Understanding Key Political and Economic Concepts
Militarism
Militarism is an ideology that posits military force as the source of security. In its mildest form, it uses various arguments to justify military preparedness, assuming that “peace through strength” is the best or only way to achieve peace.
Tariffs
A tariff is a tax on imported or exported goods. Tariffs can be “ad valorem” (a percentage of the value) or “specific” (a set amount per unit). They are used to generate governmental income or protect domestic industries. Essentially, a tariff is a tax or fee on goods traded internationally. Increasing tariffs on imports raises prices, making them less competitive and restricting their market presence.
Doctrinarismo
Doctrinarismo, or doctrinaire liberalism, is a political doctrine from the Bourbon Restoration in France (1814-1830). These monarchists aimed to reconcile the monarchy with the French Revolution, balancing authority and freedom. They were more of a discussion circle than a political party, positioned between Republicans and socialists on the left and ultra-royalists on the right. Doctrinarismo emphasized census suffrage, judicial and royal power, and limitations on Catholic liberals.
Cantonalism
Cantonalism is a movement advocating for dividing a nation-state into nearly independent cantons. Supporters promote radical federalism, aiming to establish self-governing cities or confederations, reminiscent of Greek city-states. Cantonalism was primarily a petty bourgeoisie phenomenon, influencing the early labor movement and setting a precedent for anarchism in Spain.
Amnesty
Amnesty is the legal act, usually by the legislature, that extinguishes criminal liability. It declares individuals convicted of a crime innocent by nullifying the offense.
Economic Policies
Protectionism
Protectionism is an economic policy protecting domestic products by restricting foreign imports. This is achieved through tariffs and taxes, making foreign products more expensive and less competitive.
Free Trade
Free trade is an economic doctrine advocating for no government intervention in international trade. It allows the flow of goods to be governed by each country’s advantages and business competitiveness, aiming for optimal resource allocation worldwide. Free trade is considered a foundational capitalist principle, promoting business and trade freedom.
Historical Terms and Events
- Somaten: A traditional Catalan armed civilian self-protection institution, separate from the army.
- Sharecropper: A person who farms land under a sharecropping agreement.
- Inflation: A sustained and widespread increase in prices of goods and services.
- Pact of San Sebastian: A meeting in August 1930, promoted by Niceto Alcalá and Miguel Maura.
- Law on Leaks: A practice of extrajudicial execution simulating the escape of a detainee.
- Alhucemas: A Spanish military action in September 1925 in Morocco, marking a new phase of Spanish intervention in North Africa.
- Maternity Committee: Integrated committees of workers and entrepreneurs acting as employer and union association.
- Land Reform Act: An act providing for the expropriation of uncultivated or poorly cultivated large landholdings.
- Estraperlo: A financial scandal in Spain during the Second Republic, leading to the government’s downfall.
- Summary trial: A trial expedited due to urgency or gravity, with a simplified legal process.
- Court of Auditors: The institution responsible for auditing public sector accounts and state budget execution.