Economic and Political Changes in Spain (1951-1959)
The Partial Liberalization of the Interventionist Economy
Between 1951 and 1959, a series of changes occurred in the orientation of Spanish economic policy, moving from autarky to a free trade model. In 1951, voices from the business and industry sectors were heard through the Chambers of Commerce and Industry. They demanded a streamlining of economic policy and increased productivity. The economic elites that were linked to autarky were suspicious of any change, fearing the loss of their power.
Read MoreArgentina: From Imperialism to the Centennial (1871-1910)
Imperialism (1871-1919)
Definition
Imperialism refers to states’ tendency to expand their influence culturally, territorially, or economically at the expense of other peoples or states. This document covers the period from 1871 to 1919, which Hobsbawm termed the era of imperialism.
Causes
- Need for new markets and capital
- Search for raw materials
- Population explosion
- Evangelizing missions
- Social Darwinism and chauvinism
- Expansion and development of transportation and communication
Implications
- New markets
- Investment
The Cold War: A Concise History
The Causes of World War II
German Nationalism and the Treaty of Versailles
German nationalism did not accept the Treaty of Versailles, which imposed harsh penalties on Germany after World War I.
The Great Depression
The economic crisis of 1929 augmented and exacerbated tensions between countries, paving the way for war. It also facilitated the rise of Nazism in Germany.
Failure of the League of Nations
The League of Nations, designed to prevent future wars, was discredited and ultimately failed to stop
Read MoreThe Restoration in Spain (1875-1923): Politics, Society, and Foreign Policy
The Restoration in Spain (1875-1923)
Political and Social Context
The Restoration period in Spain, beginning in 1875, aimed to establish stability after years of turmoil. A key tactic employed during this time was the division of the island into sectors, concentrating the rural population to control rebellions. The economic consequences of these actions, along with the harshness of the protests, led the U.S. Senate to advise President Cleveland to recognize the state of war in Cuba and offer mediation,
Read MoreThe Spanish Restoration (1874-1931): Constitution, Politics, and Social Change
The Spanish Restoration (1874-1931)
Constitutional Monarchy
The restoration of the Bourbons to the throne in 1874 ushered in a period of nearly half a century characterized by a predominantly conservative political landscape and governance under the Constitution of 1876. The leading figure of this era was Antonio Cánovas del Castillo, a conservative intellectual and monarchist. The constitution established a bicameral parliament where the king shared sovereignty with the Cortes, marking the beginning
Read More20th Century Geopolitics: A Global Perspective
Vocabulary
Political Figures
Richard Nixon
The former U.S. Republican President who claimed victory in the Vietnam War. His ending was marred by the Watergate scandal, which led to his resignation.
Fidel Castro
Marxist revolutionary leader who fought against Batista and took power in Cuba, remaining in power until recent times.
Indira Gandhi
The only child of Jawaharlal Nehru, she took her surname from her husband Feroze Gandhi. She served as Prime Minister of India and was assassinated in 1984.