Al-Andalus: History and Culture
BLOCK 3: Al-Andalus
3.1 Political Developments: Conquest, Emirate, and Caliphate of Cordoba
The conquest of Al-Andalus was driven by the rapid expansion of Islam and the internal crisis of the Visigoth monarchy. The Arab governor, Musa ibn-Nusair, sent an expedition led by his Berber lieutenant, Tariq, to aid the Witizans who were at war against the supporters of Don Rodrigo. Tariq defeated Don Rodrigo at the Battle of Guadalete. Musa and Syrian Arab warriors joined Tariq in Toledo and conquered the
Read MoreThe Second Spanish Republic: From Dictatorship to Civil War
The Dictatorship of Primo de Rivera and the End of the Alfonsine Monarchy
Rise and Principles of the Regime
In 1923, Miguel Primo de Rivera, Captain General of Barcelona, staged a coup without opposition from other soldiers. He took over as head of government while King Alfonso XIII remained as head of state, implementing a dictatorial regime. The Constitution of 1876 was abolished, along with the democratic system, unions, and many freedoms and rights.
Primo de Rivera’s regime may have resembled Mussolini’
Read MoreSpanish Politics in the Second Republic
The 1936 Elections and Political Forces
A bar chart illustrates the distribution of political representation following the 1936 elections, the third held during the Second Spanish Republic. This secondary source reveals a fragmented political landscape with numerous parties vying for power.
Election Results
The Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) secured the most seats with 99, followed by the Spanish Confederation of Autonomous Rights (CEDA) with 88, and the Republican Left with 87. Notably, no
Read MoreSpanish Transition to Democracy: Reform or Rupture?
1. Political Change and the Organization of Forces
The Debate: Reform or Rupture?
Following Franco’s death, the vast majority of Spanish society desired significant change. A fierce debate arose concerning the path to achieve this transformation. Some advocated for reforming Franco’s existing institutions and laws, while others believed a revolutionary break was the only way to achieve true democracy.
The Reformists
The reformists, often referred to as the aperturistas, were primarily young politicians
Read MoreThe Peaceful Shift and the Disaster of 1898 in Spain
The Peaceful Shift: Cánovas and Sagasta
Cánovas del Castillo, influenced by the British parliamentary system, established political stability with two major royalist parties alternating in power. With Sagasta’s support, these formations consolidated into two main parties:
- Conservative Party: Led by Cánovas, it included former moderate liberals and the Unionists.
- Liberal Party: Headed by Sagasta, it united the old progressives and democratic republicans.
These parties were known as:
- Dynastic Parties:
The Decline of the Spanish Empire in the 17th Century
The Spanish Empire in the 17th Century
Austria, Government, and Internal Conflicts
During the 17th century, Habsburg policy was often left in the hands of trusted individuals known as validos.
Felipe III (1598-1621) oversaw the beginning of Spain’s decline. The most influential figure of his reign was the Duke of Lerma, who was eventually dismissed due to mismanagement and the intrigues of his son, the Duke of Uceda. Both men primarily sought personal enrichment and prevented the monarch from actively
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