Hispanic America: 16th & 17th Centuries – Impact on Spain
Hispanic America: 16th and 17th Centuries
Spain experienced profound changes during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries arising from the discovery of America and the exploitation of new sea routes. The impact was total (economic, social, political). America would become Hispanicized and Europeanized, while Spain, fueled by American gold and silver, developed a powerful empire and maintained a leading position in Europe during the 16th century. This position declined throughout the 17th century
Read MoreIndustrial Revolutions: Transformations and Societal Impacts
The Industrial Revolution
In the early eighteenth century, Britain faced challenging living conditions. This situation dramatically changed in the late nineteenth century due to the impact of industrialization. In Britain and France, population increased because of heightened industrial activities and agricultural automation. Trade expanded and streamlined, propelled by the development of railways and steam navigation. Manufacturing, agriculture, and transport underwent transformations, leading to
Read MoreSpain’s Economic and Social Transformation: 1902-1931
Economic Developments (1902-1931)
Industrial Development
At the turn of the 20th century, Spain remained an agrarian nation. However, significant changes occurred in the industrial sector, particularly in mining and steel production, concentrated in the Basque Country. New industries, such as electricity and chemicals, also emerged.
Industrial growth was hindered by factors such as the excessive geographic concentration in Catalonia and the Basque Country, dependence on foreign technology, and a weak
Read MoreSpain’s Transport & Communications Infrastructure: A Comprehensive Analysis
Transport and Communications
1. The Transport System and its Importance
Transport is the activity of moving people and goods between geographic locations. The transport system is the set of resources and infrastructure enabling this. Transport’s importance lies in its political, demographic, economic, social, cultural, and international roles. It influences territorial organization, reflecting spatial imbalances in population distribution and economic development, and driving territorial changes.
Read MoreMedieval Cities: Rise, Economy, and Social Unrest
Cities: New Economic Centers
Agricultural improvements stimulated the revitalization and creation of cities. Farmers with surplus food production migrated to urban areas, seeking greater freedom and opportunities.
Medieval City Revival
The renaissance of cities began in the 11th century, with relative peace fostering trade around abbeys, castles, and towns. These new centers became thriving cities, or bourgs, inhabited by the bourgeoisie. Their importance grew if located at crossroads, rivers, or ports.
Read More19th Century Spain: Business and Social Transformations
BUSINESS CHANGES
1. Economic Shifts
1.1 Confiscation and Agrarian Changes
1.1.1 Background
Criticism of the link between property, land, nobles, the Church, and municipalities began during the reign of Charles III. This link was seen as the primary cause of agricultural stagnation, leading to suggestions of property depreciation and even abolition.
From 1795, Godoy initiated minor confiscations of church property to repay debt and compensate the Church.
During the War of Independence, both the Bonapartist
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