Spain’s Transformation: From Old Regime to Independence (1808-1833)
Spain: End of the Old Regime — War of Independence (1808–1814)
War
- Initially, French troops were defeated at Bailén (July 1808).
- This led to Napoleon’s presence in Spain, occupying almost the entire peninsula. Cities like Girona and Zaragoza resisted major sieges.
- In 1809, Spain allied with Britain and Portugal. British support was crucial for victories at Arapiles (Salamanca), Vitoria, and San Marcial (Guipúzcoa).
- By 1814, the French were forced to retreat.
- Beyond regular warfare, guerrilla fighters
Spain’s Second Republic: Reforms, Challenges, and Regional Autonomy
The Second Republic (1931-1933)
Once proclaimed, the Second Republic (April 14, 1931) saw the Provisional Government, headed by Alcalá Zamora, implement initial reforms. Minister Largo Caballero reformed working conditions: an 8-hour day, worker priority for employment, and the obligation to cultivate land, with the possibility of expropriating unproductive land. Education Minister Marcelino Domingo created 6,750 new schools, 7,000 teaching posts with increased salaries, and a wide library network.
Read MoreFranco’s Spain: Ideology, Repression, and Opposition
1. The New Regime: Ideological Foundations
The Franco dictatorship was a personal dictatorship with fascist features, led by the military, and totalitarian in nature, yet without a clear ideology or single political party. Various political factions imposed their ideologies.
These ideologies evolved through three stages. Initially, the Falange (Movimiento Nacional) held sway, prominent in the Council of Ministers and society, later dividing into hardliners and those favoring more openness. The second
Read MoreBourbon Restoration in Spain: Politics, Constitution & Stability
ITEM 17: The Restored Monarchy
17.1 A New Political Model
Conservative groups welcomed the Bourbon Restoration, hoping for political stability and an end to democratic and social revolution attempts. Cánovas articulated a new political model to overcome the problems of past liberalism: partisan infighting, military intervention in politics, and civil strife. The first major step was convening elections for a Constituent Cortes.
The 1876 Constitution
The 1876 Constitution, markedly conservative, was
Read More19th Century Spain: Social Shifts, Political Upheaval, and Colonial Loss
SPANISH SOCIETY OF 19TH CENTURY
The New Ruling Classes
The landed gentry retained land ownership despite losing manorial rights. Some aristocratic families faced financial ruin and sold assets. The wealthy gentry, owning industries, companies, and banks, dominated socially with the nobility. They acquired land sold during seizures. The middle bourgeoisie, comprising small industrialists, merchants, and officials, was weak.
The Popular Classes
Women primarily worked in domestic service, a role limited
Read MoreCatalonia’s Fall and the Spanish Civil War’s End
Catalonia: The Fall and the End of the War
On December 23, 1938, the “Nationalist” army launched an offensive on Catalonia. Republican forces, lacking Russian weapons and materials due to constant bombardment of ports by Italian aircraft and ships, could hardly resist. The Catalan capital fell within weeks. The Republican government sought refuge in Girona and later exile. On February 5, a massive number of combatants and civilians crossed the border, including Azaña, Martínez Barrio, and Negrín
Read More