19th Century European History: Key Concepts and Events
Core Themes in 19th Century European History
- Conservatism vs. Liberalism vs. Socialism vs. Nationalism
- Industrialization leading to class conflict and political reform
- Unification through diplomacy and war (Italy and Germany)
- Modernization failures resulting in revolution (Russia)
- World War I and the subsequent unstable peace
Chronological Glossary of Historical Terms
Political Thinkers and Early Reform
Edmund Burke: A conservative thinker reacting to the French Revolution; he argued for tradition, gradual
Read MoreEU Ordinary Legislative Procedure — Parliament & Council
The ordinary legislative procedure is the main method for adopting legislation in the EU. It involves the European Parliament and the Council of the EU as co-legislators. These two bodies work together to legislate in the EU.
Principal Legislators
- Council of the EU — Represents the governments of the Member States.
- European Parliament — Represents EU citizens directly.
Right of Legislative Initiative
- European Commission — The European Commission is the main institution with the right of legislative
The Catholic Monarchs: Forging the Spanish State
The Creation of the Modern State: Catholic Monarchs
The Catholic Monarchs (Reyes Católicos) established the first example of an authoritarian monarchy in the Hispanic kingdoms. They created organs of government that depended directly on the Crown and actively sought to subdue the power of the nobility and the clergy.
Dynastic Union of Castile and Aragon
The marriage of Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon, heirs to the two most important crowns of the Iberian Peninsula, led to the formation
Read MoreContemporary Challenges in European Union Governance and Politics
EU Integration and Regional Autonomy Movements
Europe has witnessed two opposing developments: the deepening of EU integration and the simultaneous rise in regional autonomy movements within member states. At first glance, these trends may appear contradictory. However, both reflect broader transformations in governance and identity in response to globalization, economic restructuring, and the shifting role of the nation-state.
Thesis: EU integration and regional autonomy are not opposing forces but
Read MoreSpanish Foreign Policy Implementation and US Bilateral Relations
Actors in Spanish Foreign Policy Enforcement
Spanish foreign policy (FP) is shaped and implemented by a broad set of actors operating within a legal and institutional framework that requires coordination and loyalty. The key actors include:
- The Prime Minister: Leads the overall policy direction.
- The Minister of Foreign Affairs (MFA): Manages day-to-day execution and interministerial coordination.
- The Undersecretary (within the MFA): Manages internal operations and appoints diplomats.
- General Directorates:
The Historical Development of European Integration and Treaties
Historical Context of 20th Century Europe
Europe was politically fragmented, despite historical attempts at unity via conquest (Charlemagne, Napoleon, Hitler). Enlightenment and liberal thinkers proposed peaceful integration:
- William Penn (1693): Early vision of a European Parliament.
- Saint-Simon (1814): Advocated for a European monarch and parliament to maintain peace.
World War I (1914–1918)
This global conflict pitted the Allies against the Central Powers. It was triggered by nationalism, imperial
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