The Rise of Totalitarianism in Europe: Fascism and Nazism
Totalitarianism
Defining Totalitarianism
The term “totalitarianism” encompasses both totalitarian communism and fascism due to their shared characteristics:
- One-party dictatorships
- State control of the labor market
- Rigid and exclusionary ideology
- State-controlled media and monopolized political and economic planning
These movements and regimes believed in the delegation of individual sovereignty to the State, which would organize lives and defend rights in the common interest. They featured a hierarchical
Read MoreThe History of Spain: 1830-1874
The Pragmatic Sanction and the First Carlist War
In 1830, Ferdinand VII issued the Pragmatic Sanction, which recognized the right of women to inherit the throne. This excluded Don Carlos from the throne, and his followers opposed the legitimacy of the Pragmatic Sanction. Taking advantage of the king’s illness, Don Carlos’ supporters, through the minister Calomarde, obtained a document in 1832 that repealed the Pragmatic Sanction. However, Ferdinand VII recovered and confirmed the inheritance of his
Read MoreThe Impact of the Discovery and Colonization of America on Spain
The Discovery and Colonization of America and its Impact on Spain
The Discovery of America
The discovery and conquest of America was a Castilian endeavor aimed at finding an alternative route to the East Indies. Christopher Columbus, likely a Genoese sailor and adventurer, intended to reach the Indies by sailing west, based on the idea that the Earth was spherical. It wasn’t until the fall of Granada that the Catholic Monarchs accepted Columbus’ proposal. They signed an agreement with him, the Capitulations
Read MoreFranco’s Dictatorship in Spain: Repression and Ideology
1. Franco’s Dictatorship
1.1. Characteristics of the Franco Regime
The Franco regime, legitimized by the Spanish Civil War, was characterized by extreme authoritarianism. Key features include:
- Totalitarianism: Modeled on Italian Fascism and German Nazism, it abolished the 1931 Constitution and all democratic guarantees. Only a single party and an official trade union were permitted.
- Dictatorship: Franco held absolute power as Head of State, Chairman of the Government, Generalissimo of the Armed Forces,
Manifesto of the Democratic Board (1974)
Introduction
The “Manifesto of the Democratic Board”, dated July 29, 1974, emerged a year before General Franco’s death. Authored by various political forces opposing the Franco regime, it reflects a unified vision for Spain’s future after four decades of authoritarian rule. The Democratic Junta of Spain, an opposition agency, was formed in Paris on the same date, led by the Communist Party of Spain (PCE) under Santiago Carrillo. It comprised the PCE, Workers’ Party of Spain (PTE), Carlist Party,
Read MoreFrancoist Spain: Dictatorship, Repression, and Economic Hardship
1. Franco’s Dictatorship
1.1 Features of Francoism
The Franco regime, legitimized solely by the Civil War, was characterized by extreme authoritarianism.
Totalitarianism: Inspired by Italian Fascism and German Nazism, the Franco dictatorship abolished the 1931 Constitution, along with individual and collective guarantees. Parliament was dissolved, and political parties and unions were banned.
Caudillismo: Franco, as Caudillo of Spain, held absolute power. He was head of state, prime minister, and Generalissimo
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