Glossary of Cultural and Political Terms
A
Agora
The central square in ancient Greek cities where philosophers met and important buildings stood.
Arabesque
Decorative art characteristic of Islamic cultures, based on intersecting spirals and curved lines forming harmonious compositions.
Arabic
Relating to the Arabic language or people.
Arabist
A person knowledgeable in Arabic language and culture.
Arabize
To adopt Arabic language, style, or customs.
Aristocracy
A form of government where power resides in a minority social group, the nobility.
Arracada
A
Read MoreSpain’s Transition to Democracy: From Franco to Freedom
Spain’s Transition to Democracy
Background
In November 1975, following Franco’s death, several social and political factors converged, driving the need for regime change. The political succession within the Franco regime had been disrupted by the assassination of Prime Minister Admiral Carrero Blanco. Opposition movements gained momentum, uniting to prepare for a peaceful end to the regime. This was supported by international sentiment favoring change, particularly after Portugal’s Carnation Revolution.
Read MoreThe Spanish-American War of 1898: Causes, Consequences, and Legacy
The Spanish-American War of 1898
Item 6: The Colonial War Crisis
During the age of imperialism, Spain, with limited resources, struggled to maintain its colonial possessions while respecting the international balance of power. As other nations carved up the world, Spain was not only marginalized but also began losing its territories. The late 19th century saw a deep crisis triggered by colonial independence wars in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines.
The conflict stemmed from two main issues:
- Spain’
Spain’s 19th-Century Political Turmoil: Monarchy, Republic, and Instability
Reign of Amadeo I of Savoy
Amadeo I reigned in Spain as a constitutional monarch, but his rule was marked by persistent instability. After Prim’s death, the progressive movement splintered into radicals and constitutionalists. This division led to frequent government changes, with three elections and six different governments.
Problems during Amadeo I’s Reign
- The King’s unpopularity due to his foreign origin.
- Fear of social revolution led to the outlawing of courts.
- Opposition from:
- Republicans who rejected
Moderate Decade in Spain (1844-1854): Rise and Fall
Moderate Decade (1844-1854)
4.1 Setting the Moderate Regime
The 1844 elections gave the moderates a majority, and the new government, headed by Narváez, imposed a policy based on moderate liberalism. His aim was to end the revolutionary period, normalize the functioning of liberal institutions, and create a law-based order and authority, with repressive measures that ended the social and political hopes of the previous stage. The regime was based on the predominance of the landed bourgeoisie, born
Read MoreSpain: From Dictatorship to Democracy (1939-1978)
The Franco Regime (1939-1950)
Following the Spanish Civil War, General Franco consolidated power, establishing a single party system based on the “Traditionalist Spanish Falange de las JONS.” This fascist, conservative, and anti-socialist party’s ideology was reflected in the “Labour Law.” Franco, as “Generalissimo,” held all legislative and executive power. Domestic policy was based on “national syndicalism,” maintaining a form of capitalism while suspending the Statutes of Autonomy. Government
Read More