Francoism’s Final Years: Spain’s Transition to Democracy
The Crisis of Late Francoism
After the Civil War ended, it gave way to Franco’s dictatorship. In the 1940s, Spain was isolated due to its alignment with Italian fascists and German Nazis, leading the regime to pursue an autarky policy. In the 1950s, however, pacts with the Vatican and the USA led to international recognition.
Economic Reforms and Social Shifts
The Stabilization Plan of 1959, led by the Technocrats (ministers of Opus Dei), embraced capitalist and liberal ideas, pursuing economic goals
Read MoreSpanish Labor and Political Movements in the Restoration Era
The Rise of Labor and Political Movements in Restoration Spain
The Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE)
In 1879, the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) was founded. Led by Pablo Iglesias and Jaime Vera, a program was drafted with the following objectives:
- Abolition of social classes and the emancipation of workers.
- Transformation of private property into social or collective property.
- Conquest of political power by the working class.
These objectives included claims related to employment policies
Read MoreThe Thirty Years’ War: European Conflict & Its Legacy
The Thirty Years’ War: A Defining European Conflict
The Thirty Years’ War, spanning from 1618 to 1648, began as a series of conflicts between Catholics and Protestants within the Holy Roman Empire. It gradually escalated into a broader struggle among the great powers of Europe for political domination across the continent. The conflict unfolded in several distinct phases:
Key Phases of the Thirty Years’ War
Bohemian Revolt: Protestant Uprising
Protestant nobles in Bohemia expelled Catholics and appointed
Franco’s Spain: Consolidation and Transformation (1951-1959)
Franco’s Regime: Consolidation and Transformation (1951-1959)
During this period, significant changes were implemented to address the problems highlighted by the protests of 1951. Aspects of the autarkic and isolationist policies, characteristic of the previous decade, were also progressively eliminated. This process culminated in 1959 with the implementation of the Stabilization Plan and the visit to Spain by U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Eisenhower was greeted by large crowds, symbolizing
Read MoreKey Historical Terms: Early Modern Era to Imperialism
Early Modern Europe: Key Concepts
Political Systems & Society
Ancien Régime
A period covering the 17th and 18th centuries. During this time, European monarchs became more powerful; a more open economy was created; humanism developed; advances in science and philosophy were widespread; and new artistic styles emerged.
Absolute Monarchy
A political system in which the crown had unlimited authority, believed to be divinely granted. The king controlled the government and intervened in the economy, introducing
Read MoreGlobal Transformations: Imperialism, Colonialism, and World War I
Authoritarian Systems
Governed by monarchies, parliaments, and military presence in everyday life. Characterized by ethnic and cultural diversity, populations had very few rights.
Liberal Systems
In liberal systems, the separation of powers was strengthened, and new rights were recognized. Suffrage was gradually extended until universal male suffrage was achieved. As workers could vote, socialist parties began to be represented in parliament.
Russian Government and Emperor
The Russian government and
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