Spanish Constitutions of 1837 and 1845
Constitutional 37: Characteristics
The aim of the Cortes was progressive reform of the 1812 Constitution, but the result was a new Constitution: the Constitution of 1837. Liberals made a series of concessions:
- Maintaining national sovereignty, although only in the Preamble.
- The declaration of rights was more extensive and systematic.
- It was a short and flexible constitution, a “typical” progressive one, but was born weak due to the low turnout of moderates and the persistence of the Carlist War.
Liberals
Read More1937 Unification Decree: Franco’s Rise to Power
TEXT 25. Unification Decree Extract (1937)
1. Classification
This is a primary, direct legal text of a political nature, created during the Spanish Civil War. It was issued on the “Nationalist” side, aiming to unify various right-wing groups supporting the military uprising. The decree was a unilateral act by Franco, driven by the desire to end political turmoil and consolidate power. It was influenced by German pressure and a vision of an integrated state. The decree unified the Falange, JONS, and
Read MoreSpain’s 16th Century: Empire, Conflicts, and Culture
ITEM 7 – 16th Century Spain
The Empire of Charles V: Internal Conflicts
Charles I of Spain (Charles V of Germany) inherited the throne in 1516. Unfamiliar with Castilian, he brought Flemish advisors who occupied key positions. This sparked resentment, leading to the Revolt of the Comuneros in Castile. Causes included:
- Aristocratic discontent with Flemish influence
- Misuse of tax revenue
- Charles’s disregard for Castilian laws and language
- Concerns over the wool trade
The revolt, initially strong, was weakened
Read MoreSpanish Civil War: Republican Collapse and Franco’s Rise
REPUBLICAN STATE COLLAPSE
Upon the uprising, Casares Quiroga resigned and was succeeded by Diego MartÃnez Barrio, who tried to negotiate an end to the insurrection. Finding it impossible, he resigned and was succeeded by José Giral, also a Republican.
Giral’s government was ready to defend the Republic, taking the first military action. The fundamental problem was the lack of an army. Many had risen, so the Army gave weapons to the party militias and dissolved the army, thinking that would undermine
Read MoreEbro Battle and Spanish Civil War Political Evolution
The Battle of the Ebro
To halt the rebel advance on Valencia and Catalonia, and aiming for a negotiated peace, Republicans launched a major offensive in the Ebro. The Republican army was reinforced with 200,000 soldiers.
On July 25, Republican troops crossed the Ebro River towards Waldo, advancing 35 kilometers. By mid-November, with over 50% casualties and equipment destroyed, the Republican army retreated.
In late 1938, the Non-Intervention Committee withdrew foreign volunteers fighting with the
Read More20th Century Turmoil: War, Crisis, and Totalitarianism
Consequences of World War I
The American countries exporting agricultural products, mining, and oil for the war effort gained the most. However, imports became more expensive for Latin America, leading to the strengthening of certain local industries. The end of the conflict stopped the export boom, initiating a crisis until 1924. Natural population increases and decreased immigration boosted labor unions and urbanization. The middle classes grew, and the U.S. economic presence displaced English
Read More