Economic Transformation: The Roaring Twenties to the Great Depression
The Roaring Twenties: Post-WWI Economic Shifts
Unequal Economic Growth & American Dominance
After World War I, the USA emerged as the global economic powerhouse. In Europe, the destruction caused by the war led to widespread inflation and high unemployment. The crisis was especially severe in Germany, where the mark was extremely devalued, and the country experienced hyperinflation. From 1924, the standard of living improved across Europe, though less significantly than in the USA. Thanks to this
Read MoreSpanish Civil War: Republican Resistance and Francoist State Formation
The Republican Zone: Revolution and Resistance
Facing the rising insurgency, the nascent Republican government of José Giral had to hastily organize a military force capable of opposing the rebels. This involved arming militias of political parties and unions, and decreeing the creation of volunteer battalions to be integrated into these militias. Consequently, trade unions and leftist parties became the primary armed forces defending Republican legality.
In the summer and autumn of 1936, the power
Read MoreDecolonization and Asia’s Post-War Emergence
Causes of Decolonization
Several factors contributed to the widespread decolonization process:
Weakness of Colonial Powers
A national process seeking independence emerged during the interwar period. Conditions for achieving the objectives of liberal movements were created during the Second World War. The war shattered the myth of invincible colonial powers when Great Britain and France suffered defeats in their colonies, often at the hands of the Axis powers. Criticism also arose against the colonial
Read MoreSpain’s Tumultuous Transition: Amadeo I and the First Republic
The Reign of Amadeo I (1870-1873)
Amadeo entered Madrid on January 2, 1871, determined to fulfill his role as a constitutional monarch. However, the political forces of the regime were unable to secure stability. Governments rapidly shifted between Sagasta’s Constitutionalists, Ruiz Zorrilla’s Radicals, and Serrano’s old Unionist group.
From the beginning, Amadeo faced opposition from the former moderate, Cánovas del Castillo, who was attracting many dissidents from the Union and Progress parties.
Read MoreEuropean Colonialism and Pre-War Tensions
Africa’s Colonial Division
The Scramble for Africa: Following America’s independence in 1824, European powers, including France, Britain, Germany, Portugal, Italy, and Spain, intensified their colonial ambitions in Africa. By 1880, much of Africa was under European control, with Britain leading the partition. Cecil Rhodes aimed to connect British territories from north to south (Egypt to Rwanda), while France preferred horizontal colonization. The Berlin Conference (1884-1885) established rules for
Read MoreSpain’s Constitutional Evolution under Elizabeth II
Elizabeth II’s Constitutionalism in Spain
The government during Isabel II’s reign was characterized by a liberal system, where power alternated between Progressives and Moderates. This alternation was reflected in the different constitutions enacted.
Early Constitutionalism: 1834-1843
The Royal Statute of 1834
Promoted by Martínez de la Rosa, this statute attempted to establish a limited liberal system. It was a very restricted charter, granting limited rights. The Cortes (parliament) were bicameral,
Read More