The Spanish Civil War: Political & International Conflict, Causes & Consequences
The Spanish Civil War: Political and International Conflict
The Outbreak of the War
The Spanish Civil War began on July 17, 1936, following a coup against the Second Spanish Republic. This period in Europe was marked by significant international tension, preceding the outbreak of World War II. Mussolini’s Italy and Hitler’s Germany, both in power, rejected democracy, parliamentary systems, human rights, and economic liberalism. Nazi Germany’s territorial expansion in Europe was met with appeasement
Read MoreWorld War I: Causes, Battles, and Consequences
The First World War
Causes of the War
1. Territorial Confrontations
- Alsace-Lorraine: Confrontation between France and Germany over the Alsace-Lorraine region (controlled by Germany).
- Balkan Peninsula: Russia and Austria-Hungary were concerned about the instability in the Balkans and competed for influence in the region.
The confrontation between Russia, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire, along with the internal problems of the Balkans, led to the Balkan Crisis.
Balkan Crisis:
Crisis of 1908: Austria-
Read MoreBourbon Restoration in Spain (1874-1923): A Period of Political Transformation
The Bourbon Restoration in Spain (1874-1923)
The Bourbon Restoration marks the historical period in Spain extending from General Martínez Campos’s pronouncement in 1874 until the cessation of the 1876 Constitution in 1923. This era aimed to revitalize the nation through a liberal-conservative, albeit undemocratic, approach.
The Cánovas System and Its Foundations
The Cánovas System, orchestrated by Antonio Cánovas del Castillo, drew inspiration from the English Constitution, representing a relatively
Read MoreThe Great War: A Comprehensive Overview
The Outbreak of Conflict
On June 28th, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, was assassinated in Sarajevo by a Bosnian Serb nationalist. Following this event, Austria-Hungary, backed by Germany, issued an ultimatum to Serbia, accusing it of orchestrating the attack. Austria-Hungary hoped for a localized conflict, but the existing alliance system quickly escalated the situation. Within a week, Russia mobilized in support of Serbia, Germany declared war on Russia and France,
Read More19th Century Spanish Politics: Key Terms & Concepts
A
Absolutism
Supporters of maintaining the absolute monarchy of the ancien régime. In the Cortes of Cadiz, absolutist members were a distinct political faction opposing the Liberals, who called them subservient.
Ancien Régime
The political and social system prevalent in Europe between the 15th and 18th centuries. Characterized by absolute monarchy, a society of estates, and feudal land ownership.
B
Bourgeois Revolution
The process that dismantled the ancien régime, leading to a society dominated by
Read MoreThe Regency of Espartero (1840-1843): Rise, Policies, and Fall
The Regency of Espartero (1840-1843)
Causes of Espartero’s Rise
In the September 1837 elections, moderates won a majority and began to form the government. Regent Maria Cristina’s strong support for moderate policies provoked a confrontation between the progressives and the Crown. A widespread insurrection arose in many parts of the country, and Maria Cristina, rather than support a progressive government, resigned. Progressive factions then turned to General Espartero.
Espartero’s Measures and Regency
Espartero
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