Ferdinand VII’s Reign: Absolutism, Liberalism, and Spanish American Independence
Ferdinand VII: Absolutism, Liberalism, and the Loss of Spanish America
The Restoration of Absolutism
Under the Treaty of Valençay (1813), Ferdinand VII returned to Spain. Supporters of absolutism urged him to restore the old order, believing the Liberals were weak. In April, Ferdinand received the Manifesto of the Persians, which encouraged him to ignore liberal proposals and reinstate absolute monarchy.
Ferdinand VII disappointed liberals and reformers by nullifying the Constitution of Cadiz (1812)
Read MoreThe Path to Democracy in Spain: 1975-1982
Spain’s Transition to Democracy: 1975-1982
The Early Years of the Transition
After the death of Franco on November 20, 1975, and according to the rules laid down by him, on the 22nd, Juan Carlos I was proclaimed King of Spain. This marked the beginning of a key period in the history of Spain, called the “Transition,” which would last until the full consolidation of democracy.
The monarch’s aim was to establish a modern democracy in Spain. He decided to dismiss Arias Navarro, as he did not consider
Read MoreColonial Expansion: Africa and Asia in the 19th and 20th Centuries
Organization of the Colonies
Colonies were governed and administered by the metropolis. The indigenous population was subjected by law.
Dominions or colonies of settlement were characteristic of the British Empire. These were colonies of white people who had emigrated to the colonies, establishing their way of life. Regarding domestic policy, the metropolis granted self-government (self-government, parliament, etc.), but in foreign policy, they relied on the metropolis, as seen in Australia and New
Read MoreImpact of 19th-Century Spanish Land Confiscations
The sale gave a different twist to the population trend and is a basic fact when considering recent history. At the beginning of the 19th century, Spain was plunged into a severe crisis caused by the loss of colonial markets, the worsening financial and economic crisis after the War of Independence, and the demands of the peasants. In this situation, there was no other choice but to make a series of reforms and take a certain attitude to various aspects, which caused the change. Most politicians
Read MoreSpanish Civil War: Negrin’s Socialist Republic and Franco’s Regime
The Reconstruction Under Juan Negrín
In May 1937, the Socialist Republic, under Juan Negrín Lester, formed a government aimed at concentrating efforts to confront the plight of the Republicans. The new government rebuilt the authority by centralizing and directing state resources to win the war, which was endangered by Franco’s offensive in the Basque Country. Collectivizations were paralyzed, and the economy was nationalized to create a war industry. Major companies were militarized. The People’
Read MoreThe Second Spanish Republic: A Time of Change and Unrest
The Second Spanish Republic: Reforms and Conflicts (1931-1936)
Alfonso XIII went into exile after the victory of Republicans in the provincial capitals in the municipal elections of April 12, 1931. On April 14, the Second Spanish Republic was proclaimed with general enthusiasm, without violence. A provisional government headed by Alcalá Zamora, comprised of all parties that signed the Pact of San Sebastian, was formed.
On June 28, 1931, general elections to the Constituent Cortes were held. Many
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