The Habsburg Dynasty in Spain: 16th & 17th Centuries
The Habsburg Political Model
The Union of Kingdoms
The union of the kingdoms of Castile, Navarre, and Aragon was modeled on the Royal Council (RC). Each kingdom retained its institutions, courts, and privileges with few modifications. This system consolidated governance by councils.
The power of the King’s secretaries increased, becoming key figures. They reported council decisions to the monarch, eventually bypassing the councils altogether. The most important secretaries became secretaries of state.
Read More19th Century Politics and Colonialism
Democratic Liberalism
The new democratic ideas focused on defending popular sovereignty against national sovereignty. Consequently, universal male suffrage facilitated the pursuit of social equality. In 1793, the first socialist movements emerged, demanding social reforms such as the right to work, education, and health insurance. Nationalist movements also gained momentum, leading to the political unification of fragmented nations like Italy and Germany, or the pursuit of independence within empires,
Read More19th Century Spanish Liberalism: Regencies & Carlist Wars
Introduction
During the regency of Maria Cristina and General Espartero, the pattern of liberalism that would rule Spain during the 19th century was established. This liberal revolution was a radical transformation, impacting:
- Political structure
- Social structure
- Economic structure
Once on the throne, Elizabeth II implemented a moderate liberalism that benefited the new ruling class, composed of the business and landowning bourgeoisie.
Regencies, Liberalism, and the Carlist War
During the reign of Philip
Read MoreThe Rise and Fall of the Old Regime
The Old Regime and Economic Interventionism
During the era of monarchical absolutism, the king held absolute power over legislative, executive, and judicial matters. The main economic activity was agriculture.
Social Structure
Society was stratified and organized into groups called estates. The privileged estates, clergy and nobility, enjoyed wealth and privileges, including exemption from taxes.
The Third Estate
The common people, or the Third Estate, worked the land, engaged in crafts or trade, and
Read MoreTreaty of Versailles & League of Nations: Origins of WWII
The Treaty of Versailles and its Aftermath
Differing Perspectives on Germany
Woodrow Wilson (USA)
- Lenient approach towards Germany to prevent future resentment and promote recovery.
- Focus on strengthening democracy in defeated nations.
- Advocated for self-determination for smaller countries formerly part of empires.
- Championed international cooperation.
David Lloyd George (Britain)
- Moderate stance on Germany due to commercial interests and a desire to avoid further conflict.
- Sought a reduction in German naval
Spanish Civil War: Nationalists vs. Republicans
National Zone
Military Uprising and National Defense Council
The lack of clarity regarding the rebels’ defined political project was evident. Among them was an amalgam of tendencies, including Carlists, Monarchists, Falangists, and Cedistas.
- Following the uprising, the military established the National Defense Council in Burgos. This council functioned as a sovereign power, declaring a state of war, coordinating military operations, assuming directorial duties, and initiating the repeal of republican