The Spanish Second Republic (1931-1939): Politics and Culture
The Conservative Biennium (1933-1936) and the Radical-CEDA Biennium
Azaña’s government fell in September 1933 as a result of political disagreements between the parties that had supported him after the Casas Viejas incident. The right reorganized, and two groups could be distinguished within its ranks:
- Those opposed to the Republic
- Conservative Republicans
Right and center candidates won the elections and formed a government commissioned by Alcalá-Zamora. Alejandro Lerroux, leader of the Radical Socialist
Read MoreRise of Fascism and Nazism in Europe
Rise of Fascism in Italy
The March on Rome (1922)
In 1922, the National Fascist Party (PNF) launched the March on Rome, aiming to seize power and restore order. They believed the government was incapable and rejected a democratic approach. Between October 28 and 30, 1922, around 40,000 Fascists marched on Rome. This event, known as the March of the Blackshirts, prompted the government to propose a state of emergency, suspending fundamental freedoms. However, the King refused to sign the declaration,
Read MorePolitical Crisis in Spain (1902-1923)
General Features of Political Life (1902-1923)
The period from 1902 to 1923 was marked by a permanent political crisis, undermining the system devised by Antonio Cánovas del Castillo twenty-five years earlier. Successive governments failed to overcome this crisis due to several factors:
Causes of the Crisis
- The King’s Personality: Alfonso XIII played an active role in politics, unlike his parents. His involvement in government changes and susceptibility to military views proved decisive in the monarchy’
The Francoist Dictatorship in Spain (1959-1975)
Political and Economic Issues and Social Modernization and Development
Economic Development
During the 1960s, the Spanish economy experienced accelerated growth, complete modernization and industrialization, and increased levels of welfare and social consumption. Spain transitioned from an agricultural country to an industrial one. The government attempted to guide the development process through “Development Plans,” which were public investment projects and aid to private businesses. The First Development
Read MoreA History of Spain: From Pre-Roman Times to the Franco Regime
1. The Roots: Roman Hispania
1.1 The Hominization Process in the Iberian Peninsula: New Discoveries
1.2 The Pre-Roman Peoples
1.3 Historic Settlements: Phoenicians, Greeks, and Carthaginians
1.4 Stages of the Roman Conquest of Spain
1.5 The Process of Romanization: The Cultural Legacy
1.6 The Process of Romanization: Public Works
1.7 The Visigoth Monarchy: Institutions
2. The Iberian Peninsula in the Middle Ages: Al-Andalus
2.1 The Muslim Conquest and Invading Peoples
2.2 The Emirate and Caliphate of Córdoba
2.
Read MoreRise of Fascism and Nazism in Europe
Fascist Ideology
Fascist ideology advocated the establishment of a totalitarian state, controlling all spheres of life. It supported a dictatorial, one-party political system based on the principle of leadership, where power rested in a charismatic leader capable of creating a general will. A personality cult of the leader was established.
Fascism was radically anti-communist and anti-capitalist, presenting a third alternative to Marxist socialism and capitalism. It defended national socialism to
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