Industrial Revolution: Societal Impact and Labor Movements

The Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution marked the transition from a traditional agrarian economy to one marked by industry and machine production. Bringing about a radical change in society, the economy, politics, and more, it began in England in the middle of the 18th century.

Agricultural Transformation

There were changes in land ownership, and new techniques and crops were introduced. Newly invented machines were used in farm work, improving crop yields.

Population Changes

Death rates

Read More

Habsburg Political System & 16th Century Spanish Society

The Habsburg Political Model

The Habsburg political model had two basic characteristics:

  • The federal character of the monarchy, whereby each kingdom maintained its institutions, laws, and liberties without real political unity.
  • A polysynodial system of government based on various boards that understood the government on specific cases.

At the apex of the political system was the King of Castile, who exercised absolute power. In other realms, his power was limited by the pactista doctrine. A fixed court

Read More

Spain’s Railway Revolution & 19th-Century Trade Impact

Spain’s Railway Revolution in the 19th Century

Transportation: The introduction of the railway in Spain was a true revolution, facilitating the development of trade and industry. It had a significant advantage compared to traditional methods of transporting goods, offering a cheap, fast system with a large load capacity.

General Railway Act (1855)

Passed during the Progressive Biennium, the General Railway Act of 1855 encouraged investment within Spain through the stock market. It also allowed the

Read More

Europe’s High Middle Ages: Society and Economy

What Were the High Middle Ages?

The High Middle Ages were a period in European history from the 11th to the 13th centuries.

Main Features of the High Middle Ages

  • Feudalism continued.
  • Kings achieved more power.
  • Agriculture progressed.
  • Cities grew.
  • The bourgeoisie arose.
  • Gothic art emerged.

Most Important Countries in 11th-Century Europe

The most important countries in Europe in the late 11th century were the Kingdom of France and the Holy Roman Empire.

Countries on the Map on Page 109

France, Holy Roman Empire,

Read More

Agricultural and Political Factors Shaping Spanish Farming

A. Agricultural Factors

F. Physical

  • Climate: An important conditioning factor, with different types, except for oceanic agricultural landscapes. The arid Mediterranean climate itself is a key condition with thermal contrasts, irregular rainfall, and external meteorological phenomena.
  • Terrain: Conditions farming on the slope and height by influencing the climate.
  • Vegetation: Totally removed in farming, eliminated and kept in arboreal herbaceous layer for cattle, or held for forestry.

F. Human

  • Historical
Read More

Agricultural Landscapes and Rural Dynamics in Spain

Physical and Human Elements of Spanish Agriculture

The Natural Environment

a) Relief: Spain’s terrain is characterized by high altitudes and significant erosion, which makes mechanization challenging.

b) Climate: Much of the land experiences low and erratic rainfall, frequent storms, and hail. Temperatures are extreme, and aridity is common.

c) Soil: The soil quality is generally poor, and many areas suffer from erosion, reducing fertility.

The Agricultural Structure

Traditional Agrarian Structure: Historically,

Read More