Absolute Monarchy, Enlightenment, and the Rise of Capitalism
Absolute Monarchy
Absolute monarchy originated from the authoritarian monarchies of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. It substituted the political model of medieval feudalism, or feudal monarchy, that had been characterized by the disintegration of political power. Absolute monarchy is characterized by the concentration of large amounts of power in the monarch. During the seventeenth century, most European states implemented absolute monarchy. The chief representative of absolute monarchy was
Read MoreArgentina’s Unification: Cepeda, Pavón, and Economic Growth
Cepeda and the Path to Unification
In February 1859, Buenos Aires approved the Law of Retaliation in response to differential duties applied by the Confederacy. This action, influenced by foreign powers, increased the risk of war. The conflict ultimately led to a war between Buenos Aires and the combined forces of the U.S. ambassadors and Paraguay (Cepeda). Following the triumph of Mitre, Alsina’s resignation was imposed as a condition and accepted by the legislature of Buenos Aires. Mitre was subsequently
Read MoreInventions: Chewing Gum, Penicillin, and Anesthesia
Chewing Gum
Thomas Adams was an inventor and businessman. His attempt to use chicle as a replacement for rubber did not work at first. However, he discovered that chicle could be used to make chewing gum. He started a company to manufacture it. His company became successful, and he revolutionized the chewing gum industry.
Questions About Chewing Gum
- What is natural chicle made from?
- Where does natural chicle come from?
- What happened to chicle after World War II?
- What virtually replaced chicle in chewing
Spain Under Franco: A Historical Analysis (1939-1975)
Political, Economic, and Social Developments in Francoist Spain (1939-1975)
Political Developments
First Francoism (1939-1959)
Two phases:
A) 1940s:
- Effects of the war.
- Economic reconstruction.
- Autarky.
- International isolation.
The Blue Period:
Spain was marginalized internationally after the end of World War II. The regime sought to improve its image and promulgated the Law of Succession in 1947.
B) 1950s:
A period of transition where isolation ended with pacts with the U.S. and the Concordat with the Holy
Read MoreDual-Use Tech, Asian Tigers, NPT, NAFTA, IAEA, Ethnic Cleansing, NATO
Dual-Use Technology
Dual-use Technology: Same Process → Uranium Enrichment → Two Applications. Uranium enrichment process can have two applications: Electricity and Weapons. Technology that might be used normally for civilian purposes but can also apply to military applications. An example of dual-use technology is nuclear power. Thirty countries use nuclear power for electricity, operating 460 commercial nuclear power plants, supplying 14% of world’s electricity; and 56 countries operate 250
Read MoreSpanish Politics and European Integration: 1978-2004
Spain’s Transition to Democracy and European Integration
Following the adoption of the 1978 Constitution, elections were held in 1979, with results similar to those of 1977. The UCD government continued with Adolfo Suárez as Prime Minister. Suárez faced a difficult situation, including an economic crisis with a sharp increase in unemployment, major parliamentary opposition led by the PSOE, and increasing ETA terrorism, which reached its peak of activity, especially attacking the armed forces, who
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