The Origins of English: Language and Conquest in Early Britain
The Linguistic Landscape Before English
English was introduced in the British Isles in the middle of the fifth century. Previous to this, the presence of a number of races in the island can be detected, and each of these races had a language. We do not have any knowledge of a time in the history of man where man did not have any language; however, we know very little of the early languages of England.
Before the Celts, we have no knowledge of a language in Britain. The only language that may provide
Read MoreThe Origins of English: Language and Conquest in Early Britain
The Linguistic Landscape Before English
English was introduced in the British Isles in the middle of the fifth century. Previous to this, the presence of a number of races in the island can be detected, and each of these races had a language. We do not have any knowledge of a time in the history of man where man did not have any language; however, we know very little of the early languages of England.
Before the Celts, we have no knowledge of a language in Britain. The only language that may provide
Read MoreKey Figures of the Franco Regime and Spanish Transition
Architects of Power: Key Figures of Francoism and the Spanish Transition
Ramón Serrano Suñer (1901–2002)
Elected to the first CEDA government in 1933 and again in 1936. Under Franco, he held the Interior portfolio, a post he combined with the chairmanship of the Political Board of JONS. In his second term, he served first as Minister of the Interior and later as Minister of Foreign Affairs. He was one of the first major architects of the new Francoist state.
Alberto Martín-Artajo (1905–1979)
Read MoreSpain’s Democratic Transition and Franco Regime Legacy
The Spanish Democratic Transition (1975-1982)
First Government of the Monarchy (1975-1976)
Juan Carlos I was crowned as Head of State on November 22, 1975, continuing with Carlos Arias Navarro as Head of Government. The six months that followed were challenging. The government had to face major social conflicts. Unions went on strike demanding political freedoms and greater union representation, particularly in Madrid.
The Suárez Government and Political Reform (1976-1977)
The King forced Arias Navarro’
Read MoreThe Rise of Totalitarian Regimes and Spain’s Early 20th Century Crisis
Causes of the Rise of Totalitarianism
The rise of totalitarianism is explained by the critical situation experienced across the continent, where the liberal system was deemed guilty of the prevailing instability. Key factors included:
- The difficult recovery following a terrible war (WWI).
- The concern about a workers’ revolution similar to the one that had triumphed in Russia (Bolshevism).
- The widespread fear of the economic crisis (Great Depression context).
Characteristics of Fascist Totalitarianism
Fascist
Read MoreSpain’s Restoration: The Regency of María Cristina and Rise of Nationalism
The Regency of María Cristina of Habsburg
Following the death of Alfonso XII in 1885, his wife, María Cristina of Habsburg, became regent until their son, Alfonso XIII, came of age. The political leaders Cánovas and Sagasta signed the Pact of El Pardo, committing to support the regency and facilitate a peaceful, alternating turnover of governments between their parties. Both leaders honored the agreement, and María Cristina respected the decisions of their governments.
However, this system, known
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