Spanish Civil War: A Concise Overview (1936-1939)
Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)
The Military Uprising
On July 17, 1936, a military uprising began in Melilla, quickly spreading to the Moroccan protectorate. On July 18 and 19, the coup expanded to mainland Spain and the islands, while Casares Quiroga’s government reacted slowly.
The coup succeeded in Galicia, Castile-Leon, Navarre (led by General Mola in Pamplona), Western Andalusia (led by Queipo de Llano in Seville), the Balearic Islands (except Menorca, with General Goded who then moved to Barcelona)
Read MoreSpanish Socioeconomic Evolution (1902-1931)
Economic Evolution (1902-1931)
Industrial Development
In 1900, Spain remained largely agrarian. This situation persisted throughout the first decades of the 20th century. The only sector experiencing substantial change was industry. Production increased in mining and iron industries, primarily in the Basque Country, alongside the development of new sectors like electricity and chemicals.
Several factors limited industrial development: excessive geographical concentration in Catalonia and the Basque
Read MorePrimo de Rivera’s Dictatorship (1923-1930): Rise and Fall
Primo de Rivera’s Dictatorship: Causes of the Coup
The Crisis and the Rise of the Military
Several factors led to the military dictatorship as a perceived solution to Spain’s crisis. It stemmed from cooperation between the upper bourgeoisie, middle classes, and the army:
- Army complaints after the Annual disaster, attempting to avoid repercussions from the Picasso Expedient (analyzing the defeat’s causes), particularly for generals like Berenguer.
- Rise of peripheral nationalisms, republicans, and the
The Democratic Sexenio (1868-1874): A Tumultuous Period in Spanish History
The Democratic Sexenio (1868-1874)
Introduction
The Democratic Sexenio (1868-1874) refers to the period between the revolution that overthrew Queen Isabel II (1868) and the restoration of the Bourbon monarchy under Alfonso XII (1874). This era witnessed a rapid succession of regimes and governments: a provisional government, a regency under General Serrano, a monarchy under Amadeus of Savoy, a republic (with federal and centralized phases), and a brief return of Serrano. This instability was further
Read MoreReign of Isabel II: Carlism and Regencies
1. Reign of Isabel II: Carlism and Regencies
1.1 Carlism
Against the female line of succession, Don Carlos (brother of Ferdinand VII) challenged Isabel II’s claim to the throne. This succession problem masked the true nature of Carlism: upholding traditional values against liberal ideals. It represented a rejection of modernity.
The Carlist Wars
Three armed conflicts destabilized Isabel II’s reign. The first Carlist War (1833-1840) was a civil strife, with absolutist powers and the Pope siding with
Read MoreThe Rise and Fall of the Spanish Monarchy
1. The Creation of the Hispanic Monarchy
1.1 Internal Policy
The marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella in 1469 created the Hispanic Monarchy, encompassing two crowns: Castile and Aragon. Castile, with its larger population and stronger economy, held more power. The Catholic Monarchs aimed to strengthen the state, creating agencies to maintain order and asserting authority over the Church through the Spanish Inquisition. Their pursuit of religious uniformity led to the expulsion of Jews and Moors, creating
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