage, bicameralism, and shared sovereignty.
- Progressive Party: Supported less restricted suffrage, unicameralism, and national sovereignty.
- Convention of Vergara
French Revolution: Causes, Phases, and Impact on 19th Century Ideologies
Causes of the French Revolution
In 1789, France was in a deep economic and social crisis. Poor harvests caused the price of food to rise, leading to popular discontent. On the other hand, the bourgeoisie, enriched by economic growth, were dissatisfied with their political marginalization. The monarchy was plunged into a deep financial crisis due to high state spending. The solution involved a tax reform that would compel the aristocracy to pay taxes.
The End of the Old Regime
Popular radicalization
Read MorePhilip V’s Nueva Planta Decrees: Centralization in Spain
Philip V’s Nueva Planta Decrees and Centralization in Spain
Philip V, after being attacked by the English and Austrian armies, defeated the allied troops in the Battle of Almansa. From this time, the war favored the Bourbon interests. The new employment in Valencia and Aragon was accompanied by the cancellation of their charters. The end of the War of Succession was marked by the death of Leopold I, who was replaced by Archduke Charles. This changed the current situation. Peace talks concluded between
Read MoreIsabel II’s Reign: Liberal Union, Crisis, and Revolution (1856-1868)
Hegemony of the Liberal Union (1856-1863)
The final stage of Isabel II’s reign saw the return of moderatism, led by the centrist Liberal Union. This period, marked by relative stability, lasted until 1863.
The new government, headed by O’Donnell, dismantled the political and legislative efforts of the previous two years. It dissolved the National Militia, closed the courts before they could approve the new constitution, and restored a slightly modified version of the 1845 moderate constitution. However,
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