Rise of Industrial Powers and Global Economic Shifts
New Forms of Capitalism: Industrial Expansion
Great Britain dominated the global economy until 1870, with London as the financial capital. Its population tripled, mostly living in large cities. Britain maintained its hegemony until 1914. Other nations like Italy, Russia, Spain, Germany, Sweden, Belgium, and Holland followed. By 1871, Germany’s political unification led to rapid industrial growth, fueled by advanced technology and state-supported banking. This made Germany a leading European power,
Read MoreAncient Egypt: Nile, Desert, and Society
Egypt, the Nile, and the Desert
Egypt’s geographical location offers two advantages:
- The desert separates it from enemies.
- The Nile provides flood irrigation and fertilization, enabling farmland.
In the 5th and 4th millennia BC, climate changes and water shortages led tribes to the Nile’s banks.
The Flooding of the Nile
From June to September, the Nile rises due to spring rains at its source, flooding the riverbanks. The water recedes in September, leaving behind fertile black silt. The flooding posed
Read MoreChile’s Energy Landscape: Sources and Distribution
Energy Sources in Chile
Chile possesses diverse energy sources, categorized by renewability and origin.
Primary Energy
Primary energy refers to natural resources used directly or indirectly for energy, including:
- Renewable: Hydropower (rivers, waves), solar, wind.
- Non-renewable: Oil, coal, geothermal, nuclear.
Primary energy is extracted or captured without transformation.
Secondary Energy
Secondary energy results from transforming primary sources, such as:
- Electricity
- Petroleum products (gasoline, diesel)
Medieval Cities & Colonial Empires: Art & Societal Shifts
Medieval Trade & Urban Resurgence
From the twelfth century, the stagnant rural society began to transform. Major cities emerged, channeling industrial and commercial activity.
Many cities originated from burgs, centers for manufacturing and trade. This led to specialized production, necessitating exchange as urban areas were not self-sufficient like feudal lands. Medieval markets and fairs were born.
Trade routes reopened, increasing contact between burgs, towns, and rural areas. This spurred migration
Read MoreSpain’s 19th Century Economic Transformation
Introduction
The 19th century marked the era of industrialization, witnessing the birth of a new society in some countries where industry became an activity of unprecedented magnitude. Industrialization brought about a radical change in production methods and societal organization. Spain’s evolution was unique but not exceptional; like many eastern and southern countries, it lagged in consolidating an industrialized society. Its economic transformation was modest, remaining predominantly agrarian
Read MoreSpanish Migration: Historical Trends and Patterns
Spanish Migration: A Historical Overview
Spain’s strategic location between Europe and Africa has shaped its active migratory past, serving as both a transit point and settlement for diverse populations. The loss of population in the hinterland and peripheral conditions led to an unequal population distribution. Emigration to America after 1492 marked a key event in the history of Spanish migration. The most significant migratory flows have varied in composition by age, sex, and profession, occurring
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