Colonial Imperialism and Socialist Ideologies in the 19th Century
Ideologies
Utopian Socialism
From 1820, theories emerged proposing alternatives to capitalist society. These early theories, termed “utopian socialism,” envisioned wealth distribution and egalitarian societies without specifying how to achieve them.
Marxist Socialism
Karl Marx rejected utopian doctrines from 1840, considering them unattainable. Marxist socialism offered a “scientific” analysis of the capitalist economy, emphasizing:
- The Class Struggle: A confrontation between the oppressor (bourgeoisie)
Imperialism and Colonialism: A Historical Overview
Causes of Imperialism
Demographic Factors
Europe’s population surged, leading to increased competition for jobs and resources. Governments encouraged emigration, primarily to the Americas.
Economic Factors
The Second Industrial Revolution fueled the need for raw materials, energy sources, cheap labor, and new markets. Industrialized nations sought these resources, but often invested capital in other industrialized countries rather than colonies. Most trade continued between industrialized nations.
Read MoreThe Urban Hierarchy in Spain: Types, Functions, and Development
The Urban Hierarchy in Spain
The Role of the City and Areas of Influence
The hierarchical ranking of a population center is determined by its features and functions. In Spain, we can establish six urban ranges:
- Highly Globalized Metropolises: Metropolitan areas of Madrid and Barcelona are connected to global economic centers and have a very advanced tertiary sector.
- National-Large Cities: These cities have significant economic diversity, such as Valencia, Bilbao, Zaragoza, Seville, and Malaga, which
Immigration, Urbanization, and Politics in Europe: An Overview
Immigration in Europe
Historically a continent of emigration, Europe has become a major destination for immigrants. Weak population growth and a high level of development attract people from around the world, particularly from Africa, Latin America, and Asia. The composition of immigrant populations varies across European countries due to historical and linguistic factors. For example, Spain has a large Hispanic American population, while France and the United Kingdom have significant Asian communities.
Read MoreUrban Network and Planning in Catalonia
The Urban Network
The Barcelona Metropolitan Region
This region plays a central administrative, economic, and service role affecting all of Catalonia. Its scope extends beyond the city limits, including Maresme, Vallès Oriental, Vallès Occidental, Barcelona, Baix Llobregat, Alt Penedès, and Garraf, encompassing 5 million people.
Within the metropolitan region are two zones:
- Metro Area: Includes Barcelona and nearby towns like L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Cornellà, Badalona, Sant Adrià de Besòs,
The European Union and Globalization
Establishment of the European Union
Treaty of Maastricht and the White Paper
In 1993, the European Union (EU) was established by the Treaty of Maastricht. A white paper was published, setting out a timetable for the treaty’s implementation.
Historical Background
- 1951: Treaty of Paris
- 1957: Treaty of Rome establishes the European Economic Community
- 1973: Expansion from six to nine members
- 1986: Spain and Portugal join; Single European Act
- 1989: Fall of the Berlin Wall
- 1990: Unification of Germany
- 1999: Introduction