17th-Century Habsburg Rule & the Crisis of 1640
The 17th-Century Habsburgs: Government and Internal Conflicts
Philip III, Philip IV, and Charles II were the Habsburg monarchs who reigned in Spain during the 17th century. Known as the Minor Habsburgs, they shared a common governing style through válidos (favorites). These prime ministers, wielding full powers due to the kings’ neglect, incompetence, or disinterest, ruled in their name. The kings entrusted them with such authority that the válidos made all decisions, both in foreign and domestic
Read More17th Century Theories and Forms of Government Policy
Item 7: 17th-Century Government Policy
Evolution of Human Thought
The strengthening of royal power and political centralization, which began in the 15th century, culminated two centuries later with the consolidation of a new political form in most European countries: absolutism. France, under Louis XIV, exemplified absolute monarchy.
France in the 17th Century
Throughout the 17th century, France experienced periods of demographic and economic crises, international conflicts, and domestic unrest, including
Read MoreSpain Under Franco: A Regime’s Evolution (1939-1975)
Franco’s Rule in Spain (1939-1975)
Overview
The Franco dictatorship spanned 1939-1975, with Franco maintaining power for 36 years, partly due to American support aimed at combating communism and establishing military bases in Spain. The dictatorship originated from Franco’s victory in the Spanish Civil War, coinciding with the Cold War and the US-Soviet rivalry. Franco held absolute power, controlling all branches of government as Head of State, Generalissimo of the Army, and Leader of the National
Read MoreThe 1978 Constitution and the Birth of Modern Spain
Spain’s Transition to Democracy: From Franco to 1978 Constitution
The Death of Franco and the Dawn of Reform
On November 20, 1975, Franco died, and Prince Juan Carlos was sworn in as King two days later. The government, chaired by Carlos Arias Navarro, saw significant changes with the inclusion of reformers like Fraga (Interior), Areilza (Foreign Affairs), and Garrigues (Justice). The 1973 oil crisis further fueled the desire for reform. The appointment of Torcuato Fernandez Miranda as president of
Read MoreSpain’s Transformation (1833-1843): From Regency to Reign
The death of Fernando VII in 1833 ushered in a transformative period in Spanish history, marked by evolving political, economic, social, and cultural landscapes. During the reign of his daughter, Isabel II (Elizabeth II), Spain transitioned from the Old Regime to bourgeois liberalism. A constitutional monarchy, grounded in liberal principles, was established, laying the foundation for a capitalist economy and a new class-based society, replacing the old estates system.
Unlike other European nations
Read MoreSpain in the Early 20th Century: From Monarchy to Republic
Spain in the Early 20th Century
The Reign of Alfonso XIII (1902-1931)
The Restoration Period and its Challenges
The early decades of the 20th century saw Spain under the reign of Alfonso XIII, who inherited the parliamentary system of the Restoration. This system, based on alternating Liberal and Conservative parties, faced several critical problems:
- Resurgence of regionalism, notably in Catalonia.
- A military seeking to regain prestige after setbacks.
- The ongoing War in Morocco.
- The rise of the labor movement