Franco’s Spain: Politics, Economy, and Society (1939-1959)
Political Aspects
Franco’s regime was characterized by the concentration of power, rejection of democratic principles, and suppression of freedoms. Institutionalization was slow, with key laws enacted over decades to solidify Franco’s authority.
- 1942: Reestablishment of Cortes Españolas (Spanish Courts) as a rubber-stamp body.
- 1945: Fuero de los Españoles (Charter of the Spanish People) outlining rights, not enforced in practice.
- 1947: Ley de Sucesión en la Jefatura del Estado (Law of Succession
Spanish Colonization of the Americas: 16th Century
Conquest and Colonization of the Americas
16th Century territorial expansion in the Caribbean and the Americas through surrender agreements.
Phase 1 (until 1515)
- Occupation of Spanish Caribbean islands: Puerto Rico, Cuba, Jamaica, and Florida.
Phase 2
- Hernán Cortés, Núñez de Balboa (discovered the Pacific Ocean in 1513), and Magellan expeditions.
- Cortés explored and conquered the Aztec Empire (1519-1520).
- Pizarro conquered the Inca Empire (1532).
Phase 3
- Orellana discovered the Amazon (1539).
- Valdivia
French Absolutism Under Louis XIV: A Historical Overview
The 18th Century: Richelieu, Mazarin, and the Rise of Absolutism
The Ministry of Richelieu and Mazarin
The period from 1623 to 1661 is marked by the powerful influence of Cardinal Richelieu (1623-1642) and Cardinal Mazarin (1643-1661). Richelieu served during the reign of Louis XIII, while Mazarin held sway during the youth of Louis XIV. Both wielded significant power, akin to prime ministers. Richelieu secured the consistent support of Louis XIII in decision-making, and Mazarin exerted considerable
Read MoreEvolution of Spain: From Iberians to Modern State
Early History of Spain
We know the first word of the Iberians, although we never managed to translate it. This indicates a complex society.
Ancient Greece had “city-states” called poleis, sharing language but with diverse cultures. The inhabitants of Phocaea (Phocaeans) reached Empuries in the third century BC, establishing trade with the Iberians.
Later, Rome formed Latium and began conquering the Iberian Peninsula. They conquered almost the entire territory except the Pyrenees, with Tarraco (Imperial
Read MoreSpanish Civil War: A Concise History (1936-1939)
The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)
1. Causes and Military Uprising
A. Causes of the War
The core issue was the fear of oligarchic groups of a proletarian and democratic revolution. Other stated causes included restoring order and defending religion. However, the uprising was primarily driven by resistance to change and the potential loss of privileges. Large landowners, military officers, clergy, and big financiers were the key protagonists of the uprising against perceived “anarchy” or “Communism”
Read MoreWorld War II: Axis Defeat and Global Transformation
Japanese Expansion
Based on Prime Minister Tanaka’s ideas, Japan aimed to build a pan-Asian empire and expel Western powers. In 1931, Japan occupied Manchuria. The League of Nations condemned Japan, which then renounced the Washington Naval Treaty. Prince Konoe planned to conquer China, which received aid from the USSR. However, the Russo-Japanese non-aggression pact ended. The US, France, and the UK did not provide aid against Japanese aggression.
War in Spain
The war involved General Franco’s rebel
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