Spain’s Canovist System: Restoration Politics & 1876 Constitution
The Canovist System: Political Restoration
Cánovas del Castillo was a pragmatic, liberal-conservative politician who designed a political system intended to secure the Bourbon throne and prevent power struggles among liberal factions. The Canovist system was based on two fundamental principles:
- The Crown, representing tradition and authority, guaranteeing social order, continuity, and stability.
- The Cortes (Parliament) and liberty, representing the popular will.
Core Principles and Mechanisms
To ensure
Read MoreSpain: Ferdinand VII’s Absolutism & Isabella II’s Ascent
The Ominous Decade (1823-1833)
French Intervention and Repression
At the request of Ferdinand VII and mandated by the Holy Alliance, France intervened in Spain in 1823. The invading army, known as the Hundred Thousand Sons of Saint Louis under the command of the Duke of Angoulême, successfully restored Ferdinand VII as an absolute monarch. This task was relatively easy, as the Spanish populace largely did not resist.
Following the restoration, severe repression was unleashed against the Liberals.
Read MoreRussian Revolution: Fall of Tsarism & Rise of the USSR
Russia Under the Last Tsar
In the early twentieth century, Russia maintained an absolute monarchy. The Tsar, the monarch, concentrated the supreme power of the state in his hands. He exercised this power without limit and was supported by the nobility in governing. Although a parliament called the Duma existed, its powers were very limited, as the Tsar could convene or dissolve it at will. There were no political freedoms, and opponents were persecuted by the political police. The economy remained
Read MoreQueen Victoria’s Era: Domestic Ideals and Global Empire
Victorian Women: Angel or Pioneer?
The Ideal: Angel in the House
In 1854, the English poet Coventry Patmore published The Angel in the House, a narrative poem describing an idealised courtship. During the 19th century, the woman was idealized as the ‘angel of the house’, whose duties were to provide moral support to her husband, keep the house tidy, and educate the children. The husband maintained his role as the head of the family, and his duty was to keep his wife out of the workplace. The emblematic
Read MoreFrench Revolution Phases & Key German Unification Steps
Phases of the French Revolution
Liberal Revolution (1789-1792)
Key bodies included the States General, the National Assembly, and the Legislative Assembly.
Radical Revolution (1792-1794)
Dominated by The Convention and the Committee of Public Safety (leading to the Terror).
Thermidorian Reaction (1794-1799)
Characterized by The Directory.
Napoleon’s Rule (1799-1814)
Included The Consulate (until 1804) and subsequently The Empire.
Key Concepts of the French Revolution
Motto: Liberty, Equality, and Brotherhood.
Read MoreSpain’s Turbulent Sexenio: Regency, Republic & Cuba
The Regency of Serrano (1869-1871)
The Constitution of 1869
A moderately sized text with 112 articles, it was influenced by the Belgian Constitution of 1831 and the U.S. Constitution of 1787. Its preamble affirmed national sovereignty originating from the people (soberanía nacional) and proclaimed the separation of powers.
Key aspects included:
- Regulation of all individual rights.
- Establishment of universal male suffrage.
- Creation of a bicameral system (two legislative chambers).
- Royal powers similar