Spain’s 19th Century Upheaval: From Absolutism to Liberalism
Crisis of the Old Regime (1808-1837)
Causes
Entry of revolutionary ideas from 1808 (previously censored). Hacendistic crisis weakening the absolutist state. Unthinkable measures by absolutism. Population explosion. Agricultural crisis. Mutiny with popular support against Godoy and Charles IV. Ferdinand VII becomes king but cedes the throne to Napoleon, who appoints Joseph I.
War of Independence (1808-1814)
National-popular uprising against invaders. Emergence of folk heroes, bandits, and political leaders.
Read MoreSpain’s 19th Century: From Constitution to Conflict
The Call for Cuts
The Central Junta dissolved itself, but not before initiating a process of calling for courts with representatives of the nation to decide their destiny. While the courts were meeting, a regency was held. The process of electing deputies to the Cortes and their meeting in Cadiz were difficult given the state of war, and in many cases, replacements were chosen. The liberal atmosphere of the city influenced the fact that many of those elected were sympathetic to these ideas. The courts
Read MoreCold War: US-USSR Tension and Global Impact
The Cold War
The aftermath of World War II saw the emergence of two superpowers, the United States and the USSR, leading to over four decades of intense political, military, and economic tension. This ideological confrontation, known as the Cold War, stemmed from differing political systems and global ambitions.
Post-war reconstruction efforts, including meetings in Tehran, Yalta, and Potsdam, aimed to address issues like the occupation of Germany, demilitarization, and the removal of Nazi leaders.
Read MoreProclamation of the 1868 Spanish Revolution in Cadiz
Proclamation of the 19th of Rebel in Cadiz
March 1868
1. Classification
It is a primary source text of political nature, historical and circumstantial, with a statement of basic principles by the military insurgents in Cadiz in the revolution of September 1868 (the Glorious Revolution).
Author: It is signed by Prim and Serrano and a host of collaborators such as Admiral Topete and Primo de Rivera.
Chronology: Dated September 19, 1868, date of delivery.
Place of writing: Cadiz.
Target audience: The Spanish
Read MoreSpain’s Second Republic (1931-1933): Reforms and Challenges
Spain’s Second Republic (1931-1933)
This historical period covers only two years (1931-1933). The municipal elections of April 12, 1931, were won in the big cities by a coalition of Republicans and Socialists. King Alfonso XIII abdicated after the proclamation of the Second Republic by Niceto Alcalá Zamora, who established a provisional government. Elections were convened for the Constituent Cortes, a single-chamber parliament tasked with providing the Republic with a constitution, resulting in
Read MoreFranco’s Spain: Political, Social, and Economic Transformation (1939-1975)
1. Franco’s Regime (1939-1959)
After winning the Spanish Civil War in 1939, Spain consolidated a regime characterized by the centralization of power in Generalissimo Franco. The leader’s figure became inseparable from the regime itself.
Social Characteristics
Franco’s characteristics were identified with those of a caudillo. His principles included order, authority, Catholicism, and a specific vision of the country.
Ideological Traits
- Anti-liberalism and Anti-communism: Rejection of parliamentarism,