Democratic Spain: Governments, Terrorism, and Global Role
Democratic Spain
The Transition is considered to have ended in 1982. The elections of that year marked the beginning of two-party politics (the PSOE and the PP). This lasted until the 2015 elections, when new parties, such as Ciudadanos, Unidas Podemos, and VOX, gained significant support.
Governments Between 1982 and 2022
- In 1982, the PSOE won the elections, and Felipe González became prime minister. The welfare state was expanded, communications and transport were improved, the army was reformed,
Franco’s Spain: Dictatorship, Catholicism & Opposition 1939-1959
Franco’s Regime: Fascist Dictatorship (1939-1951)
Political Level
- Franco was the leader (Caudillo of Spain).
- He concentrated all power in himself (no opposition parties, control of the Falange Española Tradicionalista y de las JONS, and the army).
- Control of the State and society.
- Indoctrination of the population.
- Cult of personality around Franco.
- Control of the media.
- After the end of World War II, the regime began to abandon its fascist traits.
Foreign Policy
- 1939: Spain declared neutral status.
- 1940:
Fascism, Nazism, and the Post-War World Order
Fascism in Italy
The rise of Fascism in Italy was largely due to dissatisfaction with the peace agreements established after World War I, compounded by an economic crisis. Fascism was the creation of journalist Benito Mussolini, who founded the National Fascist Party in 1921, using paramilitary groups known as Italian Combat, or Blackshirts. He gained support from large landowners, the Church, and King Victor.
In 1922, the successful intervention of the Italian Combat against trade unions and workers’
Read MoreAbyssinian Crisis: Mussolini, the League of Nations & Failure
Phase 2 (October 1935 to May 1936)
Mussolini’s army was ready. Despite brave resistance, the Abyssinians were no match for the modern Italian army equipped with tanks, aeroplanes, and poison gas. It was a clear-cut case of a large, powerful state attacking a smaller one.
Sanctions were introduced against the aggressor. A committee was formed to agree on the sanctions. The League imposed an immediate ban on arms sales to Italy while allowing them to Abyssinia. It banned all loans to Italy. It banned
Read MoreCharles V, Philip II: Rebellions and Iberian Unity
Government of Charles V and the Germanías
The reign of King Charles I coincided with the outbreak of significant revolts in his kingdoms: Castile and Valencia.
The Revolt of the Comuneros in Castile
This revolt was initiated by Castilian cities against the king’s government. The reasons included growing concerns about the interests of Castile being overshadowed by European affairs. This was evident in several ways: the control of senior positions by Flemish individuals, special tax requests to fund
Read MoreEngland’s Parliamentary System and Habsburg Rule
England and the Parliamentary System
The English King Charles I was an absolute monarch. As he needed to raise money, he summoned Parliament (an assembly of the kingdom’s representatives) to increase taxes.
However, Parliament demanded restrictions to the king’s power.
Consequently, a civil war broke out between the king’s and Parliament’s supporters. Parliament was victorious, the king was executed, and England became a republic. Its leader was Oliver Cromwell, who would become a dictator years later.
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