The Restoration in Spain (1874-1923)
The Political System Restoration
The Restoration was not just the return of Alfonso XII to the throne, but also a period characterized by a well-regarded socio-economic and political system. The Restoration meant the end of the revolutionary and democratic cycle of 1968-1874 and a return to the monarchy.
To understand the return of the Bourbons to the Spanish throne, several factors must be taken into account:
- The inability of the 1st Republic to resolve conflicts.
- The lack of social opposition to the
The Moderate Decade (1844-1854) and Its Aftermath
The Moderate Decade (1844-1854)
His reign began with the progressive government that lasted only until Olózaga’s dismissal in 1843. The moderate decade, led by Bravo Murillo and Narváez, commenced in 1844 and lasted until 1854. This period saw attempts to implement a doctrinaire liberal approach, curtailing national powers while expanding those of the Crown.
Key Developments of the Moderate Decade
- Creation of the Civil Guard (1844): Established by Narváez.
- Constitution of 1845: A conservative document
The Old Regime and the Enlightenment: A Historical Overview
1. The Old Regime in Europe
1.1 Definition of the Old Regime
The Old Regime refers to the European society of the Middle Ages that had transitioned from the feudal stage but still maintained a lifestyle based on:
- Agrarian economy: The economy was primarily based on agriculture.
- Monarchical absolutism: The king or queen held absolute power.
- Stratified society: Society was divided into rigid social classes.
1.2 Characteristics of Old Regime Agriculture
Agriculture during the Old Regime had several key features:
Read MoreRegencies During the Reign of Elizabeth II of Spain
The Regencies During the Reign of Elizabeth II
Maria Cristina’s Regency (1833-1840)
During the reign of Elizabeth II, Spain experienced two regencies: Maria Cristina and General Espartero. Maria Cristina’s regency (1833-1840) began with Cea Bermúdez in power and a governing council composed mainly of moderate absolutists.
Key Actions:
- Administrative division of Spain into 49 provinces (Javier de Burgos).
- Attempts to reach agreements with the Carlists.
The need to collaborate with liberals to combat the
Read MoreFranco’s Spain: From Autarky to International Rehabilitation
Key Words
- Debugging officials: Franco’s repressive process against officers who were not considered loyal to the new regime.
- Masonry: Philosophical and philanthropic organization, severely persecuted by Franco, whose members uphold solidarity and mutual development.
- Succession Act: Law granting Franco the power to appoint his successor as head of state.
- Blue Division: Military unit of volunteers recruited to assist Germany’s offensive against the Soviet Union.
- Autarky: Economic doctrine under which a
Early 20th Century Spain: Politics, Conflicts, and Key Figures
Political and Social Movements
Revolution From Above
The main objective of Antonio Maura during his long government, which lasted from 1907 to 1909.
Incident of Fashoda
Episodes that took place in 1898 when France and Britain decided to build lines of communication paths for connecting their respective colonies in Africa without interruption.
Tragic Week
Events in Barcelona and other cities of Catalonia, between July 26 and August 2, 1909.
Assembly of Parliamentarians
Meetings, never official, held in Barcelona
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