The Second Spanish Republic (1931-1936)
1. The Provisional Government and the Constitution of 1931
Provisional Government
On April 14, 1931, the Second Spanish Republic was proclaimed, representing a challenge to an important part of Spanish society, especially traditionalist conservatives, the Church, the army, and the agrarian oligarchy. A coalition provisional government was formed, including radicals, socialists (Indalecio Prieto, Largo Caballero, Fernando de los Ríos), Acción Republicana, Esquerra Republicana, Galicians, and the
Read MoreThe Reign of Elizabeth II & the Carlist Wars (1833-1840)
The Reign of Elizabeth II and the Carlist Wars (1833-1840)
The Succession Crisis and the Rise of Carlism
In 1830, the birth of Isabella, daughter of King Ferdinand VII, sparked a succession crisis. The Salic Law, introduced by Philip V, prevented female rulers. However, Ferdinand VII, influenced by his wife Maria Cristina, repealed the law with the Pragmatic Sanction, paving the way for Isabella to inherit the throne. This angered the ultraconservative Carlists, who supported Ferdinand’s brother,
Read MoreThe Anglo-Norman and Plantagenet Dynasties of England
Anglo-Norman Britain
The King of Denmark, who also held the title of King of Wessex, had the power to elect the King of Wessex. However, the true ruler of Wessex was the Earl of Wessex, who was also under the dominion of the Danish King. Upon King Edward’s death, Edgar, King Edward’s nephew, was not chosen as successor. Instead, Harold Godwinson, son of the Earl of Wessex, was elected King of Wessex by the King of Denmark. Harold Hardrada, King of Norway, allied with Tostig, Harold Godwinson’s brother,
Read MoreArgentina in the 1940s: War, Coups, and Perón’s Rise
Argentina in the 1940s
The World at War and Argentina’s Neutrality
The 1940s began with the world engulfed in World War II. Despite the global conflict, Argentina maintained its neutrality, a stance it had also held during World War I (1914-1918). This allowed the nation to continue trading with its primary partners. However, this neutrality would become increasingly strained as the decade progressed.
Political Upheaval and the Rise of Perón
In 1943, Argentina experienced its second coup d’état,
Read MoreAlmagro’s Expedition to Chile: A Chronicle of Conquest
Getting Ready
Almagro’s Preparations
Diego de Almagro commenced preparations for his Chilean expedition under promising circumstances. News of gold south of Cuzco, purportedly abundant and easily obtainable, spurred the recruitment of 500 Spaniards, many of whom were veterans of Almagro’s Peruvian campaign. His forces also included around 100 enslaved Africans and 1,500 Peruvian yanaconas tasked with transporting weapons, clothing, and provisions.
Inca Deception
The Incas, however, had disseminated
Read MoreSpanish History: From Roman Conquest to 18th Century
Stages of Roman Conquest
In the 3rd century BC, Rome and Carthage clashed for control of the Western Mediterranean. In 219 BC, Hannibal, the Carthaginian general, attacked Sagunto (an ally of Rome). The Romans considered this a breach of the Ebro Treaty, thus beginning the Second Punic War (218-206 BC) and the Roman occupation of the Iberian Peninsula. Stages:
- Occupation of the Mediterranean Coast (218-170 BC): In 218 BC, Romans landed in Ampurias. In 209 BC, Scipio Africanus took New Carthage. By