19th 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
Read MoreSpanish Restoration: Politics, Society, and Constitution of 1876
The Restoration in Spain (1874-1931)
Home of the Restoration
In 1874, Pavia dissolved the courts, and Cánovas del Castillo, the architect of the Restoration, prepared for Alfonso XII’s manifesto from Sandhurst (see Activity). Martínez Campos launched a coup (without Cánovas’ consent) in Sagunto, proclaiming Alfonso XII. Cánovas rallied behind Alfonso XII. The Third Carlist War ended in the north in 1876, and the Cuban War of Independence concluded in 1878 with the Peace of Zanjón. Cánovas then
Read MoreCatalan Autonomy & the Spanish Civil War: A Historical Overview
The Spanish Civil War: Situation of the Fronts (March 1939)
End of the Civil War
By March 1939, the end of the Spanish Civil War was imminent. Following the Battle of the Ebro, Nationalist forces had captured Catalonia, reducing the Republican zone to the east, from Valencia to Almería and Madrid. The Nationalists were attacking from all sides. Azaña had resigned as president, and a coup against Segismundo Casado had taken place. The war finally ended on April 1, 1939, with Franco’s victory.
Read MoreHistory of the Soviet Union: From Lenin to Gorbachev
The Time of Lenin (1917-1924)
Upon coming to power, Lenin approved the following decrees:
- Signature of immediate peace with the Triple Alliance (Treaty of Brest-Litovsk)
- Expropriation of large estates and major factories
- Creation of the Village Council (executive body)
- Constitutional Assembly elections were held in November, but the Bolsheviks did not accept the results and replaced the Assembly with the Russian Congress of Soviets.
From its inception until 1929, the new country underwent the following
Read MoreThe Russian Revolution: From Tsarism to Bolshevik Rule
Political Clashes in the Russian Empire
At the beginning of the twentieth century, the Russian Empire remained an absolute monarchy. Despite the difficulties, emerging political groups demanded profound changes and the end of absolutism. The new urban middle class wanted to introduce a parliamentary monarchy and grouped together in the Constitutional Democratic Party. In rural areas, discontent and the desire to access land herded the population around the Socialist Revolutionary Party. They spread
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