Franco’s Spain: State Structure and Ideology
Cultural Consequences of the War
The war was also a cultural catastrophe. Most intellectuals rallied in support of the Republic and were subsequently exiled, meaning the country lost most of its prominent writers, artists, and professionals.
Establishing the Francoist State
On April 1, 1939, the Spanish Civil War ended. Franco’s victory gave him absolute power, marking the beginning of a long dictatorship.
Franco’s Consolidation of Power
Franco brought together the diverse forces opposed to the Republic,
Read MoreKey Aspects of the Cold War Era
Main Cold War Players and Context
Who were the main Cold War players?
The primary players were the United States (U.S.) and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). Great Britain also played a significant role, particularly in the early stages.
Cold War vs. World Wars: Key Differences
Unlike the Second World War, the Cold War did not end with a comprehensive peace treaty signed by all belligerents. Hostility between the U.S. and the USSR prevented an agreement accepted by both winners and losers
Read MoreLondon Corresponding Society: Reform & Repression
Attempts to increase the number of voters in Britain had been made since the 1760s, but these efforts had come to nothing. The Society for the Promotion of Constitutional Information had been established by Major John Cartwright in 1784 as part of the campaign for parliamentary reform, but with the onset of the French Wars, many of the reform clubs had ceased to operate.
Early British Reform Movements
Thomas Paine encouraged the re-establishment of the Society for the Promotion of Constitutional Information
Read MoreSpanish Rule in the Americas
Spanish Colonial Administration
Spanish administration in the Americas was exercised authoritatively either directly from the mainland (through institutions such as the Casa de Contratación, which received taxes collected in America and controlled the entry and exit of people and goods, and the Consejo de Indias), or through representatives of the metropolis in America (viceroys, governors, audiencias, and cabildos). Until the eighteenth century, there were two vice-royalties: New Spain and Peru.
Read MoreMadoz Confiscation: Impact on 19th Century Spain
The Confiscation of Madoz Pascual
The circumstances surrounding the confiscation under Madoz Pascual differed significantly from earlier instances. There was no civil war, and budgets were met. Like many liberals, Madoz went into exile during the reign of Fernando VII but returned from France thanks to the policy enacted by the regent Maria Cristina. His turbulent political career in the 19th century initially positioned him against the regency of Espartero. He briefly held the portfolio of Finance,
Read MoreSpain’s Tumultuous Path: From Monarchy to Republic
Opposition and Unrest in Spain
Opposition to the regime included Carlists. Basque and Navarre forces never fully decided to renounce weapons. Republican parties, based in urban middle classes, defended democracy and various social reforms.
The worker’s movement, particularly anarchists, formed a majority group in Spain. Following the 1881 Law of Associations, the Federation of Workers in the Spanish Region was born (Anselmo Lorenzo). In 1910, the National Labor Confederation (CNT), Spain’s biggest
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