The Russian Revolutions of 1905 and 1917
Czarist Russia
In the early twentieth century, Russia was a vast multinational empire spanning Europe and Asia. Ethnic Russians, despite being the largest group, constituted only 40% of the population. The Russian minority enforced a policy of Russification, imposing their administration, language, and Orthodox religion on other ethnicities. Compared to other European powers, the Russian Empire lagged behind economically and socially. In 1914, over 80% of the population relied on cereal-based agriculture,
Read MoreThe Fall of Tsarist Russia and the Rise of Stalin
1. The Fall of Tsarist Russia (1905-February 1917)
Tsarist Order
In 20th century Russia, an absolute monarchy prevailed. The Tsar held supreme state power and exercised it without limits, relying on the nobility, the Orthodox Church, the army, and the bureaucracy. A parliament (Duma) existed, but its powers were severely limited. The Tsar could convene or dissolve the Duma at will. There were no political freedoms, and opponents were persecuted. The economy was primarily agricultural, though industrialization
Read MoreThe Interwar Period and the Rise of Fascism
The Food Crisis (1917)
Political
The League (Catalan bourgeoisie, nationalist, conservative) is presented in the 1901 elections and wins in Barcelona.
Economic
Prices go up 70%, wages are kept, the war ends in 1918, industrial production is low, wages are low, and unemployment is asleep.
Military
- 1899: Reconstructing the lost empire in Africa (RIF)
- Alhacenas lands in Ireland, especially lost (thought there would be resistance) in 1921, will again try to lose (Annual Disaster) (Abd El-Krim’s army general
The Restoration in Spain: Political System and Social Change (1875-1890)
Introduction
The Revolution of 1868 and the brief republican regime failed to establish political stability, culminating in 1875 with the start of the “Restoration”: the reign of Alfonso XII (1875-1885), son of Isabella II, and the regency of his wife, Maria Cristina. This period saw the return of some features of the pre-democratic Sexenio, particularly the political dominance of an elite composed of leaders from the major parties, heirs to the old moderate and progressive groups, now called “conservative”
Read MoreFrench Revolution: A Summary of its Causes, Stages, and Impact
1. Summary of the French Revolution
Causes of the Revolution
- Deep economic crisis of 1789
- Crop production issues
- Political marginalization of the bourgeoisie
- Monarchy’s financial crisis due to state and court costs
- Tax reform and aristocratic privilege
The French Revolution began with an aristocratic revolt against taxation. Louis XVI convened the Estates-General in 1789, comprised of the nobility, clergy, and the Third Estate. The Third Estate demanded double representation and voting by individual,
Read MoreFranco’s Dictatorship (1939-1959): Construction and Consolidation
Franco’s Dictatorship (1939-1959)
Introduction
The Spanish Civil War’s end in 1939 consolidated Franco’s dictatorial regime, established in October 1936. This regime lasted until Franco’s death in 1975. Throughout its nearly forty years, the Franco regime remained a harsh dictatorship marked by fierce repression. However, its institutions evolved and adapted. The regime is broadly divided into two phases. The first, lasting until approximately 1959, focused on establishing a totalitarian state inspired
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