Spain
“The history of Spain is one of the most fascinating in the world and Spanish history has helped to shape the modern world into what it is today” (Spanish History 1). The Spanish history tells many stories of land acquisition, political disputes, and revolutions, but two of the most important pivotal points were the establishment of the Second Spanish Republic and La Movida Madrilena.
The Second Spanish Republic was proclaimed on April 1931 because of an economic crisis called the wall street crash. This ended general Miguel Primo de Rivera’s dictatorial government, and left the working class to choose a republican government rather than be oppressed by the King Alfonso XIII. Furthermore, when King Alfonso XIII saw that the working class
…show more content…
Furthermore, taking into consideration this turmoil in the inside of the Republican Government and the fact that, at this time, Hitler had risen to power, General Francisco Franco attempted a military coup in july 1936. Although it turned into a half-success and half-failure, for it won in some areas while key areas like Madrid and Catalonia remained with the Republic of Spain, the coup ignited a civil war that lasted until 1939. Something very interesting, however, happened in order for Francisco Franco to succeed. The Fascist governments of Germany and Italy helped Francisco Franco and the Nationalists, and, with those allies, Franco was able to defeat the spanish government (loyalists), and the Soviet Union and European Democracies. Thus, as stated in a don Quijote article, “General Francisco Franco's victory marked the beginning of a forty-year dictatorship in Spain (1939-1975)”(SSP 1); however, even after Germany helped Francisco Franco with his campaign, Francisco Franco did not provide support for Germany and their campaign in the Second World War . Furthermore, one can truly see that the Second …show more content…
Furthermore, since the country was forced to obey a dictator for forty years, the country of Spain was suffering from a great cultural delay, and, thus when Francisco Franco died the country of Spain saw it difficult to catch up to the times. However, don Quijote states as follows “If you lived in the 80’s and remember it, then you didn’t live them”(La Movida 1), thus revealing that the 80’s were, like the U.S’s, a time where drug abuse was legal and common for men, but, at the same time, stating that it was a wonderful time, where people truly lived their lives to the fullest . Furthermore, this particular time was known as La Movida Madrilena which was known for the creativity in fashion, movies, theatre, nightlife, and sexuality that enveloped Spain. This took place after Mayor Enrique Tierno Galvan and King Juan Carlos I established a democracy; consequentially, since many had never experienced true freedom, the movement exploded. Pedro Almodovar, a celebrity in the Movida stated, “It’s difficult to speak of La Movida and explain it to those who didn’t live those years. We weren’t a generation; we weren’t an artistic movement; we weren’t a group with a concrete ideology. We were simply a bunch of people that coincided in one of the most explosive moments in the country”(La Movida 1), consequently interpreting the movement as not being planned at all, for it was
In Imperial Spain, J.H. Elliot examines the history of early modern Spain from the reign of the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella and Ferdinand, to the reformation of the Spanish government by the first member of the Bourbon dynasty. According to the author, at the start of the 15th century, Spain was internally weak, hopelessly divided and isolated from the continent by the Pyrenees. Yet, by 1492, Spanish society experienced a tremendous transformation which allowed Isabella and Ferdinand to unify the country, secure the largest transoceanic empire the world has ever known, and for a
Francisco Franco and other army leaders staged a coup and installed a right-wing fascist government, touching off a civil war between loyalist Republican forces (aided by Russia) and Franco's Fascist party (aided by Mussolini and Hitler).
Francisco Franco: Francisco Franco y Bahamonde was a Spanish military leader and statesman who ruled as the dictator of Spain from 1936 until his death. He came to power during the Spanish Civil War while serving as the Generalísimo of the Nationalist faction.
-Spain possessed the advantages and disadvantages that are associated with the role of a pioneer
From sandy beaches to rocky mountain ranges, astounding big cities to mosques and gothic cathedrals, vibrant festivals to the theatrical historic bullfights, Spain has about everything. Spain has been the center of culture in Europe for thousands of years. Spain is an astonishing place with rich heritage and lively festivals and art. Spain is not just about the flamenco dancing, bullfights, and the religious festivals, it has so many things to offer. Even Lenny Kravitz the American singer, songwriter, actor, and record producer said, “It’s like a dream to come to Spain and stay a for a couple of years and get somebody to teach me Spanish music.” Today I am going to inform you about the well-known features of La Siesta in the Spanish culture, the creative and energetic Flamenco dance, and the historic subculture of Basque.
Any student of history has come to recognize the fact that history is written by the victor and in lieu of this, research becomes essential to uncover where the truth lies. The True History of the Conquest of New Spain, so ironically named, is a personal account for historical events leading up to the conquest of New Spain, formerly known as the City of Mexico. The author, Bernal Diaz, was a soldier of the conquering army who composed the document well after the events took place sometime between 1552 and 1557. Though the document did provide insight in regards to the victor’s perspective, it also served as a tool to rewrite the account of the conquered people.
