Tsarist Russia & the Russian Revolution: A Concise History
1. Tsarist Russia in the Early 20th Century
In 1900, Russia, a diverse nation with over 140 million people, faced significant social and political challenges.
Czarism
Russia’s economy and society lagged behind other European powers. The political system rested on the Tsar’s absolute authority, supported by the nobility, senior administration, army, and Orthodox Church. While Alexander II introduced reforms like abolishing serfdom in 1861, the Tsar’s power and the nobility’s influence remained intact.
Read MoreSpanish Economy and Politics Under Franco (1939-1975)
Economy Under Franco (1939-1975)
Autarky (1939-1950)
The Spanish economy during Franco’s regime had three distinct stages. The first, autarky (1939-1950), was characterized by depression, shortages, and the disruption of modernization and growth initiated by the Republican government. Post-Civil War efforts focused on rebuilding infrastructure and implementing rationing.
Spain closed its borders to goods, services, and foreign capital. This policy stemmed from political isolation due to affiliations
Read MoreThe Russian Revolution and the USSR: A Historical Overview
The Russian Revolution and the USSR
Introduction
The Russian Revolution of 1917 was a major historical event that gave rise to a new country, the USSR, a communist society. This country became the first and largest socialist country in the world until its dissolution in 1991. The Russian Revolution shares similarities with the French Revolution of 1789, for example, the influence of both spread outside their borders. However, while the French Revolution meant the transition from absolutism to a liberal
Read MoreThe Decline of the Spanish Restoration (1902-1923): From Reform Attempts to Dictatorship
The Decline of the Spanish Restoration (1902-1923)
Panorama (1902)
On May 17, 1902, Alfonso XIII swore allegiance to the 1876 Constitution. He had already expressed his willingness to intervene directly in politics (something unbecoming of a constitutional monarch) and closely link the Restoration to the army. The system depended on the dynastic parties to provide solutions to the problems of the time. The death of Cánovas del Castillo and the lack of party unity fractured both the Conservative and
Read MoreSpain During the Franco Regime: A Historical Overview
Spain During the Franco Regime
The First Years of the Regime
Taxation Under Franco
The main instrument used to impose Franco’s regime was undoubtedly repression. This repression was a mainstay of society. The regime supported the business and landowning oligarchy. Around Franco’s indisputable authority moved families and lobbyists who supported the regime: the army, the Falange, the monarchists, and the church.
Franco’s Ideological Foundations
Franco’s regime was characterized by the concentration of
Read MoreCosta’s Critique of Spanish Oligarchy and Primo de Rivera’s Manifesto: A Comparative Analysis
Costa’s Critique of Spanish Oligarchy
The Cacique System and Its Flaws
Joaquín Costa, a prominent Spanish intellectual of the 19th century, critiqued the oligarchic and despotic nature of Spanish politics. His analysis centered on the cacique system, where local political bosses, or caciques, held immense power and influence.
Costa highlighted several key issues:
- Caciques’ Control: Each region was controlled by a cacique, whose will dictated political actions, overriding central authority.
- Influence