Economic and Political Shifts in the Interwar Period
The United States: The Roaring Twenties
The United States greatly benefited from the First World War. After the war, America had become the first world economic power. Its agricultural production was very high, and the industry accounted for 44.8% of world production. In addition, many countries of Europe were indebted to the United States as a result of war loans. On the contrary, the war impoverished European countries.
American Prosperity
- U.S. growth continued during the ten years after the war.
Alfonso XIII’s Reign and Primo de Rivera’s Dictatorship in Spain
Alfonso XIII’s Reign and the Path to Dictatorship
In 1902, Alfonso XIII was declared of age, ending the regency of Maria Cristina. Until then, the Canovist system had allowed a certain stability. However, during the reign of Alfonso XIII, Spain experienced a state of permanent political crisis. The deaths of Canovas (1897) and Sagasta (1903) led the turnista parties into an internal struggle for leadership, which weakened their position and facilitated the emergence of new parties (socialists, republicans,
Read MoreHistorical Events and Political Ideologies: 1789-1848
Four Historical Events: 1789-1848
1789: The French Revolution begins.
1799: Coup by Napoleon Bonaparte.
1815: Defeat of Napoleon.
1830: Liberal revolution in France.
Contemporary Society
Contemporary society is characterized by:
- Sovereignty
- Sovereign nation
- Equal rights
- Legal equality
Which Defended the Enlightened Ideas?
- Importance of nature
- Confidence in reason
- Natural rights for all human beings
- Defense of a natural religion
- Need to expand education
Cathedral or Illustration?
The Illustration is the intellectual
Read MoreByzantine and Islamic Art: History and Architecture
Byzantine Art: Historical References
During the 4th century, the Western Roman emperors were forced to divide the empire, creating the Eastern Roman Empire and the West. The Byzantine Empire originated in the city of Constantinople in 324, under the rule of Constantine the Great. Years later, it became the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. In the 6th century, during the reign of Justinian, Byzantium reached its peak with great political, economic, military, religious, and cultural clout. Later,
Read MoreFranco’s Final Years: Opposition and the End of Dictatorship
Since 1970, following corruption scandals, subsequent governments grew increasingly weaker. Franco’s aging sparked debate about the dictatorship’s continuation. A split occurred within the regime between the *aperturistas*, who favored reforming the system towards a parliamentary model, and the *inmovilistas*, who opposed any change. A new terrorist organization, the Revolutionary Anti-Fascist and Patriot Front (FRAP), carried out its first attack in Madrid. Franco then separated the Head of State
Read MoreSpanish History: Primo de Rivera’s Dictatorship
Primo de Rivera’s Dictatorship in Spain: 1923-1930
On September 13, 1923, Miguel Primo de Rivera staged a coup, declaring a state of war. He published a manifesto stating the reasons for the rebellion and was immediately supported by King Alfonso XIII, who commissioned him to form a government, making him directly responsible for the dictatorship. The dictatorship of Primo de Rivera was the political regime that existed in Spain from September 1923 until he resigned on January 28, 1930. He was replaced
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