The Spanish War of Independence and the Constitution of 1812
The Crisis of 1808: War of Independence and the Beginnings of the Liberal Revolution
Charles IV and the French Revolution
Charles III died in 1788 and was succeeded by his son, Charles IV, who married Maria Luisa of Orleans. His reign was heavily influenced by the events of the French Revolution. For most of his reign, the Prime Minister was Manuel Godoy, a nobleman and royal guard who exerted significant influence over the country’s policies. During the early years of the French Revolution, Spain
Read MoreFrancoist Spain: Ideology and Social Support
Francoist Spain: Ideological Foundations and Social Supports
Since Franco’s triumph after the Civil War, many historians have discussed the characteristics of the Franco regime and its similarities and differences with other contemporary dictatorships. All agreed to establish key features as:
- The lack of incorporation (although over the years a cumulative process of basic laws would be produced: the Fundamental Laws)
- The absence of political parties
- The concentration of power in the hands of one person,
Economic Liberalism and the French Revolution
Item 2: Economic Liberalism
The Rise of New Economic Thinking
With the Industrial Revolution came the development of a new economic theory: liberalism. This theory was developed by a group of English thinkers, including Adam Smith, Robert Malthus, and David Ricardo.
Adam Smith
In 1776, Adam Smith wrote “The Wealth of Nations,” which developed the concept of free economic thinking. He argued that society is a group of individuals, and the wealth of a nation depends on the work of those individuals.
Read MoreThe Second Spanish Republic: From Proclamation to Civil War
The Second Spanish Republic (1931-1939)
The Proclamation of the Republic and the Constitutional Period (1931-1933)
The Elections and the Interim Government
The April 12, 1931, municipal elections were held in Spain by universal male suffrage. Participation was very high, and the Republican-Socialist candidates triumphed in large cities, including 41 of the 50 provincial capitals. On the morning of April 14, the elected councilors of the town of Eibar, Guipúzcoa, proclaimed the Republic. Faced with
Read MoreSpain: Early 20th Century Turmoil & Transformation
Political Instability and Military Intervention
Militarism: The increasing influence of military power led to more authoritarian and intransigent positions, with the military attributing defeats to inefficiency and political corruption. They proposed a greater military presence and role in political life, culminating in the 1923 coup led by Primo de Rivera and the start of General Franco’s dictatorship in 1936.
Assembly of Parliamentarians (1917): This assembly demanded the formation of a provisional
Read MoreSpanish Civil War: A Concise Overview
The Spanish Civil War
The Prelude to Conflict
The Spanish Civil War was preceded by escalating violence and clashes between the left and right political factions. Workers and peasants engaged in revolutionary actions, while the right-wing conspired and sought military support to quell the social revolution. The assassination of Lieutenant José del Castillo on July 12th served as the pretext for a military rebellion, launched on July 17th in Ceuta and Melilla under General Franco’s leadership.