Cultural Shifts in 19th Century Spain: From Tradition to Modernity
Cultural Transformation in Spain
The late 18th and early 19th centuries were a time of change in Spain. French revolutionary ideas crossed the Pyrenees, spreading through books and pamphlets, challenging the Old Regime. These ideas gained traction among intellectuals, while many privileged individuals and the rural population clung to traditional values. After the War of Independence, Ferdinand VII’s reign intensified this clash of ideologies and mentalities.
Spain in the Early 19th Century
Spain remained
Read MoreDecree of Unification: Analysis of Franco’s 1937 Proclamation
Decree of Unification (1937)
Historical Context
This decree, a legal document from 1937, centers on the political landscape during the Spanish Civil War. Authored by General Francisco Franco, Head of State and Government, it was issued in Salamanca on April 20, 1937, and published in the Official State Gazette. The decree’s primary objective was the creation of a single party, the FET de las JONS (Falange Española Tradicionalista y de las JONS), merging the Falange and Carlist factions to consolidate
Read MoreSpain’s Role in the European Union and the Globalized World
Spain in the European Union
1. The Formation of the European Union
Spain’s integration into the European Union has been a pivotal development in the country’s history. Following World War II, Western European nations sought closer ties to prevent future conflicts. This led to the creation of BENELUX (a customs union between Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg) in 1948.
In 1957, the Treaty of Rome established the European Common Market, aiming to reduce protectionist tariffs among member countries
Read MoreArgentina’s National State Formation and Socio-Political Evolution
Argentina’s Path to Nationhood
The formation of the national state was a convergent process between nation-building and establishing a system of domination. With the rise of agricultural exporters, landowners, and foreign trade, Buenos Aires became the socio-political center and capital of the nation. The dominance of Rosas and Buenos Aires province in 1848 sparked reaction from the coast. The north-central region, tied to the Potosi mines and Lima’s port, declined with the mines’ depletion and Spanish
Evolution of the State: From Ancient Philosophy to Modern Democracy
Like Plato, Seeking Ethics in the State
Its purpose is to achieve the good life. For both, the state reflects natural inequalities of human life. Therefore, they propose policy solutions aristocratic.
Medieval Christian Thought
The medieval Christian Church, besides being a spiritual power, is also a political power. This dual responsibility creates a conflict that Christian philosophers should resolve.
Augustine of Hippo
Augustine of Hippo justified the primacy of the Church over any other political
Read MoreState Power and Legitimacy: From Monarchy to Federalism
According to Hariou, constitutional state has defining features:
Political Power (potestas + autoritas): Independent of economic and religious influences.
Overlap and Centralization of Power: The state is above others and tends to centralize power, although sometimes it decentralizes power (e.g., CCAA).
Civil Power: Military power is subordinate to civil power. Historically, there have been attempts to limit military power due to its strong influence.
Temporal Power: Power is not religious.
According
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