Reign of Isabel II of Spain: 1843-1868
**Item 12.1 (third): Isabel II (1843-1868): The True Kingdom**
General Espartero (who had assumed the regency in 1840) resigned due to a lack of support for his political and military policies. General Narvaez defeated him in Torrejón de Ardoz in the summer of 1843. Espartero was exiled to England. The progressives refused to return to Maria Cristina, and the courts decided to advance the age of majority of Isabel II when she was 13 years old. Narvaez became the strongman of the time.
Moderate Decade
Read MoreEconomic and Social Transformation in Mid-19th Century Spain
Economic and Social Change in Mid-19th Century Spain
Agriculture
In mid-19th century Spain, agriculture can be divided into two sectors: traditional cereal farming and a more modern, export-oriented sector focused on citrus and wine production. From 1800 to 1870, there was an expansion of cultivated land and an increase in agricultural output. However, productivity remained stagnant or even declined. In 1875, competition from American and Russian wheat exports intensified, leading to a decrease in
Read MorePrimo de Rivera’s Dictatorship: Causes, Impact, and Fall
Primo de Rivera (1923-1930)
This period began when Alfonso XIII ascended to the throne. As a first step, the regent Maria Cristina empowered a conservative, Silvela, who initiated a renovation.
Problems During Alfonso XIII’s Reign
Among the key issues of Alfonso XIII’s reign were the Moroccan War, also known as the Annual disaster. Spain’s interest was driven by economic benefits, restoring the Army’s prestige, and establishing itself as a colonial power in the Rif region. There were several attacks,
Read MoreCold War: Origins, Key Events, and Impact
The Dawn of a New Era: Capitalism vs. Socialism
After the removal of fascist ideologies, the world’s major ideological choices were reduced to two: capitalism and socialism. The capitalist bloc, led by the United States, encompassed a wide range of countries. Its basic principles were freedom of trade and industry, the dominance of the market, private property, and limited government intervention in the economy. The political system was liberal-democratic, with parliaments, elections, governments
Read MoreItalian Political Landscape: Parties, Coalitions, and Key Players
Silvio Berlusconi’s 2001 Victory and its Impact on Italian Legislation
Silvio Berlusconi’s victory in 2001 and his return to the Presidency of the Council led to legislation that shielded against judicial initiatives, hampered collaboration between Italian judges and other countries, and softened the criminalization of corporate crimes that affected him personally.
The Northern League: A History and its Political Stance
The Northern League emerged in 1990 from the merger of several autonomist leagues.
Read MoreAlfonso XIII’s Reign and Spain’s Path to the Primo de Rivera Dictatorship
Spain and the First World War
Spain maintained a position of neutrality in the European conflict. This is explained by the traditional political isolation of the Spanish exterior that had left the country outside the system despite the official alliance. Spanish society took sides with one or another opponent, and there was controversy among Germanophiles, supporters of the Allies, and the upper classes. The church and most of the commanders of the army and the Royal Palace itself favored the Central