Ancient Greece: Unveiling Its Rich History, Art, and Culture
Historical Evolution of Ancient Greece
From Aristocracy to Democracy in Athens
Greek culture is traditionally divided into three main stages: the Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic periods. The city of Athens witnessed momentous political developments. From an aristocratic regime, it evolved into a new system: democracy. Its inventor, Cleisthenes, divided the polis of Athens and the surrounding countryside into tribes and demes. However, it was Pericles who truly brought democracy into practice,
Read MoreFrancoist Spain: Economic Policies, Social Impact, and Political Opposition
The Falange’s Role in the Franco Regime
The Falange played a key role in the Franco regime, controlling society through education, cultural activities, censorship, and propaganda. It created and introduced organizations such as the Frente de Juventudes, the Sección Femenina, the Sindicato Español Universitario, and the Organización Nacional Sindicalista.
Franco’s Post-Civil War Economic Policy and Consequences
In 1939, the government imposed an interventionist and autarkic economic policy. The goal
Read MoreThe Spanish Constitution of 1812: A Primary Source Analysis
This text comprises fragments of the Spanish Constitution promulgated in Cadiz in 1812. It is a primary historical source of legal and political significance. Drafted by the deputies of the Cortes of Cadiz from 1810 to 1814, the Constitution reflects predominantly liberal ideals, as evidenced in its content. It was addressed to all Spanish citizens “of both hemispheres,” represented by elected officials. Published in March 1812 during the War of Independence, the document encapsulates the core tenets
Read MoreFrancoist Spain: Technocracy, Reforms, and the Regime’s Decline
Francoist Spain: Technocracy and Regime Crisis
Technocracy and Opus Dei (1959-1973)
Facing a serious crisis of the system, Franco’s government in 1957 turned to the technocrats of Opus Dei. Their primary aim was to maintain the dictatorship while industrializing the country, ending economic isolation, and liberalizing the economy. This government adopted two key measures:
- Stabilization Plan (1959): This involved the liberalization of imports for raw materials, machinery, and foodstuffs.
- Development
20th Century History: Key Terms & Definitions
This document provides a concise reference for key terms and figures from significant historical periods of the 20th century, including the Russian Revolution, the economic shifts of the 1920s and the Great Depression, and the rise of Fascism and Nazism.
Key Concepts of the Russian Revolution
Autocracy
A political system similar to absolutism, where one person holds absolute power.Czar
The monarch of Russia before the 1917 revolution.Bolsheviks
Russian communists led by Vladimir Lenin, who seized Read MoreSpain’s Progressive Biennium and Espartero’s Regency: 1840-1856
Progressive Biennium (1854-1856)
In 1854, discontented progressives and moderates staged a military coup known as the Vicalvarada (Vicálvaro), led by General O’Donnell. This uprising was accompanied by the Manzanares Manifesto, which reflected a strong desire to reform the existing political system.
A frightened and unsupported Queen Isabella II named Espartero as head of government, while O’Donnell, who had the support of the military, was appointed Minister of War. The new Cortes produced a new
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