Spain’s 19th Century: Liberalism, Conflicts, and Economic Shifts
The Rise of Liberalism (1833-1843)
Upon Ferdinand VII’s death in 1833, his daughter Isabel II inherited the throne, ushering in an era of liberal consolidation. During her minority, power rested with regents: her mother, Maria Cristina (1833-1840), and later General Espartero (1840-1843). This period saw the emergence of two key parties: the Moderates and the Progressives.
The Moderates favored a more controlled reform policy, advocating for a Royal Charter to limit the monarchy’s power. This charter
Read MoreSpain’s Turmoil: From Old Regime Crisis to Liberal Reforms (1788-1814)
The Crisis of the Old Regime
Top of the Crisis (1788-1808)
Passed during the reign of Charles IV. The French Revolution promoted a conservative backlash in an isolated Spain. In 1793, King Louis XVI of France was executed, leading to the War of the Pyrenees, where Spain failed. In 1796, Spain allied with France against England, but the Spanish Armada was defeated at Cape St. Vincent, losing colonial trade. In 1800, Napoleon sought an alliance against Portugal, a British ally, provoking the War of
Read MoreFrench Revolution: Causes and Impact
The French Revolution of 1789
The French Revolution of 1789 was the most important phenomenon of 18th-century Europe. Its significance marks the start of the Contemporary History period. From a political perspective, it meant the elimination of the Old Regime. Absolute monarchy was replaced by parliament or, in general, the Republic. This was the rise of the bourgeoisie to power. The social division by estates was broken. The privileges of the nobility and clergy were abolished, and the peasants
Read MoreFrom Franco to Democracy: Spain’s Transformation (1975-1982)
Spain’s Transition to Democracy (1975-1982)
Introduction
The transition from Franco’s authoritarian regime to a democratic system was a peaceful, non-revolutionary process. Some historians believe it began with Carrero Blanco’s assassination in late 1973, while others place its start with Adolfo Suárez’s presidency in 1976. The rise of the leftist PSOE party to power in 1982 marked significant institutional and attitudinal changes.
Political Reform
In 1976, King Juan Carlos replaced Arias Navarro
Read MoreSixteenth and Seventeenth Century Spain: Economy, Society, and Culture
Economy and Society in 16th Century Spain
During the 16th century, there were two significant economic phenomena:
- Price Revolution (Inflation): A continuous rise in prices caused by increased money supply (arrival of American precious metals), the opening of a new market (America), and population growth. Demand surpassed supply, leading to rising prices.
- Crown Debt: Funding was required for the Hapsburgs’ foreign policy (involvement in numerous wars). Funding was obtained from private bankers and the
Franco’s Spain (1939-1959): Ideology, Politics, and Society
Item 10: The First Franco Regime (1939-1959)
Fundamentals, ideological and political evolution. Socio-economic developments and political opposition to the regime.
Definition and Characteristics of Francoism
What is Francoism? It is the political, economic, and social system named after the dictator Franco. It emerged during the Civil War (1936-39), was consolidated internally and externally, and disappeared with Franco’s death in 1975.
Features:
- Concentration of power in one person.
- Creation of a single