Spain’s Turbulent Sexenio: Regency, Republic & Cuba
The Regency of Serrano (1869-1871)
The Constitution of 1869
A moderately sized text with 112 articles, it was influenced by the Belgian Constitution of 1831 and the U.S. Constitution of 1787. Its preamble affirmed national sovereignty originating from the people (soberanía nacional) and proclaimed the separation of powers.
Key aspects included:
- Regulation of all individual rights.
- Establishment of universal male suffrage.
- Creation of a bicameral system (two legislative chambers).
- Royal powers similar
Britain’s Industrial Revolution: Population, Farms, Factories
Origins of the Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution resulted from economic and technological changes first occurring in Britain in the mid-18th century, leading to a profound transformation of its economy and society.
Demographic Revolution in 18th Century Europe
From the mid-18th century, the European population started growing, initiating a process known as the demographic revolution. The causes included increased food production and progress in hygiene and medicine. Diseases and epidemics
Read MoreSolar System Bodies and Earth’s Tectonic Activity
Our Solar System
The Sun
The Sun produces vast amounts of energy through the thermonuclear fusion of hydrogen into helium, which accumulates in the star’s core.
Planets
Planets are celestial bodies orbiting the Sun that possess sufficient mass for their self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces, allowing them to assume a nearly round shape (hydrostatic equilibrium). They are also the dominant gravitational bodies in their orbital environment, having cleared their neighborhood of other objects.
Dwarf
Read MoreFoundations of International Business: Trade, Strategy, and Markets
International Trade Theories Explained
Global business functions because countries engage in trade with one another. This section discusses three important international trade theories: comparative advantage, the Heckscher-Ohlin theory, and the new trade theory. These theories originated in different times and contexts, but they collectively help explain the workings of global business. We will examine these theories closely, discussing their relevance for today’s international business activities
Read MoreOrtega y Gasset’s Philosophy: Vital Reason and Context
Ortega’s Vital Reason Explained
This text addresses the fundamental ideas of José Ortega y Gasset, specifically the need to overcome the opposition between rationalism and vitalism. Ortega proposed integrating both concepts, reason and life, into a unified framework: Vital Reason (Razón Vital). The philosopher sought to resolve the historical clash between rationalism, dominant in the 17th and 18th centuries, and Nietzschean vitalism. While rationalism prioritizes human knowledge through reason,
Read MoreRome’s Rise: Punic Wars and Early Republic Foundation
Punic Wars: Rome’s Mediterranean Expansion
During the mid-third century BC, Rome was immersed in one of its most significant conflicts: the wars against the Carthaginians, known as the Punic Wars. The primary cause was the clash resulting from Rome’s westward expansionist ambitions.
Roman legends sometimes attributed the deep-seated animosity to the story of Aeneas. Fleeing Troy for Italy, he supposedly stopped in Carthage, fell in love with Queen Dido, and later abandoned her, leading to her suicide.
Read MoreAnalysis of Textual Features and Genres
General Text Characteristics
Texts often exhibit the following characteristics:
- Conservatism: Adherence to established norms.
- Explicitness: Clearly stated information.
- Precision and Accuracy: Exactness in language and facts.
- Monotony: Sometimes lacking variation in style or tone, especially in formal texts.
Morphosyntactic Features
- Predominance of impersonal sentences.
- Use of the passive reflexive voice.
- Use of the future subjunctive (less common in modern Spanish usage).
- Gnomic present (expressing general
Spain’s Progressive Biennium Reforms 1932-1933
Progressive-Reformist Biennium (1932-1933)
During this biennium, a progressive policy of reforms was initiated to address the serious problems affecting Spain:
Military Reform
- Professionalization and democratization of the army (reducing divisions).
- Azaña Law (Law of Retirement of the Officer Corps): Allowed officers early retirement with full pay.
- Suppression of the Captaincies General.
- Creation of the Assault Guard (Guardia de Asalto), a police force loyal to the Republic.
- Subjection of military jurisdiction
Poirot Investigates Murder on the Orient Express
Poirot’s Journey Begins
In Syria, **Hercule Poirot** boards the Taurus Express, returning from solving a case. On the train, he observes fellow passengers **Mary Debenham** and **Colonel Arbuthnot**, who share a table and appear acquainted from the journey.
Upon reaching Istanbul, Poirot plans a short stay but must cut it short due to an urgent telegram recalling him to London. While dining at his hotel, he encounters **Monsieur Bouc**, an old friend and the director of the Compagnie Internationale
Read MoreRoman History: From Origins to Empire’s Fall
Origins of Rome
The historical origins of Rome date back to the mid-8th century BC. Some Latin tribes settled on the banks of the Tiber River, specifically on Palatine Hill, near Tiber Island and a ford (Latin: vadum) that allowed crossing the river. These early settlements grew into the city that would be called Rome.
The Roman Monarchy
In these early times, Rome was ruled by a monarchy.
Republican Rome (509 BC)
In 509 BC, a revolt overthrew the last Etruscan king, Tarquinius Superbus, and Rome became
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