History of the Iberian Peninsula: From Carthaginians to Kingdoms
History of the Iberian Peninsula
The Carthaginian and Roman Period
Between the First and Second Punic Wars, the Carthaginians invaded the Iberian Peninsula, establishing colonies like Ibiza and Cartagena (named after the original Carthage). They also absorbed cities such as Cadiz and Malaga. After defeating Carthage, Rome began a gradual occupation of the peninsula, lasting over 200 years.
The Romans faced resistance, including the long siege of Numancia and the guerrilla war led by Viriato. After
Read MoreConstitutional Monarchy and Revolution in Spain (1834-1874)
Constitutional Monarchy: Progressivism and Moderates (1834-1874)
The Social and Political Situation of the Period
With the death of Ferdinand VII in 1833, a new stage in Spain’s political life began. The need for strong support to address the Carlist Wars prompted Maria Christina (wife of Ferdinand VII) to form a Liberal government. However, the Liberals were divided into two factions: the Moderates, who supported more gradual reforms, and the Progressives, who wanted to dismantle the entire structure
Read MoreThe Fall of the Western Roman Empire: Barbarian Invasions and the Rise of Germanic Kingdoms
1 .- THE SLAVES AND THE ECONOMY OF THIS CRISIS
Maximum height of empire expansion and S II (Trajan, Hadrian, Marcus Aurelius).
In the third century crisis, declining but not disappearing. First barbarian incursions, attacks in the cities …… Urban decline. ….. Weak central government uncertainty in communications …… ……. Trade decline of craft production crisis …. Urban decay of the cities.
Simultaneously, they gain important rural production units (villas).
Self-sufficient (autarky)
The Spanish Second Republic: Political Instability and Reform
B) The Reformist Biennium (Left-Wing Government)
The Republic’s initial period saw the formation of a left-wing government led by Manuel Azaña. Key reforms included:
- Catalonian Autonomy: Catalonia was granted autonomy in 1932, with Francesc Macià elected president of the Generalitat.
- Military Reform: Azaña aimed to democratize and professionalize the army, reducing officer numbers and requiring allegiance to the Republic. This offended some, including Francisco Franco.
- Religious Reform: The government
Francoist Spain: International Relations, Politics, and Economy
International Relations and Evolution of the Franco Regime
The Two World Wars and the Hegemony of National-Catholicism
Franco initially showed his support for the Axis powers. However, Spain was not in a material condition to be involved in a war, so Franco declared Spain’s neutrality. In domestic politics, the Traditionalist Spanish Falange de las JONS had a dominant role in the new National-State. Ramón Serrano Suñer, Franco’s brother-in-law, played a prominent role in this endeavor and in relations
Read MoreThe Second Spanish Republic: A Democratic Experiment and the Path to Civil War
Second Republic:
Over the years 931-1936 Spanish state as the Second Republic is the most thorough attempt to democratic change in its history. Right reaction to these changes taking Spain to the Civil War following the collapse of the uprising of July 18, 1936.
When leaving the country Alfonso XIII’s new government is composed of some Republicans and Socialists, with some changes, (dropouts, M. Maura, Alcalá Zamora and A. Lerroux), will remain in power until 1933. The new interim government and