Spain: Moderate and Progressive Rule (1856-1868)
The Liberal Union (1856-1863)
Return of Moderates
Following the dismantling of the previous government’s policies, O’Donnell was dismissed, and Narvaez returned to power. Narvaez’s government aimed to restore a more conservative and authoritarian approach. Key measures included the Public Instruction Act, which regulated education and granted the Church inspection rights. This period saw the completion of major public works like the Ebro Canal and the Isabel II Canal, along with communication improvements.
Read MoreCrisis of the Old Regime in Spain (1808-1833)
The Late 18th and Early 19th Centuries
The late 18th and early 19th centuries in Western Europe and the American colonies witnessed the crisis of the Old Regime in Spain. This crisis stemmed from both internal and external factors, which the absolutist monarchy proved incapable of resolving. One contributing factor was the ineffective reign of Charles IV and his favorite, Manuel Godoy, along with their relationship with France.
Several key events unfolded:
- Family Compacts
- French Revolution (1793-1795)
Spanish Post-Civil War Politics & Society Under Franco
Spanish Post-Civil War Politics & Society Under Franco
Maquis
The Maquis, a Spanish guerrilla movement, continued armed struggle against Franco after the Civil War. The name has French origins, as it was also used for French resistance fighters who hid in the woods. The Maquis were prevalent in the Cantabrian Mountains, the Pyrenees, and Andalusia. Although communists were the largest group, socialists and anarchists also participated.
Autarchy (1939-1959)
Autarchy, an economic policy promoting
Read MoreProminent Figures in Venezuelan History, Science, and Culture
Prominent Figures in Venezuelan Politics
Rómulo Betancourt (1908-1981)
Born in Guatire, Miranda, Rómulo Betancourt played a pivotal role in Venezuelan politics. He fought against the Gómez dictatorship, leading to his imprisonment and exile. A founding member of Democratic Action (AD), his ideology evolved from revolutionary to center-left. Betancourt served as de facto president in 1945 and later as elected president from 1959-1964, navigating challenges such as guerrilla warfare and terrorist
Read MoreThe Rise of Fascism and Nazism in Europe
The Rise of Fascism in Italy
In the aftermath of World War I, Italy faced social and economic turmoil. Amid this instability, Benito Mussolini emerged, founding the Fasci di Combattimento in 1919. These paramilitary groups, known as “Blackshirts,” aimed to suppress the growing labor movement through violence against unions and their leaders.
In 1921, the Fasci transformed into the National Fascist Party, presenting itself as a bulwark against revolutionary movements. Its platform centered on a strong
Read MoreThe Great Depression: Causes, Impact, and the New Deal
The Great Depression
Overproduction Crisis
The prosperity of the 1920s did not benefit everyone equally. Farmers suffered because they incurred debt during the war to increase production for Europe. After the war, exports declined, leading to overproduction, falling prices, and widespread farm foreclosures.
Industry experienced a similar trend. Production outpaced demand, leading to accumulating stock, falling prices, and business closures. Reduced purchasing power further decreased consumption, marking
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