Reign of Ferdinand VII of Spain: Absolutism & Liberalism
Reign of Ferdinand VII (1814-1833)
Restoration in Europe: Three Stages
1. Sexenio Absolutist (1814-1820)
- 1814: Ferdinand VII returns to Spain. Dissolves las Cortes and abolishes the Constitution.
- Restoration of the Ancien Régime: Inquisition, seigneurial jurisdiction, privileged estates.
- Persecution of Liberals. Plots against the king from within the army.
- Short-lived governments unable to solve Spain’s problems. Hacienda crisis. Failed reforms due to opposition from the privileged, led by Prince Don
European Imperialism and the Road to World War I
Imperialism and Its Causes
- Controlling Europe: The Second Industrial Revolution transformed major European economies, leading to increased production, trade, and improved transport. Superior technology, finance, and military strength propelled Europe towards global dominance. Advanced nations colonized territories in Africa and Asia, exploiting resources and establishing political control.
- Causes of Colonialism:
- Economic: European countries needed new markets for surplus production and sought raw materials
Spanish Civil War: Initial Stages and Madrid’s Defense
Development of the War
In the race’s development, we can distinguish the following stages:
Stage 1: War Columns
From late July to early November, the war entered a phase of column movements, establishing a front between the two areas. This was the war’s basis until November 1936.
The columns, composed of military units, law enforcement, and volunteers with limited weapons, advanced on foot or were transported by road in trucks. On the Republican side, columns occupied Alcalá de Henares and Guadalajara,
Read MoreUnderstanding the Spanish Civil War
Final Reflections
The Civil War was a tragedy for 20th-century Spanish society, much like the three Carlist Wars in the 19th century. The explanation of the Civil War is complex, with remote causes before 1930 and proximate causes during the Republican period.
Remote Causes
- Challenges in implementing the liberal revolution in Spain.
- The army’s attitude and mentality.
- Delay in the country’s ideological and economic modernization.
- Dominant international ideologies.
The radical opposition of two blocks in
Read MoreSpain’s Socioeconomic Transformation in the Early 20th Century
The Restoration Era (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)
Economic Development and Dynamism
During the early Restoration, Spain experienced general economic development, contrasting with the European crisis. Political stability fostered expansion and dynamism.
- Agriculture: Traditional crops and structures persisted with limited modernization. Vineyards thrived due to the phylloxera plague in France, leading to massive wine exports.
- Mining: Output increased, though primarily under foreign control.
- Industry:
Spain: Reign of Charles IV and the War of Independence (1788-1814)
The Reign of Charles IV (1788-1808)
During the reign of Charles IV, power was entrusted to Manuel Godoy. Following the execution of Louis XVI, Spain declared war on France, resulting in defeat and subordination to France under the Peace of Basel. The Pact of San Ildefonso was signed with France, and battles ensued against Britain, including the battles of San Vicente, Cape St. Vincent, and Trafalgar, further deepening Spain’s financial crisis. Godoy’s tax increases to address the crisis faced widespread
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