19th Century Spain: From Absolutism to Restoration
Ferdinand VII’s Reign and its Aftermath
Ferdinand VII returned to Spain. Initially, he was committed to restoring the Constitution of 1812. However, he later repealed the constitution and ruled as an absolute monarch. Colonel Priego led a revolt that forced the monarch to abide by the Constitution of 1812. The period from 1823 to 1833 was known as the “Década Ominosa” (Ominous Decade), characterized by an absolutist reign. Spain faced a difficult situation upon Ferdinand VII’s return due to the
Spain’s History: Monarchy, Republic, and Civil War
Item 9: Spain in the First Half of the 20th Century
First Decades of Alfonso XIII’s Reign (Early 1900s)
Initially, a two-party system characterized by the alternation of power between liberals and conservatives. However, this system was marred by rigged elections.
Problems:
- Resurgence of nationalism
- Military sensitivity to criticism
- Moroccan War
- Development of the labor movement and leftist opposition
- Anarchist terrorism
A major crisis was the “Tragic Week” in July 1909, involving sending reservist troops,
Read MoreKey Figures & Events of the Spanish Civil War
Cardinal Segura: A Controversial Figure
Cardinal Pedro Segura Sáenz was a prominent Spanish cleric and a key member of the Church hierarchy. He served as Cardinal Primate of Spain and Archbishop of Seville. He held the position until his death in 1957, although he was ousted in 1931 and returned in 1937.
General Cabanellas: Leadership in the Nationalist Uprising
General Miguel Cabanellas, a senior general, presided over the National Defense Council established on July 24, 1936. Although he held this
Read MoreSpain’s Restoration Period: Politics and Society (1876-1890)
The Spanish Restoration (1876-1890): Politics and Key Events
The Carlist Wars were neutralized, leading to the removal of Basque privileges and institutions (1876). However, the Basque Country retained fiscal autonomy through the Economic Agreement (1878). The end of the war in Cuba was followed by another conflict in 1895, resulting in the island’s independence and war with the United States.
Key Features of the 1876 Constitution
A new constitution, inspired by the 1845 version, was introduced in
Read MoreColonialism, Nationalism, and the First World War
Colonialism and Nationalism: Origins of WWI
Rivalry Among Colonial Powers: The conflicts between rival empires, especially in Morocco, were key. Germany, with few colonies, challenged France and Great Britain. This tension, while initially avoided, laid the groundwork for World War I.
Nationalist Exaltation
Germany and France were deeply opposed. France’s defeat in the Franco-Prussian War led to the loss of French regions to Germany. Germany benefited, and Great Britain maintained a strong rivalry
Read MoreCold War Conflicts and Decolonization (1960s-1970s)
Peaceful Coexistence (1963-1975)
The Vietnam War (1961-1975)
- The United States wanted to prevent the spread of Communism in Southeast Asia.
- The United States sent American troops to help the government of South Vietnam in its fight against the Vietcong guerrillas, who were supported by Communist North Vietnam.
- After the United States withdrew from Vietnam in 1973, North Vietnam won the war.
- This country was reunified and became the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, which was a Communist regime.