Key Figures & Events in 19th Century Spain
19th Century Spain: Key Figures and Events
1820: A military uprising, intended for troops sailing to America to fight insurgents, led by Riego, forced King Ferdinand VII, unable to control the rebels, to swear to the Constitution of 1812. Thus began another brief period in Spanish history, the constitutional triennium.
1823: A French army entered Spain to restore Ferdinand VII to the throne as an absolute monarch. Meeting little resistance, these troops swept across the country, defeated the supporters
Read MoreSpanish Civil War: Political Transformations in Rival Zones
Political Shifts in Divided Spain
Let’s examine the distinct political developments within the two territories Spain was split into following the military coup.
Developments in the Republican Zone
Initially, a new government led by José Giral was formed on the Republican side. This government made the crucial decision to distribute arms to militias associated with political parties and trade unions to counter the uprising. During the summer and autumn of 1936, the Republican state structure weakened
Read MoreSpain: 1812 Constitution, Ferdinand VII & Napoleonic Era
The Cortes of Cadiz (1812)
In 1812, the Central Board, meeting in Seville, decided to hold elections for constituents to bring together representatives of the people in the first Cortes Generales. The majority of elected deputies, influenced by liberalism, adopted a constitution in Cadiz on March 19, 1812, the first in the history of Spain. Title IV of the Constitution described the areas in which the king was subordinate to Parliament. However, it retained two elements of traditional absolutism:
Read MoreAnarchism & Socialism in Late 19th Century Spain
Spanish Anarchism: FTRE and Internal Divisions
In 1881, the existing Spanish workers’ federation reorganized and adopted the name FTRE (Federation of Workers of the Spanish Region). While having an anarchist profile under figures like Anselmo Lorenzo, it aimed for broad affiliation. This name change occurred for two main reasons: firstly, a new law on associations deemed organizations linked to international bodies illegal, and the name change allowed the FTRE to detach itself formally. Secondly,
Read MoreColumbus’s Voyage: Unveiling the Discovery of America
The Discovery of America
The late Middle Ages saw a convergence of factors that propelled the expansion leading to Columbus’s voyage to America.
Technological Advancements
New technologies played a crucial role, including advancements in cartography, navigational instruments like the astrolabe, and nautical techniques, particularly in shipbuilding with the development of ships like the caravel.
Economic Drivers
The economy experienced strong growth in international trade, creating a demand for precious
Read MoreCanalejas Era: Political Shifts & Social Tensions in Spain (1910-1917)
Canalejas and the Liberal Party (1910-1912)
Canalejas sought to overhaul the system of government to integrate more groups into the system (republicans), addressing dimensions of governance.
Canada Act 1910
This act banned the entry into Spain of new religious orders. While it was not fully enforced, it pretended to represent the separation of church and state.
Obligatory Military Service
The imposition of mandatory military service was generally accepted by the army. However, a major source of income
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