Spanish Restoration and 20th Century Political Systems
Key Concepts of the Spanish Restoration
Restoration: This refers to the historical period from the pronouncement of Arsenio Martínez Campos at the end of the First Spanish Republic until the proclamation of the Second Republic. It is characterized by institutional stability, the construction of a liberal state model, and the incorporation of social and political movements that emerged during the Industrial Revolution. The period saw a decline leading up to the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera.
Regeneracionismo:
Read MoreEuropean Political Transformation: 16th Century to Vienna 1815
Political Systems in the Modern Era (15th–18th Centuries)
The political systems of Europe evolved significantly from the 15th to the 18th centuries, moving away from centralized monarchical control toward shared governance.
- 16th Century: An authoritarian monarchy prevailed in Spain, where the monarch held power, often influenced by the nobility. The court, including nobles and clergy, retained a say in matters of taxation and territory control.
- 17th Century: Absolutist Monarchy emerged, exemplified
The Spanish Monarchy: Habsburg Decline and Bourbon Reforms (17th-18th Centuries)
The Habsburgs of the 17th Century: Favorites and Conflicts
Under Charles I and Philip II, royal secretaries never exceeded the status of assistants to the King. However, starting with Philip III, the role of the *valido* (favorite or chief minister) became dominant.
Philip III (1598–1621) and the Duke of Lerma
Philip III’s first favorite, the Duke of Lerma, lacked political education and honesty. He was wasteful, corrupt, and sold offices. He was eventually appointed cardinal to avoid execution (
Read MoreFranco Regime: Dictatorship Foundations and Spanish Stages
The Franco Regime: A Dictatorship
The Franco regime was a true dictatorship. Adjectives may vary, but it is essential to remember that Franco held all the power. Franco blamed liberalism for all of Spain’s ills. The regime was obsessed with the alleged threats of Freemasonry and Communism, ideologies always presented as foreign and hostile to Spain.
Foundations of the New State
The structure was a mixture of military dictatorship and an absolute totalitarian state without a king. All powers were concentrated
Read MoreAmerica’s Transformation: WWI, Wilson, and the Expansion of Federal Power
The United States and World War I: A Pivotal Transition
The United States’ involvement in World War I (WWI), or the Great War, marked a pivotal transition in American history. This period was characterized by an initial commitment to neutrality, a rapid mobilization under the banner of Progressive ideals and moral imperialism, and a subsequent descent into political repression and international disillusionment. From 1916 to 1920, the nation shifted dramatically, expanding the scope of federal government
Read MoreKey Events of the Cold War and Franco’s Spain
Franco’s Dictatorship (1939-1975)
Two Periods:
1939–1959: Autarky and Isolationism
- April 1, 1939: Franco ends the war. Spain remained neutral in WWII.
- 1946: The UN condemned Spain.
- 1952: End of rationing.
- 1953: Military and economic agreements between Spain and the United States.
- 1955: Spain becomes a member of the UN.
1959–1975: Development and Opening
- 1959: Stabilization plan; development of industry and consumption. ETA is founded.
- 1966: Press law: Censorship remained, but it was more flexible.
- 1969: