Philip IV’s Reign: Crisis, Rebellions, and Olivares’ Reforms
The Crisis of 1640: A Turning Point for Spain
In 1640, a confluence of factors led to the fall of Gaspar de Guzmán, Count-Duke of Olivares (1643), and imperiled the very empire of Philip IV. This period was marked by widespread unrest and challenges to the Crown’s authority.
The Catalan Revolution (1640-1652)
The Catalan Revolution (1640-1652) was a direct consequence of the Unión de Armas (Union of Arms), a policy that aimed to compel all kingdoms to contribute to the formation of a unified army.
Read MoreMedieval Iberian Peninsula: Al-Andalus and Christian Kingdoms
The Iberian Peninsula: From Visigoths to Christian Kingdoms
The Muslim Conquest and Al-Andalus (8th Century)
- Lieutenant of Musa ibn Nusayr: Tariq ibn Ziyad led the initial Muslim forces.
- Muslim Arrival in the Iberian Peninsula: The year 711 marked the beginning of the Muslim conquest.
- Causes of Rapid Muslim Conquest:
- Superiority of Muslim military tactics and organization.
- Internal conflicts and divisions within the Visigothic Kingdom.
- Support from Jewish communities and some Visigothic nobles, who surrendered
Spanish Civil War: Origins and Global Impact
The Outbreak of the Spanish Civil War
The military uprising began in North Africa on July 17, 1936, led by General Franco. The next day, it extended to the Iberian Peninsula with support from various fascist and right-wing political groups. The insurrection was justified by the perceived need to end a government considered illegitimate and to prevent the collapse of national unity.
The electoral failure of the right in the 1936 elections accelerated the organization of the coup. General Mola, directing
Read MoreFrench Revolution’s Aftermath: Terror, Directory, and European Restoration
The Reign of Terror (1793-1794)
During this period, innocent people were put to death, and many others were beaten. Victims were often forced to comply and then left to resist for their lives. This era of terror began in 1793 and concluded in 1794.
Revolutionary Societal Changes
The revolutionary spirit ushered in a new era. This included:
- A new calendar
- The replacement of state festivals and other religious symbols with those of a revolutionary character
- Significant changes in fashion
- The adoption of
Spanish Restoration: Cánovas’s System and Cuban Conflict
Cánovas del Castillo’s Liberalism and Objectives
Antonio Cánovas del Castillo aimed to articulate a new model of liberalism, addressing endemic issues of the past: the partisan and exclusionary nature of moderate military interventionism in politics and the proliferation of civil strife. His two primary objectives were:
- To develop a constitution that would establish a bipartisan political system.
- To pacify the country by ending the war in Cuba and the Carlist conflict.
Foundations of the New Political
Read MoreKey Events of the French Revolution
The Revolution
A) The Estates-General of 1789
- People began to call for an immediate meeting of the Estates-General to deal with the crisis.
- The Estates-General was an assembly composed of representatives from the three French estates: clergy, nobility, and the commoners (Third Estate).
- The main argument was the form of voting:
- Each of the three estates, one vote (supported by the privileged)
- A vote by head (supported by the Third Estate)
- The Estates-General assembled at Versailles in May 1789.