Spanish Disentailment: Mendizábal, Madoz, and Land Reform
Spanish Disentailment: Context and Phases
Liberal governments during the 19th century faced the pressing need to consolidate state finances amid severe economic crises. Facing a severe economic crisis, Spain opted to disentail Church properties, selling them to benefit the National Treasury. However, the introduction of liberalism involved a more ambitious goal: transforming the property system along capitalist lines to create a liberal society supportive of the monarchy. These objectives were evident
Read MoreThe Cold War Era: Superpower Rivalry and Global Impact
Post-War Europe: A Divided Continent
Following World War II, Europe became sharply divided into two distinct blocs: the communist East, aligned with the Soviet Union (USSR), and the capitalist West, led by the United States (US). Spain, despite previous leanings towards the Axis powers, officially remained neutral in this new configuration. This period established a system of international relations defined by the intense rivalry between the US and the USSR, each seeking global dominance.
Understanding
Read MoreGlobal Silver Trade Impact (16th-18th Century)
Global Silver Flow: 16th to 18th Centuries
The social and economic effects of the global flow of silver from the mid-sixteenth century all the way to the early eighteenth century had many diverse and significant effects worldwide. Silver was the economic backbone of China, and was the main source of commodity money used. With the rich black flint ore found at Potosi, according to Spanish royal records, 326 million silver coins were extracted.
Silver’s Role in China
Silver was the currency used in China
Read MoreKey Changes and Reigns: 15th-16th Century Europe and Spain
Changes in the 15th Century
Economic Changes
- Agricultural production increased: there was an increase in the amount of land under cultivation. The three-field system was maintained. The main crops were cereals. Agriculture and livestock continued to be the main economic activity.
- Intensified commercial activity: agricultural production resulted in surpluses, and these were sold at markets and fairs.
- Expansion of craftsmanship, controlled by guilds. Introduction of the domestic system: peasants made
Key Terms of the Franco Dictatorship in Spain
Key Definitions from Francoist Spain
- Generalísimo of the Armies
- Title received by Francisco Franco during his dictatorship, signifying his role as the supreme commander of the armed forces.
- Caudillo
- Title adopted by Franco during his dictatorship, meaning ‘leader’ or ‘chieftain’, signifying his supreme political authority, akin to a head of state.
- Dictatorship
- Political system under Franco where all power was concentrated in his hands, establishing a dictatorial regime.
- FET y de las JONS
- Falange Española
Spain’s 19th Century Political Transformation
Spain’s Transition: Moderate to Liberal Democracy
Reign of Elizabeth II: Moderate Liberalism (1833-1868)
Fernando VII died in 1833, and his daughter Elizabeth II inherited the crown as a minor. Due to her age, she had two regents: her mother, Maria Cristina, and later General Espartero.
Carlist Wars: Dynastic and Political Conflict
The succession of Ferdinand VII led to a dynastic dispute, confronting Don Carlos (the king’s brother, defending absolutism) against the supporters of Isabel II (representing
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