Key Concepts in 20th Century History: A Concise Review
Key Concepts in 20th Century History
Keynesianism
Keynesianism: An economic doctrine developed by the followers of the economist John Maynard Keynes. His ideas were key to overcoming the crisis of 1929. He argued that the state, through tax increases and investment in social welfare, could stimulate economic growth, opposing liberal economic policy.
Welfare State
Welfare State: Governments intervened in the economy and nationalized important companies and banks. They raised taxes to fund quality education and free healthcare for all, and women entered the workforce.
Oil Crisis (1973)
Oil Crisis: 1973. Increased unemployment and welfare benefits decreased the level of consumption in capitalist countries, which was higher than in communist countries.
Dissidents
Dissidents: People who are against the law.
Gorbachev and Perestroika
Gorbachev: 1985-1989 leader of the USSR created a program of political and economic reforms called Perestroika.
Globalization
Globalization: Countries are increasingly interconnected through economies, multinational and supranational political structures, human rights and freedoms (UN, OTAM), information, and cultural patterns.
Spanish Transition: Arias Navarro and Adolfo Suarez
Arias Navarro: The prime minister who had served in the last years of Franco’s regime, resigned due to a lack of support. Adolfo Suarez was appointed president by the king, and political reform began. Without any great change, the Francoist Cortes approved the law for political reform, leading to free elections and constituent consensus.
Constitutional Monarchy in Spain
Constitutional Monarchy: A political system in Spain. The King is the head of state, moderates and regulates the institutions as the international high representative. The acts of the King are supervised by the Prime Minister and ministers. The appointment of the Prime Minister and the dissolution of the houses are by the president of the congress. Supporters of the King are responsible for his actions.
Constitutional Court
Constitutional Court: Has jurisdiction throughout the Spanish territory. It acknowledges appeals of unconstitutionality against laws, habeas corpus for violation of rights and freedoms, and conflicts of competence between the state and autonomous communities.
Accession Treaty (1985)
Accession Treaty: Signed in Madrid in 1985 by Felipe González. Spain and Portugal joined the Europe of the Twelve on January 1, 1986.
Maastricht Treaty (1992)
Maastricht: 1992 economic targets set that candidate countries should meet. The government of Spain met these targets and was included in the first group of countries forming the monetary union.
Erasmus or Lingua Program
Erasmus or Lingua: Spanish university participation in educational exchange programs with other European countries.
UN Millennium Declaration
UN Millennium Declaration: “Democracy as the best form of government to ensure rights and freedoms.” It emphasizes equal rights and opportunities, development of people, solidarity, tolerance, and respect for nature. It also highlights the common responsibility in maintaining international peace and economic and social development worldwide.
Millennium Development Goals
Millennium Development Goals: To eradicate poverty and hunger, achieve universal primary education, gender equality and empower women, reduce child mortality, improve maternal health, combat AIDS and other diseases, ensure environmental sustainability, and foster a global partnership for development.
Interculturalism
Interculturalism: Exchange of knowledge between different cultures and contributions of each.