Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and exercises for Geography for Baccalaureate

The Impact of Traditional Internal Migration in Spain (1875–1975)

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Traditional Internal Migrations in Spain (1875–1975)

Traditional Internal Migrations (MI) took place between the last third of the nineteenth century and 1975. These movements were primarily undertaken by peasants seeking work in other agricultural areas or in newly industrialized cities.

Defining Internal Migration Types

We distinguish two main types of internal migration that affected the population:

Seasonal and Temporary Migration

This type of migration was typical of the peasant population. Its peak involved seasonal travel to other rural areas for agricultural work, such as harvesting or the collection of olives.

The Rural Exodus (1900–1975)

The Rural Exodus was a massive migration from rural areas to urban centers, occurring primarily between...

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Key Demographic and Urban Geography Concepts

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Population Census

Population Census: The individualized count of the country's population at a given time.

Population Law

Population Law: The sum of the residents present and transient residents counted at the time of the census.

Population Density

Population Density: The relationship between the population of an area and its extent. It is expressed in inhabitants per km².

Birth Rate

Birth Rate: The relationship between the number of live births in a year and the total population, usually expressed per thousand (‰).

Fertility Rate

Fertility Rate: The relationship between the number of births in a year and the number of women of childbearing age, expressed in per thousand (‰).

Mortality Rate

Mortality Rate: The relationship between the number of deaths...

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Historical Urban Planning: Factors and Stages of the Pre-Industrial City

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Pre-Industrial Urbanization: Factors and Characteristics

Key Factors Driving Urban Development

The factors influencing pre-industrial urbanization were:

  • Strategic and Military: Defense and control.
  • Politico-Administrative: Centers of governance.
  • Economic: Resource control, commercial activities, and craft production.
  • Cultural and Religious.
  • Environmental: Access to water, arable land, and favorable climate.

Historical Stages of Urban Development

Ancient Times

Characterized by Phoenician settlements. Urban planning featured a flat grid, public spaces, defensive walls, and road infrastructure.

The Romanization

The Roman urban network established a combined system of communication (the roads) to facilitate commercial and military control. Key features included:...

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Urban Geography and the Metropolitan Network of Catalonia

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Spatial Typologies: Features and Morphology

SpaceFeaturesMorphology
Urban
  • Area of high population density
  • Presence of urban infrastructure
  • Variety of activities
  • Dense urban fabric
  • Mixed-use space
  • Multi-family housing
  • High intensity activities
Periurban
  • Area outside the city, maintaining a strong relationship with the city center
  • Less dense urban fabric
  • Houses (single-family)
  • Presence of sectors of economic activity
  • Major shopping centers and recreational areas
Suburbs
  • Area of low population density
  • Socially homogeneous space
  • Inhabitants are dependent on private transport
  • Less dense urban fabric
  • Urban model: garden city
  • Outstanding presence of private green spaces
Rururbà
  • Area outside the city
  • Close to major roads
  • Less dense urban fabric
  • Private individual housing
  • Coexistence
...
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Political Systems of Medieval Castile and Aragon

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Political Organization in Medieval Spain

The Crown of Castile

In 1230, the definitive union of Castile and León occurred under Fernando III 'the Saint'. The late Middle Ages were marked by the king's constant attempts to control the nobility. The Henrician grants, awarded by Henry II (the first Trastámara king), weakened royal power. During the reigns of John II and Henry IV, there was significant internal conflict between the monarchy and the nobility.

Royal Power and Succession

The succession to the kingdom was determined by the male line and primogeniture. The king acted as a lawmaker, governor, and judge, but was obliged to do so fairly. Furthermore, the king relied on several key institutions:

  • The Curia Regia: A consultative body and the
...
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Ancient Civilizations and Colonization of the Iberian Peninsula

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Pre-Roman Peoples and Historic Settlements in Iberia

The Pre-Roman Cultures (1200 BC - Roman Occupation)

During the period between 1200 BC and the final Roman occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, various indigenous cultures coexisted, collectively known as the Pre-Roman Peoples. Their cultures resulted from the transformation of the native substrate of the Bronze Age, influenced by contact with peoples arriving from Central Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean.

A developed civilization emerged in the Southwest Peninsula, whose economic base was the exploitation and trade of metals. Necropolises from this era have provided rich grave goods, sometimes including abundant gold jewelry.

The Iberians and Celtiberians

In the southern Mediterranean area,...

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Iberian Peninsula Hominization: Latest Discoveries

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The Process of Hominization in the Iberian Peninsula: New Findings

Hominization is the process leading to the emergence of modern humans, which occurred around 40,000 years ago. The main achievements included bipedal walking, a gradual increase in skull volume, the use of tools and fire, and articulated language.

The first remains of the genus Homo appear in Africa approximately 4 million years ago. Archaeological finds at Atapuerca (Burgos) have revolutionized older theories about human evolution in Europe.

Early Arrivals in Iberia

According to researchers from the Atapuerca team (led by Juan Luis Arsuaga), the first hominids arrived in the Iberian Peninsula about 800,000 years ago. Originating from Africa, they are thought to have reached the...

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Political and Economic Evolution of Late Medieval Spain

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Political Institutions in the Late Middle Ages

During the 14th and 15th centuries, the Kingdom of Castile saw a significant strengthening of the monarchy. Beginning with Ferdinand III and Alfonso X, the Crown steadily expanded its authority. Under the Trastámara dynasty, several key institutions were established: the Royal Council, the Chancery Court (which regulated justice), and a formal Finance department. The Royal Court was supported by stewards, the navy, the army, and an organized bureaucracy. Territorial organization was managed through a division into councils, while the Cortes (Courts) represented the nobility, clergy, and commoners.

In the Kingdom of Aragon, power was shared between the King and viceroys. The Cortes upheld the interests...

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Morrocoy National Park: Venezuela's Tropical Paradise

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Morrocoy National Park: A Coastal Haven

Morrocoy National Park is located in the state of Falcón, in northwestern Venezuela, near the towns of Boca de Aroa, Tucacas, Sanare, Chichiriviche, Flamenco, and the Tocuyo Coast. Established in 1974, the park spans 32,090 hectares.

The park encompasses both terrestrial and aquatic areas of the Golfo Triste, featuring extensive mangrove forests and numerous islands or keys, including Borracho, Pelón, Sombrero, Sal, Playuela, and Peraza. The Chichiriviche hill provides relief, reaching elevations of 250 meters, overlooking a complex network of internal creeks, mangrove cays, and islands.

Wildlife and Biodiversity

The park is a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, with approximately 266 bird species reported...

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Spanish Agrarian Landscapes and Agricultural Land Use

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Spanish Landscapes and Representative Provinces

Provinces for each landscape:

  • Wet Spain: Santander, Oviedo, and A Coruña.
  • Interior Peninsular: Cuenca, Ciudad Real, and Toledo.
  • Mediterranean: Alicante, Ibiza, and Tarragona.
  • Mountain: Lleida, Huesca, and Pamplona.
  • Canary Islands: Tenerife, Lanzarote, and El Hierro.

Agricultural Land Use and Livestock Distribution

Provinces with Balanced Agriculture and Livestock

The provinces showing a balanced contribution include Badajoz, Cáceres, Salamanca, Zamora, León, Segovia, Guadalajara, Las Palmas, Ibiza, and Menorca.

Land Use and Natural Conditions in Spain

Both agriculture and livestock are heavily influenced by the climate of each province. Agriculture depends on whether it is rainfed or irrigated. Rainfed...

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