Understanding World War II: Origins, Conflicts, and Aftermath
Causes of World War II
The Second World War, a global conflict of unprecedented scale, stemmed from a complex interplay of factors:
- Treaty of Versailles and Nazi Expansionism: The punitive terms of the Treaty of Versailles, which failed to adequately humble Germany, contributed to resentment and instability. This paved the way for aggressive Nazi expansionist policies.
- Economic Crisis of the 1930s: The Great Depression fueled political extremism and instability across Europe, weakening democratic governments
Isabella II’s Regency: Spain’s Path to Liberalism (1833-1843)
The Regency of Isabella II in Spain (1833-1843)
After the death of Ferdinand VII, his daughter Isabella was proclaimed queen. As she was a minor, a regency period was established, first led by her mother, Maria Christina, and later by General Baldomero Espartero. During these years, a dual conflict emerged: first between Liberals and Carlists, and later between moderate Liberals and Progressives themselves.
Maria Christina’s Regency (1833-1840)
Maria Christina initially favored absolutism, but the
Read MoreKey Periods in World History: Conflicts, Revolutions, and Transformations
The Peloponnesian War and the Modern World
The Peloponnesian War (431–404 BC)
- Ancient Greek conflict between Athens and Sparta for dominance.
- Undecided until Persian intervention aided Sparta.
- Resulted in Spartan hegemony under Lysander.
Concept of Total War
- Coined by Erich Ludendorff, referencing Thucydides.
- Indicates war involving the complete mobilization and targeting of civilian and military resources.
Arnold Toynbee’s Analysis of Sparta
- Sparta as an “arrested civilization,” meaning it stagnated culturally
Ferdinand VII’s Reign: Absolutism, Liberalism, and Crisis in 19th Century Spain
The Restoration of Absolutism in Spain (1814-1820)
After the Treaty of Valençay, which restored his throne, Ferdinand VII returned to Spain amidst popular enthusiasm, hailed as “the Desired One.” He was met with cries of “Down with the Constitution of Cádiz, Long Live Absolutism!” from absolutist deputies in Cádiz. In May 1814, General Elío had the Manifesto of the Persians published. Following this, Ferdinand VII, in his first act, suspended the Constitution of 1812 and other Gaditano decrees,
Read MoreFranco’s Spain: Regime Foundations and Global Shifts
Foundations of Francoism
Franco assumed power, becoming the Chief of State and supreme commander of the Army. He oversaw legislative and judicial functions.
- Only one legal party existed: FET y de las JONS.
- Individual freedoms were suppressed.
- The nationalist dictatorship was supported by the army, the Catholic Church, big business, landowners, and a large part of the middle class.
- Severe repression characterized the regime’s early years. Republicans were sentenced to forced labor or executed.
- The publication
Spain’s Political Evolution: From Transition to 21st Century
The UCD Government and the 23-F Coup (1979-1982)
After the constitutional consensus, the political situation was marked by various factors, including:
- Problems in tackling the economic crisis and its effects on the hard-hit population.
- A new decentralized state organization.
- Escalating terrorist actions, especially by ETA.
- Unrest and coup threats from ideologically linked military sectors.
In January 1981, Adolfo Suárez presented his resignation as President of the Government due to divisions within
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