Spain’s Economic Prosperity: 1875-1898 Analysis
Spain’s Economic Prosperity: 1875-1898
The period of 1875-1898 in Spain was characterized by economic prosperity and increased population. Population growth was similar to the rest of Europe, and the economy was generally expanding. However, significant intellectual and social inequality existed.
Demography
Demographic modernization in Spain was somewhat delayed. The population increase arrived later than in other parts of Europe. Birth and mortality rates fell slowly towards the end of the century.
Read MoreUrbanization in Spain: A Historical Analysis
Process of Urbanization in Spain
Pre-Industrial Revolution
The first cities on the Iberian Peninsula were founded by the Greeks and Phoenicians, appearing around the 9th century BC (Cadiz & Ampurias). Later, under Roman rule, many cities were established (Tarragona, Merida, Barcelona, Sevilla…).
During the Middle Ages, Spanish cities were ruled by Muslims or Christians. Muslims founded new cities such as Madrid and Murcia, and transformed others by building mosques, souks, etc.
In the Modern Age,
Read MoreThe Evolution and Economic Challenges of the EU
The Roman Empire spanned the Mediterranean region and established a cultural and linguistic unity.
The Carolingian Empire: Charlemagne attempted to restore the Roman Empire.
The Hispanic Monarchy embraced the Iberian Peninsula, Italy, the Netherlands, and the Holy Roman Empire under Charles V and Philip II, defending Catholicism.
The Napoleonic Empire: Under Napoleon Bonaparte, France and its revolution spread across Europe.
After the Second World War (1945), Europe was divided into two blocks: the
Read MoreFinance Capitalism, Industrialization, and Imperialism
Finance Capitalism
In the late 19th century, industrial capitalism was replaced by finance capitalism.
Energy Innovations
- Electricity: In 1867, Bergès designed a hydroelectric generator. In 1879, Edison invented the electric light bulb.
- Oil: Processes were discovered to refine oil and produce new fuels like kerosene and petrol.
Technology
Innovations like improved versions of the Bessemer converter made it cheaper to produce steel for railways, cars, or skyscrapers. Stainless steel was used to make precision
Read MoreFood Security vs. Sovereignty: Concepts and Causes of Hunger
Food Security and Food Sovereignty: A Comparison
Food security focuses on people’s access to appropriate nutrition. Food sovereignty includes this, and how and where decisions are made, and directly confronts questions of power.
The Concept of Entitlement and Hunger
The concept of “entitlement” is crucial to understanding hunger. Starvation, the condition of not having enough to eat, doesn’t necessarily mean there isn’t enough food available globally. Instead, it’s determined by how food is distributed
Unifying Spain: The Canary Islands, Portugal, and State Organization Under the Catholic Monarchs
The Canary Islands and Portugal
The Canary Islands were disputed between Castile and Portugal during the war of succession, until Portugal relinquished the archipelago.
The conquest was an unequal fight, bringing demographic collapse due to indigenous diseases brought from the peninsula.
Many people shared land with peninsulars, especially Andalusians, who enslaved the local population despite prohibitions.
Castile and Portugal were pioneers in Atlantic exploration, with qualified mariners and refined
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