Marxism, Socialism, Colonialism, and Key 19th-Century Events

Posted on Feb 23, 2025 in History

Marxism, Socialism, and Anarchism

Marxism and Socialism: Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels denounced the exploitation of the working class and advocated for a workers’ revolution. Anarchism: This ideology brought together thinkers who shared three core principles: the exaltation of individual freedom, criticism of private property while defending collective ownership, and the rejection of all authority. They opposed political participation and advocated for violent action against the pillars of capitalism.

Internationalism

At Marx’s initiative in 1864, the International Workingmen’s Association was created, uniting Marxists, anarchists, and trade unionists.

European Colonialism

Europe’s technical, financial, and military superiority allowed it to embark on the conquest of the world. Europe launched its dominance globally. The causes that led to colonialism were:

  • Economic: The need to sell excess production and seek new markets.
  • Demographic: An excess of population in Europe.
  • Political: In the late 19th century, territorial expansion focused on regions outside Europe.
  • Ideological: Conservative nationalism defended the superiority of some nations.

Conquest

Europeans gained control of colonies by leveraging their military superiority and exploiting internal rivalries between tribes and ethnic groups.

  • Colonies of Exploitation: These were dedicated to economic exploitation by the metropolis.
  • Settlement Colonies: Due to favorable climatic conditions and a small indigenous population, Europeans migrated to these colonies to settle permanently.
  • Protectorates: These territories retained their indigenous government and administrative apparatus after European occupation.

Consequences of Colonization

  • Economic: Colonial powers made some progress in their territories. They built ports, roads, and railways, which improved infrastructure, primarily for their own benefit.
  • Demographic: The introduction of hygiene measures and new hospitals decreased mortality and significantly increased the population.
  • Culture and Religion: Europeans established new schools, and the culture and customs of the metropolis were imposed, attempting to force the lifestyles of the settlers onto indigenous traditions.

Great War (World War I)

Key Battles:

  • 1st Battle of the Marne (September 1914)
  • Battle of Verdun (February to June 1916)
  • 2nd Battle of the Marne (July to August 1918)

Chronological Axis: 19th-Century Spain

  • 1800-1808: End of the reign of Charles IV (May 2, 1808, War of Succession, Treaty of Valençay) (Trafalgar, 1805).
  • 1808-1814: War of Independence (In 1812, the Cadiz Constitution, “La Pepa,” was established).
  • 1814-1833: Reign of Ferdinand VII (Liberal Triennium, 1820-1823) (Coup d’état of 1823, intervention of the Holy Alliance).
  • 1833-1843: Regency Period (First Carlist War, 1833) (First steam engine in Barcelona, 1833) (Luddite Movement, burning of the Bonaplata steam factory, 1835) (1st Railroad route) (Mendizábal’s Disentailment).
  • 1843-1868: Reign of Isabella II (Association of Weavers in Barcelona, 1848) (First general strike, 1856, strikes in mining) (Migration to large cities, 1860-70) (The Glorious Revolution, 1868).
  • 1868-1874: Sexenio Democrático (Six-Year Democratic Period).
  • 1874-1898: Restoration, end of the revolutionary period, reign of Alfonso XII (Foundation of the PSOE, 1879) (Foundation of the UGT, 1888) (Universal male suffrage).