The 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
Spanish Second Republic: Political Instability and the Rise of Extremism (1933-1936)
The Development of the Spanish Second Republic (1933-1936)
The 1933 Elections and the Rise of the Right
The November 1933 general elections, the first with female suffrage, resulted in a significant shift to the right. Right-wing, center, and center-right parties secured 258 parliamentary seats, while the left obtained only 119. The left presented a disunited front, while the right coalesced around the CEDA (Spanish Confederation of Autonomous Right-wing Groups). Voter turnout was 67.46%, with notable
Read MoreFerdinand VII of Spain: From Absolutism to Carlist Wars
Ferdinand VII and the Return to Absolutism (1814-1820)The Treaty of Valençay and the Manifesto of the PersiansFerdinand VII regained the Spanish crown in 1814 through the Treaty of Valençay. Upon his return, he received the Manifesto of the Persians from absolutist deputies, urging him to annul the Cádiz Constitution and reinstate absolute rule. Suppression of Liberal ReformsSupported by the army and popular enthusiasm, Ferdinand VII issued the Decree of May 4, 1814. This decree abolished the |