Notes, abstracts, papers, exams and problems of Other courses

Franco's Spain: Economy and Social Change

In 1939, Spain was devastated. The Franco regime was modeled after Italy (Mussolini) and Germany (Hitler). These models emphasized state intervention and economic self-sufficiency (autorquía). The state controlled prices of agricultural products, compelling farmers to surrender their crops.

In 1941, the National Institute was established to control foreign commerce and industry.

Economic Failure in the 1940s

Agricultural production declined after the war, and the black market dominated the economy. The international isolation of the Franco regime worsened the situation.

The End of Autorquía (1950s)

Economic policy shifted in the 1950s. Prices were deregulated, and food rationing ended in 1952. Starting... Continue reading "Franco's Spain: Economy and Social Transformation" »

The First Carlist War (1833-1840)

1.1 Two Opposing Factions

The rebels, proclaiming King Charles, Count of Molina, as their leader, trusted him to defend absolutism and traditional society. This ignited a long civil war, pitting defenders of the Old Regime against proponents of liberal reform.

Carlism represented a traditionalist and anti-liberal ideology. It championed absolute monarchy, the preservation of the Old Regime, the social preeminence of the Church, and the conservation of the particularist *fueros* (regional privileges) system.

Its supporters included many members of the clergy and a significant portion of the rural gentry. Carlist strongholds were primarily in the Basque Country, Navarre, and parts of Catalonia, Aragon, and Valencia,... Continue reading "First Carlist War: A Clash of Ideologies (1833-1840)" »

Toward the Contemporary World

At the end of the 18th century, certain movements in the economy overrode attempts at protectionism, which was based in most countries of old Europe. Industry was widely dispersed, operating in workshops, and the small textile industry was concentrated. After 1760, this process became known as the Industrial Revolution. This reform began in England, where the bourgeoisie controlled power, helping to transform agriculture. The Industrial Revolution marked the transition from a traditional agrarian economy to one marked by industry and machine production.

Demographic Revolution: Population Increases

Causes:

• Drop in mortality.
• Eradication of diseases (Black Death).
• Progress of personal and urban hygiene.
• Collection of garbage

Spanish Literature: Existentialism and Social Realism (1940s-1950s)

The Novel of the Immediate Postwar Years (1940s): Existential Realism

Spanish literature of the 1940s is dominated by anxiety and uprooting. It can be divided into three main streams:

• The continuation of nineteenth-century realism and traditional narratives.
• An approach to the Civil War from the perspective of the victors.
• A new perspective marked by a group of novels centered on an anti-heroic character faced with an indifferent society, dealing with issues such as the bitterness of everyday life, loneliness, frustration, and death.

Key Authors and Works of the 1940s

Camilo José Cela

In 1942, Camilo José Cela published The Family of Pascual Duarte. The story focuses on Pascual Duarte,... Continue reading "Spanish Postwar Literature: Existentialism and Social Realism" »

State Intervention in the Economy

State intervention in the economy is justified in two ways:

1. The market mechanism generates a combination unwanted by society.
2. The existence of so-called market failures.

Market failure occurs when the intervention generates the same market imperfections, preventing optimal results. Main market failures:

• Existence of public goods: These goods are characterized because the consumption of one individual does not cause exclusion from the consumption of other individuals.
• Existence of imperfectly competitive markets (monopolies, oligopolies, and monopolistic competition): The fundamental characteristic of this market is the ability of companies to influence the market price. The state tries to make such markets disappear

Consequences of World War II

Changes in the Map of Europe

Victorious countries established new frontiers for defeated states. The main beneficiary was the Soviet Union, which gained territory at the expense of Germany, Finland, Poland, and Japan. Other countries also experienced border changes.

Creation of the United Nations

Another consequence of World War II was the creation of the United Nations, following the failure of the League of Nations.

Impact on Civilians and Soldiers

The war resulted in a great loss of life, along with many wounded and maimed individuals, creating a significant economic burden. Those who survived faced hardships and poverty. Both soldiers and civilians were traumatized by the brutalities they witnessed and endured.

The

Scope of Social Security

The Social Security (SS) system ensures adequate protection for working people and their families. In Spain, there are two levels:

• Contributory

  Covers employed workers and their resident family members.

• Non-Contributory

  Includes all Spanish residents not covered by the contributory system, providing healthcare, disability, retirement, and child allowances.

Social Security Schemes

• General Regime

  Applies to most workers.

• Special Regimes

  Covers specific activities, including domestic workers and students.

Organizational Structure

The SS is managed through various entities:

A. Managing Bodies

• National Institute of Social Security (INSS)

  Manages cash benefits.

• Institute for Public Health (INGESA)

  Manages health services.

• National Institute

**Spanish Urban Hierarchy**

The Metropolis

Cities at the top of the urban hierarchy are considered metropolises. Their population exceeds 250,000. They perform specialized functions related to the tertiary sector and industry. Within the metropolis, there is a hierarchy of functions based on size and scope of its area of influence.

National Metropolis

Madrid and Barcelona are considered national metropolises. Their population exceeds 4 million. Their area of influence extends throughout the country, acting as a liaison between the European urban system on a global scale and the local Spanish system.

Regional Metropolises

These are the metropolitan areas of Malaga, Bilbao, Seville, Valencia, and Zaragoza. They have a population between 500,000 and... Continue reading "Urban Hierarchy in Spain & European Integration" »