Spain’s Restoration Period: Politics and Society
The Restoration Period in Spain (1874-1931)
If these measures resulted in the expected outcome, resorting to “rigging” is, in other words, to vote on behalf of deceased neighbors. The change in power was predetermined by the tacit agreement between the political and social powers that possessed it; that is, by what is called “the oligarchy and *caciquismo*.”
The oligarchy was formed by political leaders of both parties, related to landowners and the wealthy bourgeoisie. At their service was the *cacique*
Read MoreCold War: Confrontation and Coexistence
Cold War and Peaceful Coexistence
The Cold War, a model of international relations that developed after World War II, was based on permanent antagonism between blocs led by the United States and the Soviet Union. It was a tense confrontation, without ever escalating to direct military conflict between the two superpowers, but it spurred a massive arms race.
Key Conflicts:
- The Korean War (1950-1953): Following World War II, North Korea was occupied by Soviet troops, and the South by American troops,
Spain Under Franco: Post-Civil War Politics & Economy
Spain’s Economic and Social Development Under Franco: The Situation in Andalusia
A few months after the conclusion of the Spanish Civil War, the world plunged into World War II. The Franco regime was linked to the fascist powers of Germany, Italy, and Japan.
When the World War triggered in September 1939, Spain immediately declared itself neutral. Franco knew that the country was not able to participate in a new war. The Axis powers probed the possibilities of Spain’s integration into the conflict
Read MoreMexican History: Independence, Reform, and Revolution
Mexico: Independence, Reform, and Revolution
Independence and Early Challenges (1821-1830)
- Mexican independence, initiated by priests Hidalgo and Morelos, was finalized by Agustin Iturbide under conservative auspices in 1821.
- Ships began entering Mexico in 1823, but a trade deficit emerged (more imports than exports), covered by the export of precious metals. This led to:
- Bankruptcy
- Unsafe roads
- A drain of gold and silver
- Costly bureaucracy
- Foreign loans in 1824-1825 increased national debt.
- Partial recovery
The French Revolution: A Transformative Era
The French Revolution: From Monarchy to Republic
The French Revolution, a pivotal period in French history, began with the proclamation of the bourgeoisie as the National Assembly and concluded with the coup of Napoleon Bonaparte. Before the Revolution, France was under the Old Regime, characterized by absolute monarchy and a stratified society.
The French Revolution was a transformative process that dismantled the Old Regime. The bourgeoisie and the common people, burdened by the existing system,
World War I: Key Phases, Events, and Aftermath
World War I: Key Phases and Events
First Phase: The War of Movements (1914)
Germany aimed for a swift victory over Russia. The German General Staff devised the Schlieffen Plan, which involved attacking France through Belgium. However, the Germans were halted at the Battle of the Marne, near Paris. On the Eastern Front, the Russians were defeated at Tannenberg and the Masurian Lakes.
Second Phase: Trench Warfare (1915-1916)
The war became a stalemate. The Germans attempted to break through Allied lines
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