Spain’s Role in the EU and NATO: From Maastricht to Today
Spain in the Europe of Maastricht
The Treaty of Maastricht was the result of a project initiated by Jacques Delors, Felipe González, and others. The new European Union increased economic and monetary union as a prelude to greater political integration. The Amsterdam Treaty reviewed the results of Maastricht and agreed to move forward in achieving its objectives. Agenda 2000 outlined the goals set for the 21st century, including strengthening and expansion eastward.
Enlargement and Reform of the European
Read MoreThe Spanish Restoration: Monarchy, Constitution, and Societal Shifts (1874-1931)
The Spanish Restoration and the Constitution of 1876
“The Restoration” (1874, the restoration of Bourbon Alfonso XII as king, to 1923, the military coup of Primo de Rivera) was a period of great stability. The first phase (1875-1902) includes the reign of Alfonso XII and the regency of Maria Christina of Austria. The second, with Alfonso XIII on the throne, covering the years between 1902 and 1923. Spain, with a liberal and parliamentary system, is characterized by warlordism, electoral fraud, the
Read MoreFranco’s Regime: Isolation, US Agreements, and Fundamental Laws
International Isolation of Franco’s Regime (1945-1950)
International isolation truly lasted until 1953, following the signing of agreements with the United States and the Concordat with the Holy See. In any case, the Franco regime was hardly appreciated by the European environment, which was forced to live turned in on itself. At the 1945 Potsdam Conference, it was agreed to isolate Franco, and then the UN took the agreement to exclude the regime in 1946.
Revitalizing International Life: US and Holy
Read MoreSpain’s Political Evolution: 1868-1898
The Glorious Revolution
Much of the last period of the reign of Elizabeth II was characterized by a phase of economic expansion that affected all of Europe. But in the mid-1860s, the start of a major economic crisis became clear. On September 19, 1868, the squadron under the command of Topete staged a military uprising against the government of Isabel II. The government sent an army from Madrid, under the command of General Serrano, to cope. After the victory, the government resigned and the queen
Read MoreDecline of Hispanic Hegemony: 17th Century Spain
The Decline of Hispanic Hegemony: 17th Century Spain
The Reign of Philip III (1598-1621)
Philip III ascended to the throne in 1598 after the death of his father, Philip II. The new king delegated power to a favorite, the Duke of Lerma. Lerma’s objectives were to conclude the numerous wars inherited from his predecessor and to solve the serious economic situation of the monarchy.
Pacifist Foreign Policy:
- Peace with England was signed in 1604.
- The Truce of Twelve Years was signed with the United Provinces
Spain’s Second Republic: Reforms and Challenges (1931-1936)
Phases of the Republic
- Reform or Social Biennium (December 1931 – November 1933), also known as the Left Biennium
- Radical-CEDA Biennium (November 1933 – February 1936), also known as the Right Biennium
- Popular Front (February – July 1936)
Reform Biennium (1931-1933)
The attempt to democratize the constitution and the Second Republic was blocked by Franco’s dictatorship. The new government, representing the new democratic forces united in opposition to the monarchy (Republicans, Nationalists, Socialists)
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