European Imperialism in the 19th Century
What is Imperialism?
Imperialism is the extension of one country’s domination over others. The conquering country is the metropolis, and the conquered territories are the colonies. Imperialism wasn’t new; great empires existed in antiquity. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Spain and Portugal were the most important imperial powers. However, imperialism reached its peak in the 19th century with new players: Britain and France, alongside other European countries and non-European empires. In contrast,
Read MoreAl-Andalus and the Conquest of America
Theme 2: The Iberian Peninsula in the Middle Ages: Al-Andalus
2. Political Developments of Al-Andalus: The Conquest, the Emirate, and the Caliphate of Cordoba
In April 711, a Berber army under the command of Tariq crossed the Strait of Gibraltar. Two months later, they defeated the Visigoth King Roderic at the Battle of Guadalete. Within the next three years, the Arabs and Berbers secured control of the mainland, achieving this more through surrender or covenant than military victory. Unlike the Visigoths,
Read MoreAmerican Revolution: Birth of the USA and Legacy of Liberty
The American Revolution (1774-1783)
Causes of the Revolution
The American Revolution stemmed from growing tensions between Great Britain and its North American colonies. Economic grievances, including restrictive trade policies and taxation without representation, fueled colonial discontent. The colonists had developed their own political systems and resented British interference.
The War for Independence
In 1774, representatives from the thirteen colonies met at the First Continental Congress in
Read MoreThe Reconquista: A Timeline of Spain’s Reclamation
Early Stages (718-1033)
718: Pelayo, a Visigothic nobleman elected king, defeats the Muslim army at Alcamo, near Covadonga, initiating the Christian Reconquista of Spain.
750: Under King Alfonso I, Christians occupy Galicia, abandoned by Berber rebel troops.
778: Charlemagne’s army is defeated by the Basques at Roncesvalles. Death of Roland.
791-842: Alfonso II conquers several strongholds and settles lands south of the Duero River.
873-898: Wilfred the Hairy, Count of Barcelona, establishes a Christian
Read More19th Century Spain: A Timeline of Political Upheaval
Charles IV’s Reign (1805-1808)
- 1805: Battle of Trafalgar
- 1808: Abdication of Bayonne, Start of the Peninsular War
Joseph Bonaparte’s Reign (1808-1813)
- 1810: Convocation of the Cortes
- 1812: Constitution of Cádiz, Annexation of Catalonia
- 1813: Treaty of Valençay
Ferdinand VII’s Reign (1814-1833)
Absolutist Restoration (1814-1820)
- 1814: Return to Absolutism
- 1817: Lacy’s Liberal Pronouncement
Liberal Triennium (1820-1823)
- 1820: Riego’s Uprising
- 1822: Royalist Uprising in Catalonia
- 1823: Hundred Thousand Sons of
The Iberian Peninsula in the Middle Ages: Al-Andalus
The Muslim Conquest of the Iberian Peninsula
The Visigoth kingdom declined in the 7th century, coinciding with the Islamic expansion across North Africa. Responding to Count Julian of Ceuta’s plea to overthrow King Rodrigo, 12,000 Berbers crossed the Strait of Gibraltar under Tariq’s command. They defeated the Visigoth army at the Battle of Guadalete (711), marking the end of Visigothic rule. 16,000 Arabs under Musa joined the Berbers, swiftly conquering most of the Iberian Peninsula. Muslim advances
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