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

The Progressive Biennium and Railway Expansion

The monopoly of power by moderates drowned the possibilities of political renewal and economic growth. The Revolution of 1854 was the result of the influence of three events:

• 1. A moderate military pronunciamiento.
• 2. Progressive and Democratic insurrectionary activity.
• 3. A broad popular mobilization.

Political and Economic Reforms

Key reforms included the 'non nata' Progressive Constitution and a new economic policy. However, the period faced a crisis characterized by hostility, conflict, heterogeneity, and bankruptcy.

Development of the Spanish Railway Network

The goal was to create a domestic network connecting production centers with consumption hubs. The first line (Barcelona-Mataró) was established...

The Supreme Central Board

Local boards were grouped together to form the Provincial Supreme Central Board. Its aim was to coordinate military action and direct the country in the absence of legal powers. French troops withdrew from some areas. Its members included Floridablanca and Jovellanos. The board recognized Ferdinand VII as King of Spain and exercised power in his name. The board convened the last Cortes members to decide on the organization. Once the call was made, the board dissolved and named a five-member Regency.

Formation of the Cortes of Cadiz

A free environment influenced the development of the elections. Deputies gathered in a single room, which was a triumph of liberal ideas against a class-based organization. There were three...

Spain's Democratic Transition: Key Leaders and Reforms

Carlos Arias Navarro: The Initial Phase (1975-1976)

After Franco's death, Carlos Arias Navarro was sworn in as Head of Government on November 22, 1975. In his speech, he spoke about harmony and dialogue for political freedom and declared amnesty for political prisoners. The King was confirmed in office, and Arias appointed Torcuato Fernández-Miranda as chairman of the Cortes. Months later, he announced new measures to reform laws governing freedom of expression and strike, but these reforms did not come to fruition.

Opposition strikes and demonstrations began, causing 5 deaths during the Carlist Montejurra celebration. This tense situation, coupled with discord with the King, ultimately led...

The Secondary Sector and Industrial Spaces in Spain

The secondary sector in Spain, including construction, occupies 29% of the workforce and contributes 28% to the total GDP.

The 1973 Energy Crisis and Economic Impact

The energy crisis of 1973, which triggered a global economic crisis, was met in Spain with a delay for political reasons: the Francoist regime masked the economic crisis in a desperate attempt to avoid a political crisis for the regime. Rising energy prices and raw material costs joined the onset of competition from Newly Industrialized Countries (NICs). To try to recover competitiveness, discussions began regarding the wage question in Spain.

Consequences of the 1973 Industrial Crisis

The consequences of the crisis that began in 1973...

The Origins of the Spanish Civil War

It was in vain to call elections in 1936 after the two phases of the Republic resulted in the triumph of the left; the Popular Front won as the left joined in a coalition to compete in these elections. With this victory, several changes took place: Manuel Azaña was declared President, replacing Alcalá-Zamora, and Santiago Casares Quiroga was appointed Prime Minister. Their objective was to return to the Constitution of 1931 and implement a new reform agenda.

Economic and Political Reforms

The first priority was the economic issue regarding the agrarian problem. The government reintroduced the Institute of Agrarian Reform (IRA), focusing on the expropriation and settlement of farmers by adopting a faster policy...

11.1 The Revolt Against the Republic and the Conduct of War: The International Dimensions of Conflict

The military coup organized by Mola aimed to dismiss the republican authorities, dissolve the Parliament, and implement a "republican dictatorship." The uprising began on 17 July in Morocco and became widespread in the peninsula the next day. The various military garrisons were to seize the levers of government with the help of civic groups involved. The "Uprising" failed in large cities but triumphed in some capitals of the interior, while others started a fight with mixed results. This was related to the attitude of military commanders as well as the social and political conditions of each region.

The uprising was supported by much of the...

The Franco Regime's Early Years in the Basque Country

Societal Divisions After the Civil War

After the Spanish Civil War, Basque society was sharply divided. The supporters of the new Franco regime included the military, Falangists, and Traditionalists. Opposing the regime were anti-Franco groups, including Communists, Socialists, and Basque Nationalists.

Suppression of Basque Culture and Rights

During the initial years of the regime, a large segment of society suffered greatly under Franco's oppression, particularly regarding civil rights. Any expression of Basque culture was strictly banned.

Political and Institutional Dissolution

Politically, the Spanish Republic was dissolved, along with all institutions created under the 1936 Statute of Autonomy....

The Triple Crisis of 1917 in Spain

1. The Military Crisis: The Rise of the Defense Boards

The Spanish army, largely as a result of colonial wars, suffered from an excessive number of officers relative to the number of soldiers. Promotions were obtained mostly by merit of war, which heavily benefited the Africanist military officers at the expense of the peninsular officers.

The strong discontent among lower and middle-ranking mainland officers resulted in the formation of the so-called Defense Boards (Juntas de Defensa), a military association that spanned most of the peninsular garrisons. They demanded:

• A significant wage increase.
• Opposition to war merit promotions, claiming seniority as the sole criterion for advancement.

2. The Political Crisis

Spain Under Franco (1939-1959): From Civil War to Monarchy

The Foundations of Departure and the Basis of "National Catholicism"

The three years of the Civil War left a trail of destruction, both human and material. Substantial human losses resulted, with thousands dead, exiled, or wounded. Shockingly, many of these casualties were young people. Agricultural and livestock production decreased due to labor shortages and damaged farmland. The reduction of foreign reserves accentuated existing debts. Significant moral decay resulted from the repression inflicted by both sides.

The new regime was essentially anti-Marxist and anti-liberal. It accused liberalism of anti-Catholic politics and of dissolving Spain's Catholic traditions. A significant feature...

The Second Republic

1. The 1931 Constitution and the Reformist Biennium

• Provisional government and elections to constituent courts (June 1931).
• The 1931 Republican Constitution.
• Projects and difficulties of the government.
• Law for the Defense of the Republic.
• Agrarian Reform and the Statute of Autonomy.
• Discrediting of old parties and the fall of Azaña's government.

2. The Radical Biennium, CEDA, and the Popular Front

Alcalá-Zamora tasked the Radicals (led by Lerroux) with forming a government, though he remained wary of their anti-democratic and totalitarian tendencies. Key policies included the rectification and paralysis of agrarian, military, and educational reforms, as well as reconciliation with the Catholic Church and confrontation with nationalism....