1898 Cuban Crisis: Loss of Colonies and its Impact on Spain
1898 Cuban Crisis: Loss of Colonies and its Impact on Spain
6.3 The 1898 Crisis and the Liquidation of Colonial Rule
6.3.1 Background
Shortly after Isabel II’s fall in October 1868, the Grito de Yara initiated Cuba’s “Long War.” Following the defeat of the Carlists during the reign of Alfonso XII, funds were diverted to the Cuban conflict, culminating in the Zanjón Peace (1878). General Martínez Campos granted amnesty and promised self-government, a promise never fulfilled.
The Cuban Liberal Party,
Read MoreSpain’s Integration into the Western World: From Isolation to EU Membership
Spain’s International Integration
From Isolation Under Franco to EU Membership
Under Franco, Spain’s integration into the Western world was hindered by its dictatorial regime, established through a coup and civil war. This resulted in international isolation: exclusion from the UN (1945), the Marshall Plan (1947), and NATO (1949).
Spain’s isolation was overcome through agreements with the U.S., who provided financial aid in exchange for the establishment of military bases. Spain joined the UN in
Read MoreSpanish Civil War: Key Stages and Political Developments
The Spanish Civil War: From Military Uprising to Full-Scale Conflict
The Spark of Rebellion
The assassination of Calvo Sotelo on July 12, 1936, ignited the military uprising planned by General Mola. The revolt began with the 17th Army in Morocco, led by Franco after his arrival from Las Palmas.
Stages of the War
Stage 1: Securing the Strait of Gibraltar
Recognizing the strategic importance of Madrid, both sides aimed to control the capital. Franco swiftly moved his well-equipped and loyal troops to
Read MoreAmerican and French Revolutions: A Historical Timeline
The American Revolution (1775-1783)
The thirteen colonies were expected to pay taxes to Britain, but rarely did. Colonists argued against taxation without representation in the British Parliament. In 1774, representatives from the thirteen colonies convened the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia. The British were defeated at Lexington in 1775.
The War of Independence ensued (1775-1783). Thomas Jefferson, a key figure in the American Revolution, penned the Virginia Declaration of Rights in
Read MoreByzantine Empire, Carolingian Dynasty, Islam, and Feudal Society
Byzantine Empire
The Eastern Roman Empire was wealthier than the Western. It resisted Germanic invasions. Its capital was Constantinople (ancient Byzantium, today Istanbul), built by Emperor Constantine. Emperor Justinian was pivotal, implementing the Justinian Code. After his death, the empire declined, disappearing in 1453 with the Turkish conquest. Cities retained their trade functions, and Byzantine coins were a major Mediterranean currency. After Justinian’s reign, Greek replaced Latin as the
Read MoreThe Rise of Nazism and Fascism in the 20th Century
The Rise of Nazism in Germany
Nazism emerged in Germany during the 1930s amidst the economic hardship caused by the Treaty of Versailles after World War I and the Great Depression. In January 1933, Hitler became prime minister through electoral victory and political alliances. Following President Paul von Hindenburg’s death in 1934, Hitler consolidated power, centralizing it around himself and the ideology presented in Mein Kampf (My Struggle). His anti-communist stance garnered support from some
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