Catholic Monarchs: Dynastic Union and the Conquest of Granada
Catholic Monarchs: The Dynastic Union
Isabel of Castile and her husband, Ferdinand of Aragon, are known as the Catholic Monarchs. They were given this title by the Pope for ending the power of Islam in the Iberian Peninsula. Their marriage resulted in a common policy for both kingdoms, leading to significant successes abroad. This policy was further consolidated when their grandson, Charles of Habsburg, inherited the family estate.
The unification of Castile and Aragon under the Catholic Monarchs
Read MoreBritain’s Industrial Revolution: Origins and Impact
1. Why Britain Became the First Industrialized Country
The Industrial Revolution began in Great Britain in the mid-18th century. The following factors explain why Britain pioneered the revolution, overtaking neighboring countries and becoming the first industrialized nation (the “workshop of the world”):
- A political system in which the power of the monarchy had been limited by Parliament since the 17th century and in which the bourgeoisie had a lot of influence.
- An abundance of resources and raw materials,
Climate, Energy, and Tourism in Spain
Climates of the Iberian Peninsula
The Spanish territory is characterized by a wide range of climates.
The Oceanic Climate
It occupies the north of the peninsula, i.e., the Cantabrian coast and Galicia.
Rainfall is abundant and regular, as these are areas that are under the continuous action of storms, although its maximum is in winter and minimum in summer. The rain falls softly, thus it is easier for it to leak into the soil.
Temperatures are mild, although with differences between coastal and inland
Read MoreEarth’s Climate, Weather, and Political Systems
Earth’s Climate and Weather
The sun is the main source of energy on land.
The atmosphere is the gaseous layer surrounding the Earth, mostly composed of nitrogen and oxygen.
The Elements of Weather
- Temperature: Reflects the amount of heat in the atmosphere.
- Precipitation: Water from the atmosphere that falls to the surface as rain, hail, or snow.
- Humidity: The quantity of water vapor in the air.
- Atmospheric Pressure: The weight of the atmosphere at a given point on Earth. Measured with a barometer.
- Wind:
Deforestation, Biodiversity Loss, and Sustainable Development
Deforestation and Its Impact
Deforestation, the large-scale destruction of forest formations due to human intervention, leads to the degradation and loss of quality in forest ecosystems. Approximately 50% of the world’s forest areas have already been cleared. Tropical forests are particularly affected, losing about 1% of their total area annually.
The primary driver of this regression is the pursuit of short-term profits by southern countries through timber sales to wealthier nations. Forest degradation
Read MoreThe Industrial Revolution: Population, Agriculture, and Innovation
1. Population Growth: The 18th century saw a tremendous population increase, providing both cheap labor and a growing consumer base. The population of England and Wales rose from approximately 6 million in the 17th century to 9 million by 1801, a 50% increase. While improvements in healthcare, such as hospitals and medical advancements, contributed to a lower death rate, the lack of antiseptics and anesthetics meant hospitals remained dangerous due to infection risks. Therefore, the primary driver
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