Francoist Spain: Economic and Social Transformation (1957-1975)
The signing of the Concordat with the Vatican, the Madrid Pact with the U.S., and Spain’s entry into the UN and other international organizations were crucial for the Franco government. The influx of credits and loans alleviated some economic problems, and the government, without altering the regime’s core principles, sought to overcome the economic isolation of previous years.
In 1957, Franco, advised by Carrero Blanco, formed a new government that included members of Opus Dei. This move intensified
Read MoreKey Concepts in Linguistics: Language, Principles, and Semantics
Understanding Core Linguistic Concepts
Language: Innate or Acquired?
The question of whether language is innate or acquired has been a central debate in linguistics, with several prominent theories attempting to answer it.
- Noam Chomsky posited that language is hereditary and programmed into our genetic code. He championed the existence of a universal grammar, a set of innate linguistic principles shared by all the world’s languages.
- In contrast, Jean Piaget argued that language is acquired. He believed
Spanish Liberalism: Principles, Factions, and Historical Impact
Defining Liberalism: Freedom, Equality, Property
Liberalism is a political doctrine centered on defending individual freedom, equality before the law, and private property. Its first significant manifestation in Spain occurred during the Cortes de Cádiz, where the term ‘liberal’ emerged in opposition to absolutism, though precedents existed in enlightened reforms.
Liberals believed in the happiness and aspirations of all individuals, in material progress, and in individual freedom. They therefore
Read MoreThe Enlightenment and Its Impact on Spanish Society
The Enlightenment: Enlightened Despotism
Of the French intellectual movement that developed in eighteenth-century Europe, it focused on the strength of human reason and the triumph of progress against ignorance and fanaticism. It is often referred to as the century of reason or lights. In Spain, the Enlightenment was illustrated rather modestly, both in its ideology and in the changes in practice introduced. The main figures were Jovellanos, Campomanes, Olavide, and the Count of Aranda. This movement
Read MoreEvolution of the European Union: From Origins to Institutions
Orígenes del Europeanismo y la Cooperación
En Europa hubo un progreso significativo en el campo del derecho internacional. Todos los países aceptaron los principios de cooperación entre naciones europeas. Los congresos y conferencias universales de paz reforzaron la convicción de que era necesario mejorar la cooperación entre los estados europeos. La vinculación del derecho a la paz fue un gran avance. El fin de la Primera Guerra Mundial evidenció la necesidad de avanzar hacia una unión
Read MoreEssential Political and Economic Terms
Human Rights
Refers to the set of freedoms and rights every person has from birth.
Chambers
A body belonging to a political system responsible for regulation.
Universal Suffrage
An electoral system which gives the right to vote to all adult citizens of both sexes.
Constitution
The supreme law that all citizens must obey without exception.
Quebec
The largest province of Canada, the only one that has French as its official language.
Apartheid
A system of racial segregation.
Diaspora
The separation of ethnic or
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