The Rise of Authoritarian Monarchies and Religious Conflicts in 16th Century Europe
1. The Reformation
What was the Reformation?
A religious movement that criticized the practices of the Catholic Church.
Why did the Reformation occur?
The higher clergy lived a life of luxury, contradicting spiritual ideals. The sale of indulgences (documents issued by the Pope that offered remission from sins) was a major point of contention.
How did the Reformation spread?
The printing press enabled mass production of the Bible, allowing people to read it themselves and question the Church’s teachings.
Read MoreVenezuela’s Political Landscape: 2000-2005 Elections & Key Events
2000 Elections
The general election of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela was held on July 30, 2000. This was the third election under the new constitution of Venezuela adopted in 1999, the first for elected office (the former were a referendum). It was simultaneously the presidential election for head of state, in turn with the regional elections, municipal and parliamentary elections. For this reason, they are popularly known as “mega-elections”.
In these elections, Hugo Chávez, the incumbent
The Rise of the Liberal State in 19th Century Spain
1. Differences Between the Old Regime and the Liberal State
Old Regime (16th, 17th, 18th Centuries)
- Absolutist Monarchy
- Sovereignty lies in the king
- People cannot participate in politics
- Monarch holds all the power
- Monarch can change the rules of the system
- Confessional State: The state has an official religion.
- Rights are not guaranteed
- Division of Society in Estates: Being privileged or not depends on your position in the hierarchy.
- Law is not the same for everyone
- Privileged did not pay taxes (nobility
The Reign of Charles IV and the Spanish Independence War
The Reign of Charles IV (1788-1808)
Godoy and the French Revolution
King Charles IV appointed Manuel de Godoy as Prime Minister. Following the execution of Louis XVI in France, Spain broke its alliance with the country and participated in the War of the First Coalition (1793-1797).
The war generally favored France, whose armies advanced into the Basque Country and Catalonia, seizing control of parts of these territories. Spain’s defeat culminated in the signing of the Peace of Basel in 1795. This treaty
Read MoreSpain in the 19th Century: From Napoleonic Wars to the Carlist Wars
The King Charles IV appointed Godoy as Prime Minister. Once Louis XVI was executed in France, Spain broke the alliance with this country and took part in the War of the Convention.
In general, the war evolved in favor of France, and their armies entered the Basque Country and Catalonia, taking control of a part of the territory.
The defeat of Spain was definitive. As a consequence, Spain signed the Peace of Basel in which it was agreed that part of Santo Domingo Island should be given to France. In
Read MoreBourbon Absolutism and the Spanish Enlightenment: A History of Reform and Change
1. Absolute Monarchy of the Bourbons
Absolutism is the final formula of the old regime political power. It appeared in France during the 17th century as a result of the evolution of the authoritarian monarchy.
1.1 The War of Succession
In 1700, Charles II died without direct heirs. The candidates for the throne were Philip of Anjou and the Archduke Charles of Habsburg.
The will appointed the Bourbon candidate, Philip of Anjou, as successor, who was proclaimed Philip V in 1701. His accession to the