19th Century Social Classes and Labor Movements
The Aristocracy: This social group did not disappear; its privileges and even some titles of nobility were abolished, while new ones were created. Most aristocrats dreamed of becoming bourgeois landowners and living off income from buildings and farms.
The Bourgeoisie: The social position of the bourgeoisie came from their industrial, financial, and trading businesses. The house became a private space that symbolically reflected their achievements and social position. They were content with gatherings
Read MoreBig Business Rise & Globalization Origins: A Deep Dive
The Rise of Big Business and Globalization
The Great Entrepreneurs
- The humble origins of Carnegie (U.S. Steel Corporation) and Rockefeller (Standard Oil Company).
- The average entrepreneur came from families dedicated to business.
- The growing number of millionaires and robber barons.
- Engineers acquired prominence as skilled workers; the leadership of great business men did not rest on inventive or engineering skills but on designing industrial and financial strategies, establishing alliances, etc.
- Monopolies
Reign of Isabel II: Politics, Economy, and the Carlist Wars
The Reign of Isabel II (1833-1868)
Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne in 1833 upon the death of Fernando VII. As she was only three years old, her succession was contested by supporters of absolutism who backed Don Carlos, the late king’s brother. This led to the First Carlist War (1834-1839). The queen regent, Maria Cristina, to defend her daughter’s rights, had no choice but to rely on the liberals. The Civil War was a struggle between liberals and absolutists, with the liberals ultimately
Read MoreFranco’s Dictatorship: Economic and Social Transformation (1959-1975)
Franco’s Dictatorship (1959-1975): Economic and Social Changes
In 1959, a new economic team, including members of Opus Dei, aimed to ensure the development of capitalism. The Stabilization Plan officially ended economic self-sufficiency. The objectives were to contain high inflation, reduce state intervention in the economy, liberalize economic relations, and facilitate foreign capital investment.
Between 1964 and 1975, development plans were implemented to stimulate production. The rapid economic
Read MoreEurope Before World War I: Alliances and Revolutions
The Belle Epoque: An Era of Rivalry
The Belle Epoque is the name given to the decades preceding World War I. Much evidence indicates the beginning of an era characterized by competition, national economic rivalries, and imperialism.
An Era of Revolutions
Working conditions improved in most advanced societies: social democratic parties participated in elections to promote reforms.
- In Russia, Tsar Nicholas II ruled as an autocrat in a climate illustrated by pogroms; rapid industrialization provoked misgivings.
Russian Revolution 1905-1917: Causes and Key Players
1. The Socio-Economic Situation
Outline of Russian society:
- Upper class: Nobles and clergy, some industrialists and traders. Dominated the state apparatus and army.
- Middle classes: Hardly present.
- Lower classes: The majority of the population. Recently emancipated serfs and industrial workers lived in very poor conditions. The labor movement was developing, influenced by Marxist ideas like those in the *Communist Manifesto*.
The economy was based on archaic agriculture, with rural overpopulation. Industry
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