18th Century Spanish Society: A Critical Analysis of Cadalso’s Letter IV
18th Century: Cadalso’s Moroccan Letters (Letter IV)
Location of the Text
José Cadalso’s literary work is part of the 18th-century Age of Enlightenment, also known as the Age of Reason. This era marks a historical period where reason prevailed in understanding and organizing life in a modern sense.
Political Context
Spanish politics during this time was turbulent, with wars marking the beginning and end of the century. The War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1713) led to the establishment of the Bourbon
Read MoreSpain Under Franco (1959-1975): Transformation and Transition
Spain Under Franco (1959-1975)
The Franco Regime (1959-1975)
Government Formation (1957)
In 1957, on Carrero Blanco’s advice, Franco’s government incorporated members of Opus Dei, representing a modern technocratic power connected to big business and politically conservative. Figures like Laureano López Rodó, Alberto Ullastres, and Mariano Navarro Rubio spearheaded significant transformations in the Spanish economy. While the Falangists retained four portfolios (Labor, Housing, Education, and General
Read MoreThe Restoration in Spain: A Period of Political and Social Change
The Restoration in Spain
Overview
Following the Democratic Sexenio and the fall of the First Republic, the Restoration period began, marked by the return of the Bourbon monarchy. This was achieved through the Sagunto military coup, led by General Martínez Campos. Alphonse XII’s Sandhurst Manifesto promised a constitutional monarchy upon his return, ushering in a moderate system with reforms. The Restoration comprised three stages: the reign of Alfonso XII (1875-1885), the regency of Maria Christina
Read MoreThe Crown of Aragon & The Reconquista: A History of Spain
The Crown of Aragon in the Mediterranean
Pedro III the Great of the Crown of Aragon launched a Mediterranean imperialism policy. He incorporated three main islands: Sicily, Corsica, and Sardinia. This clashed with French and papal interests. Under James II, the Almogavars, mercenaries originating in Aragon, emerged. The Byzantine emperor hired them to fight the Turks, led by Roger de Flor. However, after Roger de Flor’s murder, they turned to devastation and looting, later serving the Duke of Athens.
Read MoreSpanish Political Landscape: Restoration & Regionalism (1874-1910)
Spanish Political Landscape: Restoration & Regionalism (1874-1910)
Parties Excluded from the Canovas System
The Canovas system aimed to restore political life, but several parties remained excluded. These parties never gained enough parliamentary representation to form a government or exert significant influence.
Carlist Traditionalists
- Exiled in France.
- Presented themselves as a Catholic power, but lost support when the Vatican and Spanish Church backed the Alfonsina Dynasty.
- Divided into various
The Second Spanish Republic (1933-1936)
Social Conflict and Political Instability (1933-1934)
Social conflict and the events of Casas Viejas had undermined the credibility of Manuel Azaña, who had been president of the reformist government. Alcalá Zamora forced his resignation in September 1933 and called a general election.
In the November 1933 elections, women were able to vote for the first time. The right wing was reorganized into three political groups:
- The CEDA (led by José María Gil Robles), a coalition of Catholic conservatives.