Spanish History: Trafalgar, Politics, and Society (1800s)
19th Century Spanish History Highlights
Napoleonic Conflicts & Upheaval
Battle of Trafalgar (1805)
The Battle of Trafalgar took place on 21 October 1805, off Cape Trafalgar (Cádiz Province). It pitted the allied Franco-Spanish squadrons, commanded by French Vice-Admiral Pierre Villeneuve (with Spanish Lieutenant General Federico Gravina under his command), against the British fleet led by Vice-Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson.
Peninsular War Origins
Charles IV, France & Fontainebleau Treaty
Under
Read MoreOctober 1934: The Spanish Revolution and its Aftermath
The October 1934 Revolution
In October 1934, escalating political tensions in Spain culminated in a revolutionary uprising. Alejandro Lerroux’s government, accused of being monarchist, fascist, and anti-worker, faced opposition from the left. This led to a planned general strike on October 5th in Asturias and Catalonia, although the strikes unfolded differently in each region.
Asturias
In Asturias, the miners launched a social revolution. Prior coordination between anarchists, socialists, and communists
Read MoreAncient Greek History: From Mycenae to Athenian Democracy
Periods of Greek History
- Mycenaean Civilization (18th-12th century BC): Depicted in Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey.
- Archaic Period: Political evolution began, leading to the development of the Polis.
The Polis: The City-State
The Polis was an independent and sovereign city-state, typically formed by:
- Acropolis (Upper Town): The seat of government and temples.
- Asty (Lower Town): The residential area and center of political and economic life.
During the 8th and 7th centuries BC, various Polis began colonizing
Read MoreThe Impact of Franco’s Dictatorship on Spain’s History
Franco took control of Spain from the moment he won the war until his death. This government was a forty-year dictatorship following a three-year war that devastated the country.
In the 1960s, the “economic miracle” brought welfare (a very good situation), but with the economic development, citizens began mobilizing to demand more freedom. The Franquist government’s response was to intensify repression.
Ultimately, Franquism entered a period of decline as Franco’s life was coming to an end.
Franquisim
Read MoreFrench Revolution & Napoleonic Era: Impact & Legacy
The French Revolution and Napoleonic Empire: Impact and Legacy
Foreign Policy: Napoleon extended his empire in Europe, defeating Austria, Prussia, and Russia. However, he could not defeat Britain, which he subjected to the Continental Blockade. In 1813, his troops were defeated at the Battle of Leipzig. He was banished but returned to power during the Empire of the Hundred Days. He was finally defeated at Waterloo in 1815 and exiled to St. Helena Island.
Implications of the French Revolution and the
Read MoreSpain’s Economic Crisis and the 1978 Constitution
An unsustainable economic situation arose, characterized by 20% inflation, a 10% annual increase in unemployment, and a growing external deficit. Industrial production declined due to rising manufacturing costs, high oil prices, and an over-reliance on industries with limited technological advancement, such as steel, shipbuilding, and transport.
Attempts to increase production capacity to alleviate the situation only worsened it. The Instituto Nacional de Industria (INI) took over private companies
Read More