The Spanish Second Republic (1931-1933): Reforms and Challenges
The Spanish Constitution of 1931
The elections of June 28, 1931, saw a victory for the Republican-socialist PSOE, making it the largest parliamentary party. They were followed by Lerroux’s Radicals and the Radical-Socialist party. The Constituent Assembly, tasked with drafting a new constitution, primarily consisted of members from the bourgeois left, with the Republican right minimally represented.
Approved in December 1931, the Constitution established Spain as a democratic, parliamentary, secular,
Read MoreGlossary of 20th Century Spanish History
LOGSE
General Organic Law of the Educational System of Spain. This Spanish education law was enacted by the socialist government and replaced the General Education Act of 1970. It marked the launch of an educational system based on constitutional principles and initiated democratic management of schools. It was the first law that established a decentralized system of education in Spain. Other important issues were the importance given to school councils, with these facilities acquiring the capacity
Read MoreThe Roaring Twenties: A Decade of Change and Conflict
Roaring Twenties – Decade of 1920’s, booming economy brought a fast pace of life and a sometimes frantic pursuit of pleasure to the era.
Disarmament–
Reduction of armed forces and weapons
Red Scare–
A period during the Cold War where the American public was terrified of Communists and the spread of Communism.
Palmer Raids – Raids Conducted by the Justice Department (Atty Gen Mitchell Palmer) to find and deport Communists
J. Edgar Hoover – The director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation who investigated
Read MoreThe Rise and Fall of Empires: A Comparison of Persian and Greek Civilizations
What do you mean by Empire?
Characteristics of Empires:
- Empires grow from the conquest of one people by another – the extension of political rule by one people over other, different peoples.
- Empires create structures that display power, luxury, and inspire loyalty among residents and fear in enemies.
- Empires encourage art and learning, and build large marketplaces, highways, roads, and ports.
- Empires include different kinds of people, with diverse languages, religions, cultures, and technological levels.
The Rise of Dictatorships and Economic Crisis in the Interwar Period
The 1929 Crisis and the Rise of Dictatorships
The Great Depression in the United States
The North American economic model, based on private initiative and fueled by consumption and financial speculation, faltered when consumer and investor confidence plummeted. This resulted in the devastating stock market crash of October 24, 1929, known as Black Thursday. The losses on this day exceeded the total amount spent by the USA during World War I.
Causes of the Great Depression:
- Protectionist measures enacted
The Russian Revolution: From Tsarist Russia to Stalin’s Dictatorship
1. Russia Before the Revolutions
Tsarist Russia was a backward empire ruled by the autocratic Tsars. The Orthodox Church and the powerful army, composed of the nobility, held significant influence. A vast majority of the population (80%) were impoverished peasants, recently freed from serfdom and living in near-feudal conditions. The Tsars suppressed any opposition, exiling, imprisoning, or executing dissenters. However, a small group of intellectuals, including figures like Tolstoy and Lenin,
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