Economic and Political History: From Elegant Agriculture to the Weimar Republic
Elegant Agriculture and Economic Growth
Elegant Agriculture
From an economic perspective, it was a subsistence farming system based on a triennial crop rotation with fallow periods. The yields were very low and intended for self-consumption. The crops were part of an economy that could be periodically stricken by subsistence crises. The land was held by the nobility and clergy, who possessed large estates passed down from generation to generation.
Economic Growth
The 19th century was relatively peaceful
Read MoreThe Restoration and its Aftermath (1874-1939)
1. Foundations of the Restoration (1874-1898)
1.1 The Canovas System
The pronouncement of General Martínez Campos in December 1874 restored the monarchy under Alfonso XII. Antonio Cánovas del Castillo shaped the new political system, a conservative, parliamentary system, but not a democratic one. Conservatives welcomed the coup, hoping for stability after years of political turmoil. The 1876 Constitution, inspired by the 1845 version, defended traditional values while incorporating some democratic
Read MoreThe Modern Age: A Transformation of Europe
Introduction
The Modern Age, a significant period in European history, spans from the 15th to the 18th century. It is traditionally marked by the fall of Constantinople in 1453 and the French Revolution in 1789.
Signs of Change
Politics
- Reinforcement of Absolute Monarchies: Authoritarian power was consolidated through measures such as maintaining standing armies, establishing royal estates for taxation, and utilizing symbols of authority.
- Diplomacy: Ambassadors were established to represent different
Revolutions & Political Ideologies: A Historical Overview
The American Revolution (1775-1783)
British emigrants founded the thirteen colonies in the 17th and 18th centuries. Upon arrival in the New World, they expelled indigenous tribes and established plantations for crops like tobacco and cotton. The British imposed heavy taxes and forced the colonies to trade exclusively with England, stifling competition. The colonists protested, but their grievances were ignored (e.g., the Boston Tea Party of 1773). Eventually, the colonies united and drafted the Declaration
Read MoreThe Revolution of 1868 and the First Spanish Republic
Political Instability Following the Reign of Espartero
After the outbreak of social conflicts resulting from the severe economic situation during the progressive biennium, widespread popular mobilizations relocated to the country’s political crisis, prompting the replacement of Espartero with O’Donnell. After a brief rule by O’Donnell, the Queen called upon the moderates. Narvaez, their leader, ruled until 1858.
During the biennium of 1856-1858, there was a return to the institutions of 1854. In response,
Read MoreFascism and Nazism: A Historical Overview
Fascism and Nazism: The Nature of Fascism
Fascism was a historical phenomenon that emerged in Europe between the two World Wars. It was a social and ideological movement, aggressive and anti-democratic, led by a dictator who gained mass support and, in some cases, seized power. Once in power, Fascist movements implemented dictatorships without hesitation and never held free elections.
Common Ideological Aspects of Fascist Regimes
- Totalitarian Subordination in all aspects of life: anti-syndicalism,