Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Geography

Technocracy and Franco's Government (1953-1971)

The period of Technocracy under Franco (1953-1971) marked a significant shift where the regime sought ministers with a technical profile to engage with the international community. This led to the rise of technocrats (1956-1971), who, despite their technical expertise, were primarily chosen for their unwavering loyalty to Franco. Many of these technicians belonged to Opus Dei, a Catholic organization founded by Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer. Opus Dei aimed to infiltrate and promote its members within government sectors, ensuring access to influential positions and adherence to their ideology. Unlike Freemasonry, which was often seen as anti-religious, Opus Dei was deeply religious, yet similarly... Continue reading "Spain's Transformation: Technocracy, Society, and Economy (1953-1971)" »

Historical Periods: Ancient Regime and Contemporary Age

Understanding historical periods is crucial for grasping societal evolution. Two significant epochs are the Ancient Regime (AR) and the Contemporary Age (RI).

The Ancient Regime (AR)

The Ancient Regime refers to the period until the second half of the eighteenth century. It was characterized by:

• Forms of Energy: Predominantly human and animal power.
• Society: Agrarian, with a hierarchical social structure.
• Political Power: Absolute monarchies.
• Economic Doctrine: Mercantilism.
• Beliefs: Theocentrism.
• Labor and Population: Predominantly rural, with craft and manufacturing (guilds) as key economic activities.
• Challenges: Frequent subsistence crises.

The Contemporary Age (RI)

The Contemporary Age began... Continue reading "The Industrial Revolution: Eras, Innovations, and Societal Impact" »

The Rise and Fall of Al-Andalus (711-1031)

In 711 CE, most of the Iberian Peninsula was conquered by Muslim forces, marking the beginning of nearly eight centuries of Muslim rule. While Muslim dominance was clear from 711 to 1031, Christian influence began to rise significantly after 1031.

A small group of Arab and Berber troops from North Africa crossed the Strait of Gibraltar in 711, initially intending a simple looting raid. This led to what is known as the Battle of the Guadalete River. The Muslims referred to the peninsular territory under their rule as Al-Andalus.

Periods of Muslim Rule in Al-Andalus

• The Wilaya (711-756)

  After the conquest, Al-Andalus became a wilaya, or province, of the Umayyad Caliphate of Damascus. Its capital was established

The Bronze Age in Spain

The Bronze Age in Spain, also known as the MegaLoad period, is characterized by the discovery of bronze, an alloy of copper and tin. This discovery allowed the manufacture of stronger utensils and weapons. The use of this new metal produced social differences, as shown by the funerary offerings found in tombs. The most representative cultures of this stage are Los Millares and El Argar.

At the end of the second millennium BC, the El Argar culture gradually disappeared, marking the beginning of the final period of the Bronze Age. The area received numerous influences from within. The chief influence would come from the kingdom of Tartessos at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River.

Megalithic Monuments of the Bronze Age

During... Continue reading "Bronze Age in Spain: Pre-Roman Towns & Tartessos" »

Spain's Migration Story: A Historical Overview

Since 1975, Spaniards, including young and old, skilled and unskilled workers, have traveled for various reasons, not necessarily from rural areas to cities. Currently, residents of Spanish autonomous communities move as tourists or for second homes, among other reasons.

Emigration from Spain: Historical Waves

Spain's history is marked by significant emigration patterns:

• Pre-1853: Bourbon political populism somewhat reduced emigration to America.
• 1853-1914: A significant shift occurred, leading to an increase in transoceanic emigration.
• 1914-1945: Transoceanic migration declined due to the paralysis caused by the World Wars.
• 1945-1960: Transoceanic migration recovered, largely thanks to the Franco regime'

Environmental Science: Understanding Ecosystems

The natural world is organized into interrelated units called ecosystems. An ecosystem is formed by a physical environment, characterized by environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and salinity, along with living organisms that form a community, and the relationships established between them. Humanity obtains resources from ecosystems, and as a result, produces alterations or impacts on the environment. In turn, human beings are subject to risks arising from natural processes, such as a hurricane, or those resulting from human activities, such as traffic accidents or pollution.

Resource Overexploitation: Planetary Limits

Since humanity appeared on Earth millions of years ago, the world'... Continue reading "Global Environmental Challenges and Sustainable Solutions" »

Cultural Evolution of Indigenous Peoples in Venezuela

While the indigenous peoples located in what is now the territory of Venezuela may not have attained the same degree of development as other American cultures like the Mayas, Aztecs, or Incas, their evolution is still evident. Aboriginal communities in Venezuela experienced a gradual development through the exchange of techniques between different groups.

Stages of Cultural Development

Agricultural Training

This stage, between 1500 and 1000 BC, consisted of small communities of hunters, fishermen, and gatherers of wild fruit and seashells.

Beginning of Agricultural Activity

Around 1000 BC, communities began combining hunting, fishing, and gathering with the rudimentary cultivation of wild fruits,... Continue reading "Cultural Evolution and Indigenous Areas of Venezuela" »

Essential Historical Terms and Institutions

Manor Court Functions and Rights

The Manor Court refers to the prerogatives of the lord, a fundamental collection of manorial rights that encompassed political and judicial functions. Owners of manor courts often assumed the functions of the king within their domain.

Social Strata: Feudalism and Old Regime

An Establishment was a stratum of society defined by a common lifestyle or similar social function. Social division responded to the specific criteria of Feudalism and the Old Regime, with each establishment having a distinct role in society.

Crown Lands: Royal Judicial Authority

Lands of the Crown referred to judicial qualifications, meaning places directly under the king's authority. These were courts... Continue reading "Key Historical Terms: Medieval & Feudal Institutions Defined" »

Population Dynamics

Vegetative Growth

The difference between birth and mortality rates. Various metrics measure factors related to the natural movement of a population.

Population Density

The relationship between the number of inhabitants and the surface area (in square kilometers) they occupy.

Labor Force

The group of people aged 16 and over who are available to supply labor for the production of goods and services and are actively seeking employment.

Unemployment Rate

The percentage of the workforce that is unemployed relative to the total active population.

Migration

The movement of a population in space; the departure of people from their place of origin.

Immigration

A movement of population; the arrival of people at their destination.

Internal Migration

Developed... Continue reading "Population Dynamics and Urbanism: Key Concepts" »