In 1936, when Spain collapsed into its long and bloody civil war, the issues and underlying tensions in the European state system were becoming increasingly obvious and pressing. Long before the birth of the Spanish civil war, Europe, due to the `balance of power' arrangement held between the continents main power brokers, was in a state of diplomatic congeniality. Inefficient governments with no desire for reform reigned supreme under this system. However this period of political stagnation was blown asunder by the `Great War'. Following years of death and destruction and an apparent inability to recover fully, people began to question their governments and call for reform. These popular calls for reform gave birth to a number of radical groups and seen an explosion in their numbers as they resolved to provide strong rule. Dictatorships and political extremes sprouted throughout Europe. These include groups on both sides of the political divide; in Germany the Nazi Party, in Italy the fascists, in Russia the communists. Smaller instances of both can also be seen to have
The Spanish civil war of 1936-1939 was an important conflict in Spain’s history. This war was initiated by a military revolt led by General Francisco Franco on the 17 July 1936 and ended with Franco’s victory on the 1 April, 1939. This victory resulted in the replacement of the Second Spanish Republic with the conservative dictatorship of Franco. This conflict triggered the clash of the various cultures and ideologies within Spain. One important example of an ideological clash was that of Communism versus Fascism. This clash was so important that, based on an analysis of the level of involvement of Fascist and Communist factions in said clash, one must concede that the conflict between Communism and Fascism was represented to a great
Generalissimo Francisco Franco came into power after his victory in the Civil war in 1939 and ruled over Spain till his death in 1975. In this 40-year period Spain was massive changed that causes much debate as to the political nature of Franco’s regime whether it is fascist or something different, Francoism. To understand if Franco’s regime was fascist, fascism must first be defined. There are many working definitions of a fascist regime, Stanley Payne’s states that the dictator must alien his regime to the idea of anti-isms, them being aintiliberalism, antidemocratic, anticonservatism, anticommunism and antidemocratic. Payne states these are fundamental in the description of a fascist regime. Another useful definition is Robert Griffin, stating that a fascist regime will use symbolism, violence to pursue its political aims, with the importance aimed at expansionism. Finally Griffin also states the need of the dictator to implement an authoritarian and totalitarian government. All these help to create a fascist regime and more importantly a truly fascist dictator. There is little doubt Franco holds to some of these definitions yet in later year the idea of Francosim becomes more viable however to understand if Franco was a truly fascist dictator we must look to the similarities and differences and determine by examining Franco’s rise politically his general style of government and finally his foreign policies it will determined whether Franco was a truly fascist dictator.
The evidence that supports the idea that the Nationalists won the Spanish Civil War because of their strength is abundant. The unity of the Nationalists was obvious and meant that there was both great organisation and co-ordination, meaning there was no ambiguity in the goals set by those fighting for the Nationalists. Franco’s plans for a long term war meant that he was able to ensure the defeat of the Republic by slowly squeezing the life out of the Republic war effort, which already was heavily reliant on Soviet aid, by securing Republican strong holds throughout Spain. The contrasting lack of unity on the Republic as well
There are a multitude of political systems around the world today. Regardless of similarities, each has its own unique qualities. This paper will discuss the differences and similarities of the political systems and government of both the United States of America and Spain. First, a short analysis of each countries history will be provided. This will give some background to the political, emotional and economical state of each country. This will lead to how the governments and political systems are now. Finally, there will be an analysis on the similarities and differences between both countries.
Francisco Franco was the dictator of Spain from 1939 to 1975, including the time of WW2. Perhaps he was better known as “El Caudillo,” translated into English as The Leader. He was born and raised in Spain. He was a very brilliant military general who led Nationalist rebels in defeating the Spanish government during the Spanish Civil War. Although he was viewed as a Fascist Dictator, he strongly opposed communism. He was an extremely important figure in the course of world history.
(1936–39), military revolt against the Republican government of Spain, supported by conservative elements within the country. When an initial military coup failed to win control of the entire country, a bloody civil war ensued, fought with great ferocity on both sides. The Nationalists, as the rebels were called, received aid from fascist Italy and Nazi Germany. The Republicans received aid from the Soviet Union, as well as from International Brigades, composed of volunteers from Europe and the United States.
Throughout history, as we study Spain we can clearly recognize high and low points in their success. In the fifteen hundreds Spain had no influence on European affairs, Spain essentially vanished out of Europe. However, within one complete century Spain had become not only a leading power but they also had a great sense of effectiveness in Europe. Spain experienced a Golden age with many social, economic, political aspects. On the other hand, within
During the 15th century, many considered Spain insignificant. However, within a century it became a world-dominant power in Europe. Although Spain only took a brief time to rise, it was also short-lived. The rise of Spain was due to its flourishing culture, stable political system and successful voyages to the New World. On the other hand, its decline was due to religious control, resistance from other countries and inflation.