Spanish History: From Disentailment to the Esperpento
T-8a) Disentailment – Liberal Doctrine
According to the main natural law doctrine, an individual is happy when they are a property owner. To achieve their objectives, individuals need freedom and opportunities in society. In the Courts of Cadiz in 1812, it was decided to bring the properties of the nobility and clergy up for sale.
- Disentailment: Supposed to delete the estate.
- Confiscation: Church property was taken over by more liberal governments.
- This process resulted in a number of confiscations,
The First Carlist War (1833-1839)
Causes of the War:
The death of King Fernando VII sparked a civil war in Spain. The conflict arose from the opposing ideologies of the absolutists and liberals. The war lasted for seven years and was primarily fought in the Basque Country and Navarre, although there were also battles in Catalonia, Aragon, and Valencia.
Initial Reactions:
Maria Cristina, acting as regent, sought assistance from the Liberals. However, she faced resistance from those opposed to the political uprising and the delayed response
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The Franco Era (1939-1975)
Francisco Franco and the Rise of the Regime
Francisco Franco, born in El Ferrol in 1892, embarked on a military career at a young age. His experiences in the African campaigns shaped his character, instilling in him a strong sense of order and tenacity. While his political views remained largely unknown before the Spanish Civil War, he emerged as a prominent figure with strong anti-communist and ultra-nationalist sentiments. During the war, his religiosity and a self-perceived
Read MoreLiberalism in Spain (1833-1868): From Carlist Wars to Progressive Reforms
Liberalism in Spain (1833-1868)
The First Carlist War (1833-1840)
Between 1833 and 1868, Spain, like much of Western Europe, experienced the introduction of liberalism. The First Carlist War (1833-1839) began when pro-absolutism groups refused to recognize Elizabeth II as the legitimate successor to the Spanish crown. They revolted against the government of Maria Cristina de Borbon, who acted as regent due to her daughter’s minority. The rebels proclaimed the Infante Don Carlos, brother of the deceased
Read MoreThe Division of the Roman Empire and the Rise of New Powers
The Division of the Roman Empire
The Roman Empire’s division in 395 AD is a pivotal moment in history. The Western Roman Empire, with its capital in Rome, fell in 476 AD. The Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire, with its capital in Constantinople, persisted until 1453 AD.
The Beginning of the Middle Ages
The Middle Ages, spanning from 476 AD to 1453 AD, saw the rise of influential cultures, including the Frankish Kingdom (which evolved into the Carolingian Empire), the Byzantine
Read MoreThe Ancien Régime in Spain: A Historical Overview
The Ancien Régime in Spain
Economic and Social Context
The Ancien Régime refers to the socio-economic and political system in Europe before the French Revolution. A major criticism of the Ancien Régime in Spain was its inability to revive the stagnant economy.
Agriculture
Spanish agriculture was characterized by technical backwardness and low yields. Enlightened intellectuals believed that the problem lay in land ownership, particularly the concentration of land in the hands of the Church and nobility.
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