Spanish Civil War: The Popular Front and Military Revolt
The Popular Front (February 1936)
In late 1935, talks began between the left and Republicans to forge an electoral alliance. This alliance was reflected in the Popular Front of January 1936: an alliance of left Republicans with the PSOE and the PCE. The CNT stayed away but without recommending abstention in the elections of February 1936.
The election was held with great verbal violence but without major incident. The Popular Front won by getting a sufficient majority to govern with the program to
Read MoreAnglo-Saxon Era: Culture, History, and Norman Conquest
The Anglo-Saxon Era: A Historical Overview
Generalizing about the Dark Ages is challenging due to its length, but here’s an attempt. The Anglo-Saxons, upon arriving in Britain, were pagans. They worshipped nature gods and revered springs, wells, rocks, and trees. Religion served as a means to ensure material success rather than spiritual revelation. Prayers were offered to specific goddesses for successful harvests or victory in battle.
The End of Anglo-Saxon Rule
Anglo-Saxon rule ended in 1066, shortly
Read MoreFranco’s Spain: Transition, Politics, and Economic Shift (1951-1957)
The Transition Phase (1951-1957)
At the beginning of this stage, the system was failing. Autarky and the serious economic situation led to social protests. Spain remained isolated and suffered a boycott by European powers. However, the Cold War changed the situation. The U.S. began a gradual approach towards the Franco regime, which saved it. The start of US relations resulted in economic liberalization, improving the economic situation and reducing social protests. This strengthened and consolidated
Read MoreTotalitarianism: Comparing Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany
The totalitarian state, since 1938, aimed to be achieved through a highly bureaucratized corporate organization integrated into government policy. This involved intervention in the economy, often prioritizing class interests over the labor movement. Despite this, the Fascist regime in Italy did not reach the same levels of control, mobilization, and social repression as Nazi totalitarianism. It also wasn’t as successful in economic efficiency, nor did it pursue aggressive expansion until after 1935,
Read MoreBourbon Dynasty: Spain’s Foreign Policy and Colonial Shifts
After the Treaty of Utrecht, Spain’s foreign policy objectives were to regain Gibraltar and Minorca from British control, and to place Bourbon princes in power in Italy. This policy was based on an alliance with France, formalized in several Family Pacts, and a rivalry with England in the Atlantic due to British threats to Spanish possessions in the Indies.
Philip V’s Reign (1700-1756)
Philip V (1700-1756) focused on recovering Italian territories. Initial solo attempts failed, leading to an alliance
Read MoreCold War Key Events and Timeline: A Concise History
The Cold War: A Timeline of Key Events
Containment (1947-1953)
In March 1947, US President Harry S. Truman asked Congress to support the Greek Government against the communists in the Greek Civil War. Truman justified the intervention on the grounds that American national security depended on the containment of communism. This became known as Containment or the Truman Doctrine. That year, the USA created the European Recovery Programme for Europe, nicknamed the Marshall Plan, to revitalize the economy
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