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

The short story “The Force of Circumstances” symbolizes the British imperialism.

1. The Left Republicans and Socialist Government: Reforms October 1931 – November 1933 Azaña was named head of the government by socialists and Republicans and then started a series of reforms. The most important concerned the modernization of the army and the redistribution of land ownership in order to solve the unemployment problem originated by the latifundios. Public disorder was constant during this period and violence showed in episodes like the ones in Casa Viejas where an uprising against landowners turned into a massacre and Castiblanco where a series of protest marches turned into the lynching of a group of Civil Guards. On August 1932, General Sanjurjo failed a military coup in Seville trying to seize power.
2. Radicals and CEDA Government:

The Conservative Period (1933-1936)

The Confederación Española de Derechas Autónomas (CEDA) won the elections and formed a government in coalition with Lerroux and his party, Partido Radical de Centro.

In 1934, members of the CEDA entered the government, and protests escalated into the October Revolution of 1934.

In Asturias, miners initiated a rebellion. The revolt was suppressed by the army, which deployed Moroccan troops led by Franco to control the situation.

In Barcelona, the autonomous government proclaimed a Catalan Republic separate from the Spanish Republic. The Statute of Autonomy was abolished, and the Generalitat was dissolved.

New elections were held in 1936. The Frente Popular (left-wing parties) won.

The Popular Front (February-

A

• Aboveboard: Legal and transparent.
• Anguish: Mental or physical pain or suffering.
• Anti-clericalism: Opposition to the power or influence of the clergy.
• Armistice: A truce.
• Arms race: Competitions between nations for superiority in the development and accumulation of weapons.
• Attrition: The action of gradually wearing down through sustained attack.
• Autocratic: Ruled with absolute power.
• Axis: The alliance between Germany and Italy in the Second World War.

B

• Bankrupt: Unable to pay one's debts.
• Barbed wire: Wire with sharp spikes used as a defensive barrier.
• Barracks: A large building or group of buildings used to house soldiers.
• Brushstroke: A mark made by a paintbrush.

C

• Ceasefire: A temporary suspension of fighting.
• Coalition: An alliance of political parties

Reign of Fernando VII (1814-1833)

Key events upon his return include the Treaty of Valençay (1814) and the Decree of Valencia.

Absolutist Phase (1814-1820)

• Rejection of the Constitution of 1812 and restoration of the absolute monarchy.
• Persecution of liberals: Many were exiled to England.
• Opposition grew through secret societies like the Masons and military uprisings, such as the one led by Espoz y Mina.
• Absolutist legislation: The Inquisition was restored, church lands were no longer confiscated, and nobles regained their old privileges.
• Serious social and economic problems, combined with arbitrary acts, created widespread opposition.

Constitutional Liberal Triennium (1820-1823)

• Began with Riego's coup d'état in 1820, which forced the king to accept

Colonial Conquest of Africa

19th-century European industrialization created a need for raw materials and markets for manufactured goods in Africa. Economic motivation was important in colonization, as was politics, including nationalism in Europe. Competition between European nations (Britain, France, Germany) caused the colonization of Africa in just 25 years. Europeans viewed themselves as a more advanced civilization. They colonized in two ways: 1. treaties with African leaders 2. military force.

New Borders for Africa

Imposed by Europeans with no attention to existing political organizations, dividing friends and uniting enemies.

World War I (1914)

Causes

Assassination of the Austro-Hungarian Archduke triggered the outbreak of WWI.

Alliances

Agreements...

Reign of Elizabeth II (1833-1843): The Regency

Moderate First Period (1833-1835)

Regency of Maria Cristina (1833-1840)

Moderates in Power:

Elizabeth II began her reign under the regency of her mother, Maria Cristina, and the direction of the doceañistas, including Martinez de la Rosa. In this era, feudalism, primogeniture, and the Mesta were finally abolished. The State was organized territorially into 49 provinces, with criteria of centralism and uniformity, and a Royal Statute (1834) was promulgated. The Statute included:

• It did not pass laws but increased requests to the Queen.
• It consisted of two chambers:
  • Estate of the Founding Fathers (Upper House): This included the Grandees of Spain, who were ex officio and hereditary members, and other members