Visigothic Kingdom: Institutions, Culture & Land Occupation
The Barbarian Invasions: The Visigoths
Institutions and Culture
The Roman Empire began to decline in the 3rd century AD. It experienced a severe crisis due to weakened economic, political, and military institutions. Barbarian tribes took advantage of this situation to penetrate Roman territories and seize their wealth.
The Visigoths were significant. They arrived on the Iberian Peninsula in 416 as foederati to expel the Suebi, Vandals, and Alans. They remained until 711. After the fall of the Roman
Read MoreThe Union of Spain and the Discovery of America
The Union of Spain: Aragon and Castile
In 1469, the marriage of Prince Ferdinand, son of John II of Aragon, and Princess Isabella, sister of Henry IV, King of Castile, marked a pivotal moment. Although it did not immediately create a unified kingdom, as each retained its borders, currencies, laws, tax systems, and institutions, the Catholic Monarchs acted jointly on behalf of both kingdoms.
Territorial Expansion of the Kingdoms
- 1492: The conquest of the Muslim kingdom of Granada, after a 10-year campaign.
Spain’s Tertiary Sector: Trade and Tourism
The Tertiary Sector in Spain
Trade in Spain
Domestic and Retail Trade
Shopping
Landforms and Rivers of Europe and Spain
Landforms: Definitions
- RIA: Sea routes into the land.
- CABO (Cape): Relief that goes from the coast into the sea.
- PENINSULA: Land surrounded by water everywhere except for one part.
- ISLA (Island): Portion of land surrounded by water on all sides.
- GOLFO (Gulf): Entry of the sea, rounded. The bay is similar but smaller.
- DORSAL OCEÁNICA (Mid-ocean ridge): Underwater mountain range.
- FOSA MARINA (Marine trench): Great underwater depression.
- LLANURA ABISAL (Abyssal plain): Underwater plain.
- PLATAFORMA CONTINENTAL
Al-Andalus and Christian Kingdoms: Society, Economy, and Politics
Al-Andalus: Social and Economic Organization
The socioeconomic system in Al-Andalus was commercial and urban. The economy was based on agriculture, with advancements in irrigation techniques and the introduction of new crops like rice, sugarcane, and mulberry, which became essential for silk production. Sheep farming was also important. In cities, cottage industries, especially textiles, flourished. Internal trade thrived in the markets, and external trade was based on exports and imports. The financial
Read MoreClass-Based Society: Bourgeoisie, Proletariat, and Workers’ Movements
Class-Based Society
The Bourgeoisie
The bourgeoisie‘s main activities were commerce, crafts, liberal professions, and government posts. In the Modern Era, the economic significance and power of the bourgeoisie grew. Modern society is still based on the dominance of this “middle-class.”
We can identify three types of bourgeoisie:
- High bourgeoisie: This group stimulated industrialization and enjoyed most of its profits. They were the leaders and pioneers of industrialization.
- Middle bourgeoisie (or Middle