Marxism, Women’s Rights, and Cold War Conflicts
Marxism (Scientific Socialism)
Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels published the works: The Communist Manifesto (1848) and Das Kapital (1867). Marxist theory is based on three foundations:
- Analysis of the past: The class struggle (oppressed against oppressors) is the engine of history.
- Review of the present: It analyzes the operation of the capitalist system, exploitation, injustice (surplus), and a tendency toward concentration of capital (stronger companies will absorb smaller ones), leading to an inevitable
The Spanish Monarchy Crisis and the Uprising Against the French (1808-1812)
The Crisis of the Monarchy of Charles IV
In the early nineteenth century, the monarchy of Charles IV was deeply unpopular. The reason was a crisis of governance, with the king, his wife, and the appointed prime minister, Manuel Godoy, as the main figures. This situation generated strong opposition, which resulted in a push for a change in the style of government, either towards a conservative or a liberal approach. Godoy ordered the confiscation of Church property to combat the financial crisis,
Read MoreRoman and Byzantine Empires: A Historical Timeline
The Roman Empire and Its Legacy
The Roman Empire stretched across the Mediterranean, reaching its borders in Europe to the British Isles and the rivers Rhine and Danube, the river Tigris to Asia, and Africa to the Sahara desert. This rule was broken in 395 due to invasions of the Germanic peoples that forced Emperor Theodosius I to divide the empire to defend it better. The Western Roman Empire (Rome) and Eastern Roman Empire (Constantinople) evolved differently.
The Western Roman Empire (395-476)
Read MoreSpain’s Path to Democracy: From Franco to the 1978 Constitution
Spain’s Transition to Democracy: From Franco to the 1978 Constitution
Between the death of Franco on November 20, 1975, and the adoption of the Constitution of 1978, Spain underwent three years of political reforms against the backdrop of an economic crisis.
The King, at first, advanced cautiously. A large part of society and the political class wanted change, but the most immobile sector, known as “the bunker,” opposed any action that would endanger the regime.
The first government was headed by Arias
Read MoreThe Spanish Restoration: Monarchy, Politics, and Society (1875-1902)
The Spanish Restoration and the Canovist System (1875-1902)
The Restoration of the Monarchy: Alfonso XII (1875-1885)
The instability of the Sexenio was the primary cause of the success of the Restoration. Cánovas prepared for the return of the son of Isabel II, who had abdicated in his favor in June 1870. Cánovas accelerated the process during the government of Serrano.
1. Principles of the Restoration
Cánovas offered a program of national reconciliation in return for accepting the monarchy, excluding
León Cathedral: A Masterpiece of Spanish Gothic Architecture
Cathedral of León
Chronology
From 1258 to 1302.
Style
Spanish Gothic style. The architect was Master Enrique; after his death in 1277, Juan Pérez replaced him. Materials used: stone and concrete. Construction system: Arquitrave and surrounded. It consists of three longitudinal naves, the central one being higher and wider, a shorter transept, an ambulatory where the radial chapels leave, doors decorated with rich sculptural decoration, and large windows which were then stained with rich ornamentation.
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