Renaissance to Enlightenment: Power Shifts & Societal Change
Humanism
A cultural and intellectual Renaissance movement emphasizing secular concerns through the study of ancient Greece and Rome. It focused on human potential rather than religion.
Absolute Monarchy
A system where a king holds complete power, often claiming divine right, without needing approval from other groups like the government, church, or nobles.
Enlightenment
An 18th-century philosophical movement emphasizing reason to challenge doctrines and traditions, leading to humanitarian reforms.
Enlightened
Read MoreRamón J. Sender: Life and Literary Legacy
Childhood and Early Life
Ramón José Sender Garcés was born in Chalamera, Aragón, on February 3, 1901. His father was a town clerk, and his mother a teacher. The family moved to Alcolea de Cinca, then Tauste, near Zaragoza. Sender’s grandparents were also from Aragón. In The Five Books of Ariadne, he reflects on his Aragonese roots, claiming to embody the “simplest and primary values” of the region’s people.
Sender’s parents came from affluent landowning families, ensuring a comfortable upbringing.
Read MoreThe Rise and Fall of the Second Spanish Republic (1931-1936)
ITEM 8: The Second Republic
The Second Republic emerged amidst the international repercussions of the Wall Street Crash (1929) and the rise of political extremism in Germany and Italy, as well as the leftist Popular Front in France. The municipal elections of April 12 were perceived as a rejection of the Monarchy. On April 13, the Revolutionary Committee remained vigilant, uncertain of the government’s stance. Berenguer ordered Military Governors to accept the situation, Romanones declared the monarchy’
Read MoreFranco’s Spain: Political Opposition, Dictatorship Stages, and Ideology
Political Opposition to Franco
The evolving international situation influenced Spanish domestic politics, consolidating Franco’s leadership. Monarchists, seeing Don Juan de Borbón’s aspirations fail, wavered between restoring the monarchy or collaborating with anti-Franco forces. The exiled Republican government retained some influence in the West. Don Juan met Franco to discuss his family’s future in Spain. The regime countered opposition through diplomacy and force, combating the guerrilla army
Read More19th-Century Social Classes and Movements
Social Classes in the 19th Century
Middle Classes
Representing less than 5% of the population, the middle classes occupied a position between the upper bourgeoisie and the workers. This group included landowners, merchants, small manufacturers, professionals, and civil servants. Their income depended on the success of their businesses.
Lower Classes
The majority of the population belonged to the lower classes, encompassing a range of social sectors disadvantaged by the liberal revolution. This included
Read More18th-Century Grand Tour & Baelo Claudia Roman City
The Grand Tour in 18th-Century Europe
Eighteenth-century Europe discovered the pleasure of traveling, seeking routes that led to the knowledge of classical antiquity, inspired by the ideals of the Enlightenment (reason, knowledge). It established the trip as a way of learning. Italy, from ancient times, was seen as the complement and completion of intellectual pursuits. It became a common goal for young, wealthy, mostly British aristocrats, who, once they had completed their studies at top universities,
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