The Rif War: Spain’s Struggle in Morocco
The Rif War: Spain’s Colonial Struggle in Morocco
Early Expansion and the Protectorate
Following the loss of its colonies, Spain sought expansion in Africa, targeting Morocco. Spain’s interests were threefold:
- Strategic: To prevent other Western powers, particularly France, from controlling Morocco’s fate.
- Economic: To exploit the Rif mountains’ mineral resources and invest in infrastructure projects.
- Political and Prestige: To regain lost prestige through African expansion, with the Church viewing
Franco’s Spain: Neutrality, Catholicism, and the Cold War
Franco’s Stance During World War II
At the outbreak of World War II, Franco faced the risk of Spain’s involvement. Having just concluded the Civil War, Spain was ill-prepared for another conflict. Consequently, Franco declared neutrality on September 4, 1939. Despite this, he displayed sympathy towards the Axis powers, shifting his stance after the German occupation of France and Italy’s declaration of war.
- In June 1940, Franco announced a state of non-belligerency, effectively signaling pre-belligerence.
Key Events in Francoist Spain: A Concise History
Key Events in Francoist Spain
National Institute of Industry (INI)
The National Institute of Industry (INI) was a state entity created by Juan Antonio Suances to promote industrial development in Spain. It was established during Franco’s period of autarky (1939-1959) by law on September 25, 1941. Its aim was to foster the creation of new industrial enterprises and act as a secure and active force in promoting national development within an autarkic economic vision.
National Catholicism
National Catholicism
Read MoreNationalism and Revolutions of the 19th Century
Nationalism
Nationalism presents a particular nation as the sole identity referent within a political community.
Types of Nationalism
- Liberal Nationalism: Conceives the nation as a product of the people’s will, freely choosing their national belonging.
- Organic Nationalism: Understands nations as existing independently of individual decisions, as inherent realities.
Revolutions of 1820
- Spain: Liberals compelled Ferdinand VII to accept the 1812 Constitution, initiating the Liberal Triennium.
- Italy: Carbonari
Second Spanish Republic: Reforms and Modernization
The Left Biennium Reforms (1931-1933)
Question of Religious Influence
One of the main objectives of the republic was to limit the influence of the church, providing for a non-confessional state, religious freedom, and the abolition of the budget for worship and clergy. Divorce and civil marriage were also allowed. The government took control of education, forbidding religious orders from teaching and limiting their property ownership. The most serious confrontation occurred with the Jesuits, due to
Read MoreColonial Spanish America: Society, Economy, and Decline
The Commercial Society
The political and economic power was in Spanish hands, but most of the population were Amerindians. Los Creoles, descendants of the colonists, numbered almost half a million by the end of the sixteenth century. There were also many mestizos, sons of Indian and Spanish parents. In areas where labor was scarce, the native black population was transported from Africa. Colonization had serious consequences for the indigenous population, and in areas such as the Caribbean, the indigenous
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