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

The Nueva Planta Decrees: Spain's Bourbon Reforms

The Nueva Planta Decrees marked a pivotal administrative reform in Spain, drawing inspiration from the centralized French model. These decrees were progressively implemented across various regions: Valencia in 1707, Aragon in 1711, and Catalonia and Mallorca in 1716.

Administrative Transformation Under Philip V

The decrees abolished existing regional laws and courts, introducing Castilian laws and judicial systems. This significant shift removed internal borders, though the Basque provinces uniquely retained their privileges due to their support for Philip V during the War of the Spanish Succession. In Catalonia, however, civil and retired military conscription remained in place, reflecting a lingering...

The Spanish Civil War: A Nation Divided

Origins of the Conflict

Following the success of the Popular Front (FP) leftist coalition, on July 17, 1936, a military uprising was launched by Generals Mola and Franco, aiming to overthrow the constitutional Republican government. This uprising involved monarchists, Falangists, Carlists, the CEDA, and elements of the military.

The uprising quickly spread across various regions, occupying many provincial capitals such as Pamplona, Seville, and Zaragoza. However, it failed to take Madrid, where it was resisted by workers' militias. This situation effectively divided the country into two main zones: the Republican (often called 'Reds') and the Nationalist (or 'Rebel') territories.

Divisions and Foreign Intervention

The...

The Reign of Alfonso XIII (1902-1931)

The reign of Alfonso XIII is divided into several periods: the crisis of the Restoration system, which led to the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera in 1923, and the subsequent failure of the monarchy in 1931. This reign coincided with an arms race that impacted the economy and politics, particularly in relation to the Spanish-American War.

The **Disaster of '98** (the loss of the last colonies) led to *Regenerationism*, a movement promoted by intellectuals who denounced Spain's state of prostration and demanded reform. However, these efforts failed due to disputes among political parties.

The period 1902–1923 is characterized by profound political crisis. The new king took an active role in political changes...

1. The First Carlist War

The First Carlist War began in 1833, initiating a long civil conflict between the Carlists and the Elizabethans (Liberals), which lasted until 1840. Throughout the century, further Carlist uprisings occurred between 1846–1849 and 1872–1876, known as the Second and Third Carlist Wars.

Military Developments in the North

During the First War, the Carlists gained significant strength in the north of the peninsula. The Carlist General Ramón Cabrera, accompanied by the pretender to the crown, moved from the Maestrazgo area (Aragon) toward the gates of Madrid. Colonel Tomás de Zumalacárregui successfully organized and led the Northern Army, consolidating Carlist power in the Basque Country. However, the death of this famous...

The Spanish Restoration (1874-1923)

Proclamation of Alfonso XII

A society tired of instability, *Alfonsinos*, San Manifest Hurst, and Martínez Campos welcomed the new king.

Doctrinal Principles of the Restoration

The system designed by Cánovas and Sagasta had key doctrinal principles:

• Overcoming instability
• Internal constitution
• Citizenship against militarism
• Pact between political forces

The Constitution of 1876

Key features included:

• Balance of powers
• Moderate liberalism
• Rights of the Spanish Cortes
• The Congress of Deputies
• Electoral law
• Parliamentary monarchy
• A long-lasting monarchy

Functioning of the Restoration's Political System

Political Parties

Cánovas admired the British two-party system. The two main Liberal parties were Sagasta's and Cánovas's Conservative...

The Enlightenment in Spain

The Enlightenment was a philosophical and cultural movement that originated in France and England during the late 17th and early 18th centuries (led by thinkers such as Locke, Hume, Rousseau, and Montesquieu). It aimed to achieve human happiness through the application of reason across all areas of life, including culture, science, economics, and politics.

These ideas emerged in Spain under the reign of Charles III (Enlightened Despotism) and developed further under Charles IV, remaining relevant during the Peninsular War. Major achievements of this period include:

• Creation of Academies: Established as centers for knowledge and standardization, such as the Royal Spanish Academy (1713) and the Royal Academy of Fine Arts

The Crisis of the Middle Ages: Ages 14 and 15

In the Kingdom of Castile, the monarchy consolidated its power. The relationship between the king and his subjects was based on mutual assistance: nobles provided soldiers for war, while the king granted economic benefits and judicial sovereignty in return. This evolution led to absolute and unlimited royal power.

Strengthening the Monarchy and Legislative Institutions

The strengthening of the monarchy was driven by the development of legislative institutions:

• The Cortes: Powers increased as the courts of Castile and Leon merged.
• Royal Audience: Created in 1371 as the supreme organ of justice, eventually settling in Valladolid.
• Royal Council: Evolved from the Visigothic Curia, initially composed of nobles

The Crisis of 1640

To secure victory in the Thirty Years' War, the Count-Duke of Olivares, Philip IV's favorite, proposed the creation of the Union of Arms. This initiative required all kingdoms within the Spanish Monarchy to contribute men and money, but critically, without adequately assessing their individual wealth and population. Widespread opposition to Olivares' centralizing policies and the King's favorite ultimately triggered a series of general rebellions.

The Revolt of Catalonia (1640-1652)

The immediate trigger for the Catalan revolt was the abuse of royal troops stationed on the Catalan front during the war. However, the underlying cause was a deep rejection of Olivares' centralist policies. The Catalans refused to pay new taxes,...

The Nationalist Government During the Spanish Civil War

The Nationalist government accepted some drastic measures: the establishment of a war state in all the territory, the suppression of all freedoms, and the dissolution of all political parties except for the Phalange and Carlist requetes.

At this moment, the Nationalist propaganda aimed at justifying the coup d'état against a legally elected government. They qualified their movement as a National Pronouncement against a Marxist and anti-Spanish republic, and their fight was known as a crusade to liberate Spain from atheism.

The economic measures were aimed at a double purpose: to cancel all the Republican reforms and the intervention of the state in the economy.

The need for a unique direction...

February 1917: The Fall of the Tsarist Regime

In February 1917, the pressures of World War I led to the collapse of the Russian Empire. The war effort transformed factories into military industries, causing inflation and eroding purchasing power. Military defeats and economic disaster fueled widespread criticism of the government, culminating in the February Revolution.

• Petrograd Demonstrations: Strikes and protests led to the formation of the Soviets.
• Abdication: The Czar refused to abandon the war and was forced to abdicate.
• Dual Power: A provisional government led by Prince Lvov was established, but it faced competition from the Soviets, who demanded an immediate end to the war.

The liberal Provisional Government (KDT) was soon overwhelmed by...